Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Leistein.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Eric Leitstein has always had a passion for hospitality and creating spaces where people can come together over great food and drinks. After years of building successful restaurant concepts through OMG Hospitality Group, he wanted to bring something truly special to Mission Beach, an artisan-driven café and brunch spot that felt both elevated and inviting.
Molly’s was created to fill that need, offering house-roasted coffee, an elevated pastry program, and a laid-back yet refined coastal ambiance. The name itself is a tribute to Eric’s grandparents, Molly and Moe, who inspired his love for food and family.
To ensure the highest quality pastries, Molly’s brought in Cheryl Storms of Wayfarer Bread & Pastry as a consultant to help refine the bakery program. Working in tandem with our in-house pastry chef, Eli Peralta, they developed a menu that blends classic techniques with creative flavors. The result is a destination that serves as Mission Beach’s very own artisan bakery and café, perfect for everything from a quick coffee run to a leisurely brunch on the patio or cocktails on the rooftop.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road – building a successful hospitality group takes years of dedication, adaptability, and a deep understanding of what makes a restaurant truly special. Eric Leitstein, our founder and CEO, has been in the industry for over two decades, growing OMG Hospitality Group into a collection of unique and beloved restaurants across San Diego. Each concept is thoughtfully designed to reflect the neighborhood it serves, and that process comes with its challenges.
For Molly’s specifically, one of the biggest hurdles was ensuring it stood out in Mission Beach, a community known for its laid-back beach culture. The goal was to create an elevated yet approachable space – somewhere you could grab a morning coffee and pastry, enjoy a leisurely brunch with friends, or unwind with rooftop cocktails at sunset. Building a strong in-house pastry program and crafting a menu that balanced comfort with quality took time and expertise, but we knew it was an essential piece of Molly’s identity.
Like any hospitality business, we’ve navigated challenges, from evolving consumer habits to staffing and operational hurdles. But through it all, our commitment has remained the same: to create memorable dining experiences that bring people together. Seeing Molly’s, and all of our concepts, become integral parts of their communities makes every challenge worthwhile.
We’ve been impressed with OMG Hospitality Group, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About OMG Hospitality Group:
OMG Hospitality Group is a San Diego-based restaurant and hospitality company dedicated to creating unique, high-quality dining experiences. Our portfolio includes several distinct concepts, each designed to reflect the character of its neighborhood while delivering exceptional food, drinks, and hospitality.
What We Do & Specialties:
We specialize in crafting vibrant and memorable restaurant experiences, from elevated casual dining to lively neighborhood gathering spots. Our concepts range from classic American eateries to oceanfront dining destinations, each offering thoughtfully curated menus, top-tier service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
One of our standout locations is Molly’s, a hidden gem in Mission Beach that brings an artisan touch to the neighborhood with house-roasted coffee, an in-house pastry program, and a breezy rooftop perfect for brunch and cocktails. It’s a place that blends laid-back beach culture with a refined, yet inviting, dining experience.
What Sets Us Apart:
Our commitment to quality, community, and innovation sets us apart. Every restaurant within OMG Hospitality Group has its own unique identity while staying true to our mission of delivering outstanding hospitality. We prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients, creative menu offerings, and spaces that foster connection – whether it’s over a great meal, craft cocktails, or a night out with friends.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
Beyond our menus and venues, we’re most proud of the communities we’ve built. Whether it’s a local regular who stops by for coffee every morning or a group celebrating a milestone with us, we take pride in being the go-to spot for great experiences. Our brands are more than just restaurants – they’re places where people create lasting memories.
What We Want Readers to Know:
OMG Hospitality Group is built on passion – for food, for service, and for bringing people together. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back brunch, a craft cocktail with ocean views, or a casual neighborhood spot to enjoy great food, we have a space for you. At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to make every guest feel like family and to ensure that every visit is something special.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking has been a fundamental part of Eric’s journey. He has never been afraid to take calculated risks, especially when he sees potential opportunities for growth or innovation. Eric believes that taking risks is essential for progress, both in business and in life. At a low point in the early ’90s, when he found himself “without a job and without a significant other,” he decided to stop feeling sorry for himself and seek new opportunities. He took a major risk by maxing out five credit cards to fund his next step. At that time, he knew he had the work ethic and drive to succeed. It wasn’t easy, but it was a risk he was willing to take because he believed in himself and his ability to succeed.
Fast forward to today, and every new concept Eric opens is a huge risk. Whether it’s a new restaurant or idea, there’s always uncertainty – whether it’s the market, location, or the team. When Eric opened Molly’s in Mission Beach, the concept of blending a high-end pastry program with a laid-back beach vibe was a risk, but one that paid off because of the belief in the team and the concept itself.
For Eric, risk-taking is essential in business. It’s about finding the right balance between being strategic and trusting your gut. If you always play it safe, you won’t evolve or make the breakthroughs needed to grow. However, Eric is careful to be smart about the risks he takes. Some risks can be measured with research, planning, and the right team, while others are less certain but still worth the gamble. It’s about staying resilient, adaptable, and learning from every experience, whether the risk pays off immediately or takes time.
If you’re not taking risks, opportunities to innovate, evolve, and grow would be missed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mollysmissionbeach.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollysmissionbeach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollysmissionbeach
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mollys-mission-beach-san-diego
Image Credits
James Tran
