HOME IS WHERE OUR HEART IS

Irons in the Fire
A BeachFire Restaurant in Partnership
with the City of San Clemente

BeachFire started on the Summer Solstice in 2002 in Downtown San Clemente and the fire has continued to burn brighter ever since! In 2006, BeachFire opened in the community of Ladera Ranch, and in 2007 Irons in the Fire opened at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course.

Irons in the Fire is a newly $6 million renovated clubhouse restaurant that opened in December 2007. Something that many people are not aware of is that not a dime of taxpayer money was used for the new Irons clubhouse and golf facility. BeachFire LLC invested one million dollars and the City invested nearly six million dollars. The City-owned golf course earns a profit every year and contributes a roughly $400,000 contribution to the City's general fund. Not a bad deal.

A Percentage of the Proceeds
Benefit the San Clemente Community!

Irons in the Fire is, in a sense, in partnership with the City of San Clemente, given our lease agreement where a percentage of our sales go directly to the city of San Clemente. So enjoy a fantastic meal or book an event with us and everyone benefits.

Food with a Southern California Attitude

Dave has got his own blog,  click here to check it out!

Our Story

BeachFire Builds A Community in Orange County

On the night of the Summer Solstice 2002, Dave & Allison Donaldson opened their first restaurant, BeachFire Bar and Grill in the heart of downtown San Clemente. They had been “in the business” for many years, including Dave’s role as GM for Chart House in Dana Point, and wanted to open their own restaurant. The impetus for the place of their own was to connect with people in a creative atmosphere of eclectic food, art, and entertainment. For Dave and Allison, the restaurant business was and still is primarily a way to build community.

The opening of BeachFire San Clemente in Downtown in 2002, set it as a leader of a revival. BeachFire was the right addition and is now proud to be part of a thriving dining scene in San Clemente. The fire spread quickly with the opening of BeachFire Ladera Ranch in May 2006, and Irons in the Fire at the San Clemente Municipal golf course in December 2007. Each restaurant is a little different, but all have the same passion for connecting people. The restaurants have THE BEST employees and guests! This is what sets BeachFire apart from other restaurants and companies.

The inspiration for the vibe and style of BeachFire, came from Dave’s summer experiences at the Donaldson family beach house. The Clan Shell, at Mussel Shoals was just south of Rincon Point, Santa Barbara, CA. The surfing was pure with cold water, black wetsuits, and white boards – nice beavertail!

The beach house was a place where everyone, regardless of age, background, whatever – all celebrated life. The silverware and furniture didn’t match, but the food was always great and the atmosphere a bit magical. The early California wine was fine and the conversation even better. Art and music were also big part of the beach house. Everyone added a bit of their own imagination and creations in the mix. No one was ever in a hurry to leave the beach house.

The name for BeachFire drifted to Dave and Allison one beautiful summer evening while driving down PCH with the windows down and the smell of a fire on the beach hit them in the face. They wrote the restaurant concept on a cocktail napkin that night.