team

Paul Ahern

Paul Ahern began his real estate career in 2009 working at Location Matters, a boutique real estate brokerage as the company’s first hire after inception. While specializing in sales and leasing of restaurant/hospitality related real estate and businesses, Paul quickly became one of the main driving forces behind the company’s success with his expertise in real estate, leasing, business sale transactions, alcohol licensing, and intimate understanding of various intricacies between different neighborhoods and nightlife markets.

Throughout his career in commercial real estate, Paul has been involved in retail and restaurant related sales and leasing transactions valued at over $100M on behalf of Landlords and Tenants. Described as an edgy, enthusiastic player who is always willing to go above and beyond; Paul attributes his accomplishments and success to his passion for helping others, competitive nature, strong client orientation, and dedication to always maintaining the highest level of integrity in both business and personal affairs. Paul Ahern has been recognized as one of the top hospitality real estate professionals throughout the San Diego market, and is often named, quoted, or used as a resource in hospitality news and write-ups.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Paul graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, with an emphasis in Advertisings and an Allied Discipline in Marketing. Outside of work, Paul enjoys the great outdoors, surfing, international travel, drinking obscene amounts of coffee, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and two French bulldogs.

Featured Deals

Rare Society Solana Beach, San Clemente, Santa Barbara, and more...
  • Exclusive representative for high profile expanding modern steakhouse.
  • Owner/operator Brad Wise named as chef of the year by San Diego Union Tribune
  • Currently expanding Rare Society nationally.
La Pensione Hotel 606 W Date Street, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Off-market sale.
  • Iconic boutique neighborhood 67-room hotel.
  • Situated on the corner of one of the best intersections in all of San Diego county.
  • Landmark asset, and first time being sold in over 30 years.
  • Represented the buyer, arguably one of San Diego's most innovative hospitality operators.
  • Substantial future renovations planned.
  • Sold for $17,960,000
Raised By Wolves 4301 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
  • Eclectic vintage spirit shop/reservation-only cocktail bar concept by Consortium Holdings at Westfield UTC's $600M mall expansion.
  • Named as one of Esquire Magazine's "Best Bars in America".
  • Ranked as one of the top 20 best bars in America.
  • Represented Tenant.
932 Orange Avenue 932 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
  • Legacy restaurant property located in the epitome of Classic America.
  • Top per square foot retail sale in Coronado.
  • Sold during Covid-19 Pandemic.
  • Packaged sale that included the restaurant liquor license and assets.
  • Represented the Seller in the transaction.
Historic North Park Property 2920 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
  • Corner North Park building sale located in the heart of the community.
  • Packaged Sale that also included the ABC license and business assets.
  • Sold for $3,500,000.
  • Represented Seller in the downleg sale for this transaction.
The Aero Club 3365 India Street, San Diego, CA 92103
  • 3,300 SF Owner/User Sale
  • Landmark property that has housed one of San Diego's most iconic watering holes for the past seven decades.
  • Represented buyer on packaged sale that included both the real estate and business.
Cedros Avenue Design District 330 Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
  • A rare 26,000 SF coastal development featuring upscale retail, premier creative office space, and high-end housing.
  • Represented Landlord.
Iconic North Park Property 2906-2912 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
  • Landmark North Park multi-tenant investment sale.
  • Sold for $6,300,000 - all cash transaction.
  • Represented Buyer.
Black Rail Kitchen + Bar 6981 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009
  • 1940’s New York social club meets laid-back Southern California hospitality in this moody black rail-inspired restaurant.
  • Represented Tenant.
The Holding Company 5046 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
  • Off-market sale transaction that included both the real estate and business assets.
  • Three-level development with one of the community's most renowned hospitality operators.
  • Represented both Buyer and Seller.
Seven Grand 3054 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
  • Alongside hand-crafted cocktails, state-of-the-art beverage delivery systems, live music, pool tables and private party areas, Seven Grand San Diego is home to the ever-popular Whiskey Society; a unique membership program providing guests the opportunity to further explore the spirit via education and experimentation with comprehensive tastings featuring Master Distillers, International Brand Ambassadors, and notable members of the liquor industry.
  • Represented Tenant.
Miss B's Coconut Club 3704 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
  • Described as a tropical paradise located just steps from both the beach and bay in the bustling hub of historical Mission Beach.
  • Open-air concept and island inspired décor transports guests to a Caribbean oasis, whether visiting town for the weekend or living down the street.
  • Represented Tenant.
Pacific Social 6025 Village Way, San Diego, CA 92130
  • 5,100-square-foot restaurant in the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch center, featuring an arcade, a dog-friendly patio with games and a sports-centric bar, and is intended to become a vibrant social hub for the surrounding community.
  • Cohn Restaurant Group branded location.
  • Business asset sale transaction, represented both the Buyer and Seller.