DIRTY BIRDS-NOLI ZOSA
Filipino–American Noli Zosa’s parents made a deal with him. He could pursue whatever career path he desired...as long as he went to law school first. And he did, graduating with his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego in 1999.
In fact, Noli made quite the mark at USD, receiving his B.A. in American Government and Politics there in 1994. The Torero homecoming king was also responsible for both founding and leading multiple campus organizations, including USD’s Multicultural Organization Coalition.
So, he’s a lawyer? No. Noli’s been very busy finding joy and success as an entrepreneur. His penchant for problem solving, gift for staging large-scale events, and passion for connecting people to quality products and one another have all led him down a path that’s a bit different from what his parents had in mind.
First, Noli lead and grew his family’s business, Zosa Ranch & Gardens Bed & Breakfast in Escondido. Their impressive portfolio includes hundreds of lavish special events and weddings.
Noli then founded San Diego Young Professionals through which he connected rising leaders from various industries for both fun and career development.
Then, in 2008, Noli became an original partner in Dirty Birds Bar & Grill. It wasn’t too long after the restaurant’s grand opening that the economy had its infamous crash. But Dirty Birds rose unscathed. In fact, its original Pacific Beach restaurant just celebrated its 10th anniversary, and there are now two more locations, in the College Area and Liberty Station.
Noli welcomed me to Dirty Birds’ Liberty Station branch, which sits right beyond Liberty Station’s north gates and alongside the lovely golf course. Noli shared that Tuesday nights are their busiest at all of their locations, as they offer half-priced wings and pitchers of beer. (Noted.)
As dinner time came and the sun began to set, Dirty Birds’ welcoming patio framed in palm trees and party lights filled up with families, pet owners and countless groups of friends. Danceable tunes played as folks exchanged laughs and smiles over food and drinks that lived up to the banners hanging throughout the restaurant touting community and critics’ choice awards. Noli shared that just that day they were selected as Reader’s Pick for Best Chicken Wings in San Diego Magazine’s Best of 2018.
