Rubio's closing dozens of stores, 13 in San Diego

• The chain helped popularize the fish taco in America after Rubio learned of the Baja favorite on a surf trip to San Felipe when he was a college freshman.

What they're saying: The decision to close 48 "underperforming" stores is due to "the rising cost of doing business in California," according to a statement from a restaurant spokesperson.

The big picture: These closings come as the restaurant industry struggles with rising food, rent and labor costs following the COVID-19 pandemic that forced other Rubio's locations to shutter.

• In April, California's fast-food workers started earning a $20-per-hour minimum wage.

The following locations are closing:

• Chula Vista Eastlake — 1480 Eastlake Pkwy., Suite 901, Chula Vista
• El Cajon — 419 Parkway Plaza, El Cajon
• Escondido — 1485 E. Valley Pkwy., Suite A-6, Escondido

• Kearny Mesa — 9187 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 7, San Diego
• La Jolla UCSD campus — 9500 Gilman Drive, Food Court, La Jolla
• La Jolla — 8935 Towne Centre Dr., Suite 100, San Diego
• Sorrento Mesa — 9254 Scranton Road, Suite 105, San Diego
• San Marcos — 1158 W. San Marcos Blvd., Suite A, San Marcos
• Solana Beach — 437 Hwy. 101, #117, Solana Beach
• Torrey Highlands — 7835 Highlands Village Place, Suite D101, San Diego
• Vista — 1711 University Drive, Suite 110, Vista
• Naval Base — 2260 Callagan Hwy., Bldg. 3187, San Diego
• Pacific Beach — 910 Grand Ave., San Diego