Our Fifty Year Story

Every great story begins somewhere. For Birkenstock of San Diego, the journey began with Margot Fraser, originally from Germany, who was living in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband. During her frequent trips back home, Margot discovered a remarkable spa shoe that brought relief to her sore feet. Seeing both its comfort and potential, she joined forces with Karl Birkenstock, owner of the renowned German sandal company, to introduce Birkenstock sandals to the United States.

Margot began by sharing the sandals at health food stores and local fairs before gradually expanding into independent shoe retailers throughout the Bay Area. Along the way, she met Robert Krohn, owner of Robert Krohn Shoes, where a young Rob was working while attending junior college. Mr. Krohn had never seen anything quite like these roomy, comfortable sandals and quickly decided to carry them in his store, becoming one of the first retailers in the country to do so. The sandals began flying off the shelves, creating excitement among local college students and customers.

As the business grew, so did the relationships behind it. Jerry Poston, the store manager at Robert Krohn Shoes, became close friends with Margot and eventually joined Birkenstock USA as the companys sales manager. Meanwhile, Rob was preparing for a new chapter. In 1976, he planned to move to San Diego to attend San Diego State University, pursue a degree in business, and join the golf team. Having worked with the sandals at Robert Krohn Shoes, Rob was familiar with their growing popularity. Jerry encouraged him to consider opening a Birkenstock store of his ownan idea that sparked Robs entrepreneurial spirit.

In September 1976, at just 21 years old, Rob made the leap. He moved from the Bay Area to San Diego and opened a small storefront on El Cajon Boulevard, conveniently located near San Diego State University. What began as one small store soon grew into something much greater. Over the years, the business expanded to 13 locations, with seven stores still serving customers today.

The journey has included new stores, relocations, closures, dedicated employees, the growth of an online business, and countless customers along the way. Through it all, hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to building something lasting have remained at the heart of the business.

Remarkably, fewer than 2 percent of small businesses have survived for fifty years. Reaching this milestone reflects determination, adaptability, community, and the many people who have been part of the journey. From one small storefront near SDSU to 13 locations over the years, Birkenstock of San Diego has built a legacy that has truly stood the test of time.

Timeline

1976 Rob opens the original store in the College Area near San Diego State University. The store later moves to Lemon Grove and eventually to La Mesa.

1984 Encinitas opens and later moves three times.

1984 Old Town opens and later moves three times.

1991 Palm Springs opens and later moves three times.

1993 Coronado opens.

1995 Seaport Village opens and later closes.

1995 Manhattan Beach opens and later closes.

1998 Robs wife, Melissa Younger, joins the business and begins working in the stores.

19982019 Birkenstock of San Diego participates in the Del Mar Fair. The 2019 fair is the last before COVID.

2000 The company launches its website. General Manager Matt Palkovic begins working with the business at age 16, helping build the website and grow the online business.

2001 Carlsbad opens and later closes.

2002 Poway opens and later closes.

2003 Pacific Beach opens and later closes.

2010 Kevin ONeill joins the company as a manager and later transitions into an administrative role.

2018 Gaslamp opens and later moves twice.

2024 Del Mar opens.