OCEANSIDE — After operating ice cream parlors out of a former dry cleaner’s, hat store, and electronics repair shop, the nationally-recognized An’s Gelato is preparing for takeoff at its newest location at an iconic Oceanside landmark.
An’s announced this month that it will open a new concept this summer in the historic “Top Gun” house along North Pacific Street in Oceanside. Known as An’s Gate D5, the concept will transform the historic cottage’s interior into an airline terminal.
An’s Gate D5 will feature An’s signature creative touches to immerse customers in the theme. Guests will enter through a “security” checkpoint, place their order at a check-in counter, and choose from serving sizes like a “carry on” or “checked bag.”
Flavors will be inspired by global destinations, such as a Milan pistachio-based gelato, An’s said. As with other An’s locations, there will be a rotating menu of seven flavors that changes every few weeks.
“Oceanside has quickly become one of Southern California’s most exciting food destinations, blending deep local roots with a wave of creative new experiences,” said An’s co-founder Travis Bailey. “That energy and culture is exactly what drew us here. We’re especially excited to become part of such an iconic Oceanside landmark and to bring a fresh An’s perspective to the space.”
The “Top Gun” house became a widely known landmark after its appearance in the 1986 blockbuster film starring Tom Cruise. However, its roots go back to 1888, when the Victorian-style cottage was built as the summer home of Dr. Henry and Sarah Graves.
The house is currently preserved, one block away from its original location, as part of the Mission Pacific Beach Resort. It was restored and reopened in 2022 as hand pie shop HIGH-Pie, which vacated the location in January.
Additional details about the opening will be shared by An’s and Mission Pacific Beach Resort in the coming weeks.
An’s opened its flagship shop, An’s Drycleaning, in San Diego’s North Park in 2018. It was followed by An’s Hatmakers at Del Mar Plaza in 2022, An’s Athletic Field Services at Petco Park in 2024, and An’s Electronics Repair in Ocean Beach in 2025.
History of the ‘Top Gun’ house
The Victorian cottage was used by the Graves as a summer home until 1905, and afterwards it was passed among several owners, including individuals, real estate companies, and even the owner of the historic Oceanside amusement park, Pacific Holidayland, according to Visit Oceanside.
For several years, it was known as the Graves House because of its original owners.
The house became dilapidated over the decades, and was eventually purchased in 1975 by Lynn and William Rego of West Covina, who would paint it its recognizable light-blue color.
In 1985, the Regos were contacted by Paramount Pictures, which was seeking a beachfront cottage for the filming of “Top Gun.” The cottage and the property to the rear at 112 First Street, which was built as an addition by former owner Angeline Morgan years earlier, were both used in the film.
The house became a fan attraction for years afterwards.
Per Visit Oceanside, the City of Oceanside acquired the Graves house and surrounding properties with plans to eventually develop the 475-room Manchester Resort project. The project did not move forward, and the house became the only structure remaining on the block.
Save Our Heritage Organization advocated for the preservation of the historic home, and the Oceanside Historical Society helped to maintain the house for several years while it sat vacant.
When two new resort projects were announced in 2018, it was decided that the Graves House would be restored and used as the centerpiece of the Mission Pacific Hotel project, where it could face the ocean, aligning with its historic setting.
The Graves/“Top Gun” house was restored in its original style and reopened in 2022.
