In 2021, the team at Harland Brewing embarked on a new challenge, taking over beloved South Park institution, Grants Market & Coffee Room, and converting it into a bar and eatery. It was the Scripps Ranch-based company’s first foray into the restaurant business, but by keeping things simple and tasty, the first-time restaurateurs endeared themself to the community and proved they have what it takes to hang in the hospitality industry. Now, Harland’s leadership is making a pair of moves that will up its game from both a quality and quantity standpoint.
Today, Harland Brewing President Anthony Levas announced that the company has signed a lease to take over a 3,400-square-foot restaurant space at Del Sur Town Center in Rancho Bernardo’s 4S Ranch neighborhood. Formerly home to the North County incarnations of Ponce’s Mexican restaurant and beer-heavy culinary concept, Waypoint Public, it features a full-scale kitchen that will allow for an expanded menu going beyond that of the South Park venue.
Composition of the menus in 4S Ranch and South Park as well as oversight of those kitchens will be the charge of Harland’s newly hired Director of Culinary Operations, Scott Cannon (pictured, at right). A veteran who served in leadership roles at fine-dining establishments, including L’Auberge Del Mar, Jake’s Del Mar and Delicias, he comes to Harland after nearly a decade as the executive chef at The Cork & Craft in Rancho Bernardo. During his lengthy stint at that combo restaurant, brewery and winery, Cannon regularly married his whimsically inventive, cutting-edge cuisine with artisanal ales and lagers from The Cork & Craft’s in-house beermaking operation as well as the many brewing companies that took part in the restaurant’s elaborate collaborative dinners.
“I have always appreciated the [Harland] brand…and I am honored to be joining their team as Director of Culinary Operations,” says Cannon. “With my background in casual fine dining with a beer-centric experience, I’m excited to lead the culinary team and build a menu that will break the mold of what is typical at most brewery-owned operations.”
Harland’s leadership team is ecstatic about landing such an experienced and talented chef in Cannon. They believe he brings not only knowledge but mentorship to their culinary team, and while they are excited for him to up their food game, they don’t want to get too far away from what has worked in South Park. Flavorful food that’s appealing to a their existing customer base will still be key. So, too, will be establishing Harland’s eateries as family-friendly spots, a wise decision given the demographics in South Park and Rancho Bernardo.
“Chef Scott has built a strong reputation in the culinary community, and we’re thrilled to bring his passion and vision into the Harland family,” says Levas. “His arrival signals our commitment to pushing boundaries not only in beer but in the entire guest experience. We want to take our food to the next level so that it matches what we’re doing with our beer and all of the other aspects of our business.”
There is no firm timeframe for the debut of Harland’s 4S Ranch location, but Levas and company hope to have it open to the public before the end of the year.
Harland Brewing’s 4S Ranch kitchen and taproom will b located at 16480 Paseo Del Sur, Suite 105 in Rancho Bernardo