Expansion projects are of great significance for any business, but establishing Harland Brewing‘s first-ever full-service restaurant in 4S Ranch’s Del Sur Town Center is a particularly big deal for company co-founders Anthony Levas and Jeff Hansson. Levas spent most of his youth in the area and graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School, and Hansson currently resides in Rancho Bernardo. Bringing their brand, beer and the first full-on representation of Harland’s hospitality concept to their shared stomping grounds is more than just business – it’s personal.
“As a Rancho Bernardo resident and parent of three young children, I understand the need for more family-friendly gathering places in our community,” says Hansson. “Our vision for Harland 4S Ranch is a welcoming hub where neighbors come together for date nights, birthdays, and post-game celebrations after baseball, soccer and football.”
“With so many of my friends and family that still call this part of San Diego home, it is exciting to bring this concept to life to enjoy alongside them,” adds Levas.
And while he didn’t grow up in Rancho Bernardo, Director of Culinary Operations Scott Cannon spent most of his formative career in the inland North County community, having served as Executive Chef at The Cork & Craft restaurant from 2016 until last year. Prior to his time in Rancho Bernardo, he worked at Delicias in nearby Rancho Santa Fe, where he earned his first executive chef position.
“I developed countless relationships and celebrated some of my biggest career milestones in the area. It’s become like a second home,” says Cannon, who hopes his former regulars will follow him to his new digs in 4S Ranch. “It’s incredibly rewarding to now bring a full-service Harland venue to a place that shaped me. I feel like I truly understand the kind of food our guests are looking for, and that’s allowed me to create a menu that speaks directly to the neighborhood – bold, balanced and diverse without being pretentious.”
Harland’s first foray into restaurant management came when the company took over the former site of Grants Market and Coffee in South Park in 2021, converting it into a bar and eatery serving casual fare, which was quickly embraced by neighborhood denizens. Cannon now oversees that venue along with The Ocotillo at Harland, a kitchen trailer stationed just outside the taproom at Harland’s Scripps Ranch headquarters. The house smash burger and chicken tenders are among the best-sellers from both locations. While they will also be available in 4S Ranch, Cannon will offer a more extensive menu that includes composed entrées and an array of shareable appetizers.
“This menu is all about balancing comfort with creativity,” says Cannon. “My style is rooted in versatility. I love drawing from multiple cuisines so there’s something for everyone. At 4S Ranch, you’ll see influence from Asian, Italian, Mexican, French and American cooking traditions.”
That eclecticness shows up in starters such as Brussels sprouts with pork belly in a pineapple-based kung pao sauce, and garlic-and-soy-dressed bucatini noodles with Parmesan. A fried chicken sandwich on brioche, fish tacos, and a Southwest shrimp and lobster roll with chipotle aioli join the aforementioned smash burger on the menu’s “handhelds” section. Meanwhile, braised short ribs, seared salmon, pork ribeye with pumpkin polenta, three-cheese gnocchi and a roasted half-chicken make up the mains. The lunch menu includes additional handhelds (Ruben, birria quesadilla), salads (chicken satay, Caesar), soups (serrano chili, clam chowder) and bowls (salmon poke, yellow chicken curry).
With 3,400 square feet – 1,000 more than Harland’s South Park location – Levas says his team was able to work with local firm Tecscape to explore interior-design concepts they haven’t been able to implement elsewhere, resulting in something unfamiliar yet inviting with high ceilings and plenty of natural light.
“Harland 4S Ranch will look different than any of our other locations. The motif is a nod to the classic mid-century style that Jeff and I are fond of,” says Levas. “It combines elements that were staples of the era: a flagstone mosaic rock wall, terrazzo bar-top, a breeze block divider wall at the entry, light-colored wood and plenty of greenery. The space lends itself to this design with its floor-to-ceiling windows and open floor plan.”
Harland’s 4S Ranch location is ready for its debut, but is awaiting issuance of one final permit. Levas expects to launch the venue no later than the third full week of January. Once open, its hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. A brunch menu will be served on Saturdays. A kids’ menu will also available. To keep informed about the eventual opening date, follow the venue’s Instagram account.
Harland Brewing’s 4S Ranch kitchen and taproom is located at 16480 Paseo Del Sur, Suite 105 in Rancho Bernardo