In 1937, Jack Harris founded the Harris Ranch Beef Company, which was once a cotton and grain operation.
And right on 198 near Interstate 5, the ranch would open a burger stand and also a farm which operates an inn, restaurant, fruit and vegetable crops and also the breeding of thoroughbred horses.
But in 1977, the burger stand would lead to a restaurant which local farmers would visit. Along with a 153-room luxury inn added in 1987, the restaurant would be an area that the rich and famous would fly, drive and visit. The three star hotel is famous, as is the restaurant.
In fact, Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant is one of the highest volume, independently owned and operated restaurants in California and as mentioned, as one can drive to the location, people also fly to the inn and restaurant because it has an airstrip.
In 2008, the restaurant was the 57th busiest restaurant in the United States and the sixth busiest in California based on gross receipts.
Located right between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the location will became a hydrogen vehicle fuel station and well as one of the first battery swapping Tesla stations. And it was announced in April 2021, Harris Ranch shared that more than 100 stalls could provide charging for Teslas up and down California.
And with Tesla now allowing other EV cars to use their charger stations (by having a Tesla charging account), there is no doubt that the location will attract more people as many automobile companies shift to EV.
As for the restaurant, it’s been several years since I have visited.
Harris Ranch as one can expect is possibly the priciest restaurant in the central valley but its what is expected from a luxurious location.
During the time I visited, the interior of the restaurant wasn’t yet opened as California still hadn’t let people into the main restaurant, but a makeshift outdoor restaurant was setup.
And like I remembered it, customer service is top notch, with the servers so accommodating and the food isn’t so much of a long wait.
For the most part, this restaurant is no doubt a well-known restaurant of the central valley and because of the cattle ranch, yes, it’s also well known for that smell for those who are driving and are passing by that area.
But the area will now become the site of the largest Tesla charging stations in the country and the world, convenient for those who are driving up or down Interstate 5 and what better than to kick back and eat at Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant in Coalinga, California.
Overall, I know, growing up, that Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant in Coalinga, California is a pride of the Central Valley and knowing one of the most busiest restaurants and luxurious sites is located right near Interstate 5 and HWY 198.
Check it out!
