Harris Ranch has evolved greatly over the years, but its commitment to hospitality has remained steadfast. “Operating as the hospitality division of Harris Farms, Inc., the ‘Harris Ranch Restaurant’ first welcomed guests in 1977,” says Easton Kerby, Content Marketing Specialist at Harris Ranch Resort, regarding the then-new development in Coalinga. It originally opened with only a main restaurant, coffee shop, country store, and service station for transit guests traveling between Los Angeles and San Francisco. “In 1987, the hotel was opened adjacent to the restaurant complex, and the ‘Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant’ was born. Over the last 47 years, the business has expanded tremendously to include four dining venues, a country store, a hotel, a gas station, a 98-stall Tesla charging station, a variety of EV chargers, an airstrip, and a luxury RV Park that is currently being built.”

These new additions commanded a new name. “In honor of this expansion and to accurately represent the upscale, modern amenities available to guests, the company rebranded in 2023 to officially become the Harris Ranch Resort.” However, the look has remained the same. “As a family-owned business, our owners John and Carole Harris have thoughtfully crafted the look and feel of the Harris Ranch Resort to ensure that every detail transports guests to a relaxing paradise,” asserts Kerby, albeit in the middle of the Central Valley. The exterior is in the Spanish hacienda style, with quintessential features such as stucco walls, clay roof tiles, wood accents, and fountains. The Harris Ranch Resort is an oasis where Interstate 5 meets Highway 198.

“Our Harris Ranch Hotel boasts a wide variety of well-appointed rooms and suites with modern amenities, each designed with your comfort in mind,” Kerby professes. “Hotel guests can enjoy our Olympic-style heated pool, three Jacuzzi spas, and our Harris Ranch Pool Bar for poolside drinks and dishes.” At check-in, each guest receives a freshly baked cookie from their in-house bakery. Well-appointed modern Western-style accommodations cater to travelers seeking rest and relaxation as seamlessly as those traveling for either business or pleasure. “Our interior was meticulously designed by Mrs. Harris. Not only did she structure our restaurant complex interior to match our ranch-style roots, she brilliantly designed our 153 hotel rooms and our Garden Ballroom,

Guests have numerous outlets to explore while stopping or staying at Harris Ranch. “With three award-winning dining venues, shopping at the Harris Ranch Country Store, and a large range of on-site amenities for guests and travelers alike, we invite you to ‘Shop. Stay. Dine.’ and experience all we have to offer!” exclaims Kerby. In addition to the hotel, Harris Ranch is especially known for its culinary offerings. In fact, “Restaurant Business, a leading industry publication, ranks the Harris Ranch Resort 29th nationally and ranks us the third highest-earning independent restaurant in California, as listed in the prestigious Top 100 Independent Restaurants list for 2023.”

Three on-site restaurants make it easy to indulge. “Our Harris Ranch Restaurants are recognized for our ‘farm-to-fork’ philosophy and for only serving the finest USDA Choice and Prime steaks—whether you are seeking an unparalleled fine dining experience in our renowned Prime Steakhouse, casual dining in the Ranch Kitchen, or a little relaxation in the Horseshoe Lounge,” lists Kerby. The Ranch Kitchen and Horseshoe Lounge offer a true farm-to-table meal, as the menus also boast a supporting cast of seasonal fruits and vegetables, homegrown on Harris Ranch farmland. For an elevated dining experience, the Prime Steakhouse, led by Executive Chef Brendon Eddington, expertly crafts each dish to exceed expectations—given its resulting reputation, reservations are strongly encouraged. But if on-the-go is what you’re after, the Express BBQ, which welcomes guests with irresistible aromas wafting from their 25-foot custom smoker out front, offers Harris Ranch beef tri-tip, brisket, and ribs.

In addition to the unparalleled accommodations and dining options at the Harris Ranch Resort, our complex is also home to our beautifully landscaped outdoor courtyard and elegant Garden Ballroom,” shares Kerby, “both of which are available for your perfect wedding location!” Harris Ranch Resort offers unmatched amenities that help create a show-stopping event. “You can count on our trusted and experienced event specialists to ensure that you and your guests have a memorable experience.”

Yet weddings and travel aren’t the only reasons to make Harris Ranch a destination year-round. “Throughout the year, we excitedly host numerous events including Winemaker Dinners in partnership with renowned wineries, ‘Beerfests’, Cars & Coffees, holiday brunches in our Grand Ballroom, special menus in our restaurants, Cookies with Santa, and more!” On most Friday and Saturday nights, the Horseshoe Lounge hosts live music in the evening. Facilitating these get-togethers is a cornerstone of the business’s foundation, as being a heavily involved community partner is at the heart of Harris Ranch Resort.

“We believe in giving back to the community that supports us, which is why we actively engage in various local donations and sponsorships,” Kerby shares. For example, the Jack A. Harris Memorial Scholarship Foundation—established by John C. Harris in 1981 in honor of his late father, the founder of Harris Farms, Inc.—provides financial assistance to eligible high school or college students in pursuit of higher education. Kerby is proud to say, “To date, Harris Farms, Inc. has distributed over 2.5 million dollars in scholarships!”

Their on-site efforts consist of yearly events aimed at giving back and fostering community relations. Cars & Coffee is a partnership with a selected local animal shelter, for which money is raised through various raffle donations as well as on-site animal adoptions during the event. Their Employee Health Fair hosts nearly 500 employees and their families for free essential health care services, fun family activities, free food, and more. “From supporting local schools and charities to sponsoring community events and initiatives,” imparts Kerby, “our efforts are aimed at making a positive impact.”

The Harris family has undeniably been a prominent name in the hospitality industry for generations. Known for their commitment to quality and service, their legacy continues to live on today at the Harris Ranch Resort. “We pride ourselves on being a family-owned business that is committed to our values of Western hospitality, serving award-winning cuisine hinged upon our ‘farm-to-fork’ philosophy, and our dedication to unparalleled customer service,” Kerby assures. Harris Ranch is not just the ultimate dining destination but also an oasis. The plethora of fueling and charging options make it more than just a place to dine or stay—it’s a one-stop solution for every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re driving or flying in, Harris Ranch Resort is where the West unwinds.“

559.935.0717

24505 West Dorris Avenue
Coalinga, CA 93210

www.harrisranch.com
@harrisranchresort

Photographer Paul Mullins & Mariano Friginal