A yet-to-be-named restaurant from Merritte Powell, owner of La Puerta Mission Hills, is getting ready to open in San Diego at 902 West Washington Street.
The new concept will take over the space after Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar closes, following 12 years of service; the final day is scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025, according to SanDiegoVille. Merritte Powell recently submitted a liquor license application for the property, signaling progress toward the new concept. Powell and his wife, Hailey, who also operate La Puerta Mexican Restaurant, plan to launch a fresh restaurant and bar concept, not a La Puerta expansion, offering seven-day-a-week service, including lunch, brunch, happy hours, and late-night dining. The couple is working with architect Mark Bausback on design and space planning.
Harley Gray opened in 2014 in the former location of The Gathering and was named after owner John Ealy’s nieces, Harper Grace and Marley May. The restaurant became known for its approachable all-day menu, offering salads, sandwiches, shared plates, nightly specials, and a full bar. Over its 12 years, Harley Gray earned a reputation as a gay-owned, inclusive business and a staple on Mission Hills’ Restaurant Row.
John Ealy, who is selling the property and will retain the Harley Gray name, said the restaurant was “deeply personal.” Ealy has continued to expand his portfolio, opening The Anvil Gym earlier this year and maintaining ownership of Ideal Bar & Grill in Santa Cruz and Zelda’s in Capitola, while planning additional ventures, including writing a book.
The new restaurant will join the Powells’ Mission Hills holdings, which already include La Puerta’s second location, opened in 2021 near Harley Gray. This will be an excellent landing space, giving the Powells a prominent corner in the neighborhood’s dining corridor.
While specific menu details have not been announced, the Powells aim to develop a concept that honors Harley Gray’s legacy while offering new dining options for the community. The restaurant is expected to serve customers daily, offering a mix of casual and elevated dishes, building on the couple’s experience in San Diego’s restaurant scene.
