PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Philadelphia brunch favorite is turning comfort food into a lifeline this month as Sunrise Social rolls out a new menu item designed to support one of the city’s most beloved culinary figures in a fight for his life.
Sunrise Social, which operates locations in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has launched the Sunrise Surf N’ Turf for the month of February, pledging proceeds from the dish to benefit chef Reuben “Big Rube” Harley, who was recently diagnosed with stage 4B prostate cancer and is also battling heart failure and kidney failure.
The restaurant said proceeds from the special will help cover essential living expenses and medical-related costs not covered by Harley’s health insurance as he undergoes treatment.
Priced at $32.99, the Sunrise Surf N’ Turf features grilled lamb chops and butter-roasted lobster tail served over Sunrise Social’s three-cheese grits and finished with roasted red peppers, aji verde, and fresh herbs. The dish is available throughout February at both Sunrise Social locations.
Harley is a well-known figure in Philadelphia’s food and creative communities, with work that spans culinary projects, fashion photography, marketing, media contributions, and entrepreneurship, including his own signature barbecue sauce brand. Since news of his diagnosis became public, supporters across the region have rallied behind him, raising more than $16,000 through a GoFundMe campaign launched January 1, 2026.
The effort carries personal significance for Sunrise Social founder Aaron Anderson, a longtime friend and former business partner of Harley. Anderson said their professional relationship began after he sampled Harley’s cooking at an event and later expanded into multiple ventures during the pandemic, including two Philadelphia ghost kitchens operating five concepts each.
The pair also partnered to open Big Rube’s Fried Chicken at Subaru Park in Chester, the home stadium of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union.
Anderson said the menu initiative is intended to complement the broader community response surrounding Harley, whom he described as one of the city’s most universally admired figures.
Sunrise Social said it hopes the limited-time offering will not only draw diners but also serve as a reminder of the role neighborhood businesses can play when one of their own is in need, turning a plate of surf and turf into tangible support during a critical moment.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.