Lana opened on June 20 in a 5,000-square-foot space along South Coast Highway 101, previously home to California Pizza Kitchen. The restaurant, co-owned by hospitality veterans Travis LeGrand and Mark Wheadon, offers seasonal California coastal fare with an emphasis on local sourcing. Its opening menu was developed by London-based consulting chef David McIntyre, but from the start, the owners intended to bring on a dedicated, on-site executive chef to lead the kitchen long-term. Starting September 9, Wells will take over leadership in the kitchen.
Wells brings a decade of high-profile experience in San Diego kitchens, most notably at Juniper & Ivy in Little Italy, where he joined the launch team in 2014 and later served as executive chef. He was known there for building relationships with local farmers, ranchers, and fishmongers and for emphasizing sustainability and technique-driven simplicity on the plate. In 2022, he was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: California award.
After nearly nine years with Juniper & Ivy, Wells left in early 2024 to lead the culinary program at Sea & Sky, the penthouse-level restaurant at Hotel La Jolla. The concept was introduced as part of a major renovation to the hotel, with a focus on seafood, coastal cuisine, and live music. However, Wells stepped away from the role later that year, seeking time for rest and personal fulfillment outside of the demanding restaurant industry.
Over the past year, he and his wife, Nicole, relocated to the Southeast to visit family and travel. During his sabbatical, Wells focused on personal wellness, home cooking, and reconnecting with friends and culinary peers across the country. His return to San Diego marks a new chapter, both professionally and personally, as the couple prepares to move into a home near the restaurant in Solana Beach with their two English bulldogs and two cats.
Wells’ hiring is expected to guide Lana through its evolution from a promising new opening to an established coastal dining destination. With plans for future restaurant development, the ownership team views Wells as a long-term fit with potential for expanded collaboration. His approach to ingredient sourcing and refined simplicity in execution aligns with Lana’s goal to deliver thoughtful, regional cuisine in a community-focused setting.
Lana Restaurant is located at 437 South Coast Highway 101 in San Diego's Solana Beach. For more information, visit lanasb.com.
