Phil's BBQ Expands Meat Empire to Rancho Bernardo

Founded in 1998, the Phil's BBQ empire has expanded to include three stand-alone restaurants and satellite outposts in Petco Park and the San Diego International Airport.

Now, the meat mavens have announced that they're taking over the former Elephant Bar in Rancho Bernardo (17051 West Bernardo Drive) and will remodel the 7,720-square-foot space for their fourth full-fledged restaurant.

Owner Phil Pace says he chose the Rancho Bernardo location for its accessibility to the surrounding neighborhoods of Poway, Mira Mesa and 4S Ranch.

Expected to grand open by the end of the year, the new restaurant will include a bar serving craft beer and cocktails, plus large screen TVs and an LED sports ticker.