Sunrise Social’s New Menu Item Benefits Beloved Chef Big Rube

Sunrise Social, a brunchery with locations in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, NJ, has launched the Sunrise Surf N’ Turf for the month of February, with proceeds benefiting Chef Reuben “Big Rube” Harley, a beloved Philly chef who was recently diagnosed with stage 4B prostate cancer, and has endured heart failure and kidney failure. Proceeds from the Sunrise Surf N’ Turf will help cover essential living expenses and costs associated with his treatment that are not covered by Rube’s health insurance.

The Sunrise Surf N’ Turf features grilled lamb chops and butter-roasted lobster tail over a bed of Sunrise Social’s signature Three-Cheese Grits, and is topped with roasted red peppers, aji verde, and fresh herbs. This special will be available for $32.99 at both locations throughout the month of February.

“Big Rube and I first connected after I tasted his food at an event, and it was so good I knew I had to work with him one day,” said Anderson. “I presented an opportunity for us to partner during the pandemic, and we ended up opening two ghost kitchens in Philadelphia, which operated 5 concepts in each location.” Harley and Anderson also opened Big Rube’s Fried Chicken together at Subaru Park in Chester, which is the home of the Philadelphia Union Soccer team. 

Chef Big Rube is a well-known chef and personality throughout the Philadelphia community. He is also a fashion photographer, a marketing creative, a contributor to The Philadelphia Citizen, and an entrepreneur who sells his own signature BBQ sauce. After his recent diagnoses, the Philadelphia community is coming together to support Harley by spreading awareness and donating to his GoFundMe page, which has raised over $16,000 since launching on January 1, 2026. This situation is personal to Sunrise Social founder Aaron Anderson, who is a longtime friend and former business partner of Harley. 

“I really hope this initiative coupled with everything the Philadelphia community is doing for Big Rube helps him get through this fight,” said Anderson. “I really don’t think there’s a more beloved person in the City of Philadelphia, and the outpouring of love for him has been nothing short of incredible.” 

Sunrise SociaL
2499 Aramingo Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125

Sunrise SociaL
1200 Haddonfield Rd
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002