Inspiring Conversations with Dave Jones, Kevin Templeton, and Aron Langellier of Hasta Mañana Cantina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Jones, Kevin Templeton, and Aron Langellier

Hi Dave, Kevin, and Aron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We’ve spent over a decade together creating concepts like bar Ella, The Smoking Gun, Spill the Beans, and Hasta Mañana Cantina. Partnered with Verant Group, who’ve opened iconic San Diego venues like Tavern at the Beach, Sandbar, barleymash, and Mavericks Beach Club. We’re more than just business partners—we’re best friends, grateful to work with an incredible team and staff every day. Our staff and mentors play a huge role in our success.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never been smooth or easy—whether facing a pandemic or economic downturns, we’ve had to fight harder than ever to stay profitable and solvent. That’s why we focus on building lasting hospitality institutions that can withstand challenges beyond our control. What keeps us going is our culture and relentless drive to stay ahead. The key to surviving rising costs and external pressures is the strong relationships we build with our guests and team. People often only see the good parts.

As you know, we’re big fans of Hasta Mañana Cantina. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our brands have always been built on offering something for everyone. We may not be the trendiest spot or the go-to place for a wedding anniversary, but we’re where people come for scratch-made food, friendly service, to catch a game, meet for happy hour, or host a company event. There’s no better feeling than being recognized for years of hard work among other great operators. A brand like barleymash, thanks to its dedicated team, has become synonymous with great food and fun. Our recipe is simple: create a place that earns your business time and again, and we take immense pride in having that consistent opportunity to serve you.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What we love most about San Diego is its essence—the sun, the beach, the fun, the vibrant tourism, the proximity to the border, the best Mexican food in the country, the iconic California burrito, and the explosion of colors and flavors. We’re proud to be part of a city where local operators bring incredible concepts to life. If there’s one thing we’d change, it’s the high rents and the reputation of entertainment districts like the Gaslamp. The Gaslamp is vital to San Diego’s tourism, full of great food and cocktails, and we work hard to keep it a hot spot for locals too.

Pricing:

• Hasta Mañana’s menu is built on everyday affordability, with pricing set just below others in the area. Our goal is to earn your business multiple times a week, and this model makes that possible. We offer a fantastic happy hour, football specials, and weekend brunch deals. You won’t find better chilaquiles in town, especially at this price. In a time when everything feels more expensive, we want to provide a different experience—where your time and money go further.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hastamananacantina.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hastamananacantina
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hastamananacantina

Image Credits
Hasta Mañana Cantina