Last week, I reported James Swann (pictured) had given notice at Whole Foods Chandler and intended to open a craft beer bar and nanobrewery in Chandler. Now I can reveal some of the details.
The place will be called The Perch, and it’s on the south edge of downtown Chandler, across the dirt parking lot behind Vintage 95 and the currently closed Kokopelli Winery. It’s part of a small complex of former houses-turned-businesses that includes Yoli’s Cafe (formerly Better Than Sex Cake Cafe).
The easiest way to find The Perch? From Arizona Avenue, turn into the Planet Sub parking lot and continue straight ahead (west) until you run into it. In fact, the city soon will pave the dirt lot next to Planet Subs for The Perch’s parking lot.
First-time restaurateur Rebecca Lavenue is The Perch’s majority owner. Swann is her partner and general manager. The bar is scheduled to open in early October, with the nanobrewery operational by January.
The Perch has a rustic decor featuring lots of old wood, brick, and metal, including the signs on the door.
Both the incredibly heavy front door and side door pivot rather than swing open.
The patio has dense foliage and several large cages with birds. The birds came with the purchase of the property and were one-half of the inspiration for naming it The Perch.
Three roll-up garage doors will allow access between the indoor dining/bar area and the patio courtyard.
Here’s a look at the interior from just inside the front door. The three garage doors are on the left side, while the long concrete-top bar is on the right side.
Behind the bar, the beer cooler has been painted with black chalkboard paint. Five tap handles for beers brewed at The Perch will be on the front. Another 20 handles for guest beers will run along the side.
A long counter fronts the all-new kitchen equipment, which includes a brick pizza oven (you can see part of it in the back wall on far right). The food menu will offer appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas.
In a side yard, four small outbuildings (originally meant to be massage rooms) will host the nanobrewing setup. Swann currently is looking for a two- or three-barrel system to install.
The other half of the reason it’s called The Perch is a spacious rooftop patio. The railings (pictured) still need to be installed. Another bar will be built on the roof, which is accessible by stairs in the front and back.
The view you’ll get of Chandler City Hall to the northeast while sitting on the rooftop patio.
Earlier: James Swann leaving Whole Foods to launch Chandler bar & nanobrewery
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