If you’re a craft beer fan in Phoenix, you’ve probably visited The Wandering Tortoise (pictured), a 2-year-old beer shop and tap room on Indian School and 24th Street.
Now owner Justin Evans is opening a second location – dubbed The Sleepy Whale – on the northwest corner of Arizona and Frye in downtown Chandler.
It will share the corner with the first East Valley location of another popular Phoenix-born concept: Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup.
The lot, which formerly was home to a couple of automotive-related businesses, is part of Chandler’s designated Downtown Entertainment District.
The Sleepy Whale will occupy a 2,400-square-foot building with an 1,100-square-foot patio. It will seat approximately 110 inside and 50 outside.
It will offer draft beer, bottled beer, and wine for consumption on the premises or to go.
Gadzooks, which debuted in midtown Phoenix in 2013 and added an Arcadia location in 2016, will occupy a separate 2,100-square-foot building on the acre lot.
Owner Aaron Pool’s unique concept features build-your-own-enchiladas, tacos, and two soups – tortilla and spicy potato corn chowder.
The Sleepy Whale is targeting an opening by the end of December. No word yet on when Gadzooks expects to open.
