Culinary Dropout at the Yard, one of the numerous concepts from Valley-based restaurateur Sam Fox, launches its sixth location at 11 a.m. today in ever-growing downtown Gilbert.
The newly built 25,000-square-foot venue is on the east side of Gilbert Road, across the road from Barrio Queen and north of OHSO Brewery (map).
The first Culinary Dropout opened in Scottsdale in January 2010. Other locations can be found in Tempe, Phoenix, Tucson, and Austin, Texas.
It’s Fox’s second foray into downtown Gilbert. His burger-and-beer concept Zinburger opened on the west side of Gilbert Road in October 2014.
‘‘The city is experiencing vibrant growth, and with Zinburger down the road and so many other great businesses as neighbors, it feels like the perfect fit for Culinary Dropout,’’ Fox said in a media release.
Like other Yard locations, the newest one has indoor and outdoor seating, as well as two private dining rooms. The ‘‘yard’’ area offers backyard-style games like cornhole, ping-pong, and foosball.
Music, including live performances a couple nights a week, is another area of emphasis. The decor features rock ’n’ roll-themed artwork, including a wall of song lyrics.
Another wall has an art installation of musical instruments donated by Valley residents.
The food menu of classic American dishes starts with small ‘‘snacks’’ like Korean red chile cauliflower ($4) and cheddar pork cracklings ($4) and sharable appetizers like soft pretzels and provolone fondue ($12) and cheddar-and-potato pierogies ($10).
Salads include a so-called Cheap House Salad with buttermilk ranch ($6). Burgers and sandwiches range from an Italian grinder ($12) to a shaved prime rib dip ($17).
Entrees include sweet corn ravioli ($15), fried chicken with biscuit and honey drizzle ($17.50), and 36-hour pork ribs with jalapeno molasses ($24).
Buttermilk pie ($8) and monkey bread ($10) are among the dessert options.
Brunch is served on weekends.
Specialty cocktails are classified into four categories: six ‘‘light-and-easy’’ sippers, five ‘‘two-handed shandies,’’ four ‘‘copper-less mules,’’ and five ‘‘Culinary Dropouts.’’
Happy hour specials, available 2-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, include $4 pints of beer, $4 well drinks, $5 glasses of wine, and $5 sangria.
As part of the opening-day festivities, guests can sample beers from Greenwood Brewing, a women-owned brewery expected to open later this year in Phoenix, from 5-7 p.m.
Today’s guests also can get a customized button or sticker courtesy of Jar of Buttons.
A portion of opening-day proceeds will be donated to Open Arms Care Center, a Gilbert-based non-profit.
Culinary Dropout is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday.
