Aaron and Jared Pool, the brothers behind the local chain Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup, are working on a pair of new concepts at Park Central on the west side of Central about a quarter-mile north of Thomas in midtown Phoenix.
Green Woodpecker: Named for a former Park Central flower shop, this small neighborhood taproom will have 12 beers on tap and offer a Mexican-influenced menu. It takes over the former Starbucks, which is relocating nearby.
The beer list will be curated by a third Pool brother, Drew, one of the owners of Wren House Brewing in Phoenix.
Pool Boy: While Gadzooks is known for enchiladas, this small spinoff across the shopping center will focus on tacos. There will be no inside seating, but diners can take advantage of a large patio.
(Pictured: Aaron Pool’s tomatillo chicken, sweet and spicy cornbread, honey V slaw, jalapeño ranch, and cotija cheese taco, which won first place at the Arizona Taco Festival.
Target openings: Look for Green Woodpecker to open around the end of the year. Pool Boy, a new construction, is expected to open in the spring.
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