Category: COVID-19

Valley restaurateur Paul Keeler – whose Keeler Hospitality Group operates Liberty Station and Market Street Kitchen in Scottsdale and Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree – died Saturday due to complications of covid-19. He was 73.

All Arizona bars can resume ‘‘normal operations’’ under a new executive order signed by Gov. Doug Ducey today. The order lifts all previous covid-19 restrictions on businesses. The order also rescinds a previous order allowing local governments to issue mask

Gov. Doug Ducey has announced a loosening of Arizona’s covid-19 restrictions to allow restaurants and bars to immediately return to 100% occupancy. The catch? They still must maintain at least 6 feet between tables for social distancing, require customers to

After closing for nearly a year due to the covid-19 pandemic, El Sol Mexican Cafe & Bakery near the southwest corner of Arizona and Ray in Chandler reopens its dining room today. Limited seating – with a maximum of four

Is Flix Brewhouse in downtown Chandler closed for good? It depends who you ask. After closing in March 2020 due to the covid-19 pandemic, the brewpub-cinema concept reopened in August, as did rival Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and most traditional movie

Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria in Chandler is mourning the loss of Juan Paz, a four-year employee who passed away Monday from covid-19. ‘‘He was a humble soul who did everything with immense pride and crazy work ethic,’’ pizzeria co-owner John

Gov. Doug Ducey announced another $1 million has been added to the state’s Safest Outside Restaurant Assistance Program, which gives locally owned restaurants and bars with fewer than 50 employees up to $10,000 to expand outdoor seating temporarily during the covid-19 pandemic.

A group of Tucson restaurants and bars has won a preliminary injunction overturning a 10 p.m. curfew enacted by Pima County on Dec. 15 to slow the spread of covid-19. A Superior Court judge ruled the curfew violated a Gov.

Arizona Cocktail Weekend, set to celebrate its 10-year anniversary next month, has been canceled for 2021 by the covid-19 pandemic. Instead, organizers are planning a smaller, one-day event Sept. 25, the details of which are still being worked out. Next

Al Fresco Off Main, a special outdoor dining area set up on MacDonald just north of Main in downtown Mesa, will debut today. The half-block area will provide a sanitized, socially distanced ‘‘extended patio’’ for those ordering food from any

One of the Valley restaurant scene’s longest covid-19 closures finally will end when Ghost Ranch Southwest Modern Cuisine reopens Monday, Jan. 11, in south Tempe. The acclaimed 2-year-old restaurant, which offers taco platters, green chile stew, and a variety of

Trattoria D’Amico, a family-run Italian restaurant in Ahwatukee, is permanently closing its dining room Christmas Eve after 31 years in business. What’s next? After retooling its menu, the restaurant plans to reopen in mid-January as a delivery/takeout concept, according to

Tempe beer and wine store BottleShop 48 temporarily closed Friday after learning a customer tested positive for covid-19. Unfortunately, a number of the shop’s staff subsequently tested positive over the weekend as well, which will prompt the 4-year-old business to

Three Valley bars that were closed in August for violating Arizona’s covid-19 guidelines have been cleared to reopen. Bottled Blonde and Casa Amigos in Old Town Scottsdale and Glow Shots & Cocktails in downtown Tempe agreed to pay $3,000 fines. They

ASU president Michael Crow has asked state officials to investigate four downtown Tempe restaurants for allegedly violating covid-19 regulations. In a letter sent to ADHS director Dr. Cara Christ and Department of Liquor Licenses and Control director John Cocca, Crow

Rick’s Pub & Grub, a small bar that serves food in west Chandler, was ordered to close Monday after social media photos over the weekend showed crowds of patrons not observing the state’s covid-19 regulations. According to the Arizona Department

Glow Shots & Cocktails in downtown Tempe is the latest Valley bar to be shut down for not complying with the state’s covid-19 guidelines. The Arizona Department of Health Services closed the bar Sunday for “jeopardizing the health, safety and

Two nightclubs in Old Town Scottsdale – Bottled Blonde (pictured) and Casa Amigos – had their liquor licenses suspended today for violating the state’s covid-19 guidelines. Both clubs has just reopened Thursday. They reportedly were shut down at 11 p.m.

The Arizona Department of Health Services announced that Maricopa County is expected to improve into the ‘‘moderate’’ phase of covid-19 community spread when the latest metrics are updated Thursday. That would allow some bars with Series 6 and 7 liquor

It looks like it’ll be a long time before some of the Valley’s bars and nightclubs – which were closed for the second time July 29 – will be able to reopen. On Monday, the Arizona Department of Health Services

Good Time Charli’s, a west Chandler bar and grill that temporarily closed June 28 due to the covid-19 pandemic, reopens today for takeout and limited-capacity indoor dining. Hours are 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The popular

Condolences to the family and friends of Kris Chupp, a Valley DJ and the entertainment director at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, who passed away Sunday after a three-week battle with covid-19. Chupps, known professionally as DJ Steel, had worked for

Farmboy Market, Meats & Sandwiches in south Chandler has joined a growing list of local restaurants that have decided to close temporarily during the current surge in covid-19 cases in Arizona. ‘‘At Farmboy we have a very small staff, and it

Condolences to the family and friends of Frank and Lupe’s Restaurants owner Teddy Bernal, a third-generation restaurateur who lost his weeks-long battle with covid-19 this morning. He was 45. ‘‘Teddy was the most caring person you could meet and it

Has the Varsity Tavern’s short but controversial run in the Valley come to an end? The Tempe sports bar and nightclub closed Wednesday after the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control determined the venue not only failed to enforce

To slow the spread of the covid-19 virus in Arizona, the state’s bars will be closed at 8 p.m. tonight under a new executive order issued today by Gov. Doug Ducey. The order mandates the closure of bars, indoor gyms,

In a trend eerily reminiscent of the week preceding Arizona’s stay-at-home order in March, a growing number of Valley restaurants are choosing to temporarily close as covid-19 cases surge in Arizona. Jolie’s Place in Chandler closed last Monday with plans

Todd Graves, the founder and CEO of Louisiana-based Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, is launching a reality TV series to help restaurants struggling during the covid-19 pandemic. The show, called ‘‘Restaurant Recovery,’’ is looking restaurants, bakeries, or other eateries that have

Three popular nightclubs in Old Town Scottsdale – Riot House, El Hefe, and Whiskey Row – announced they will close through the weekend and perhaps longer to prevent overcrowding during the covid-19 pandemic. All three venues are owned by Scottsdale-based

Last week, MXSW reported The Perch Pub & Brewery in downtown Chandler planned to close temporarily starting June 29 ‘‘due to the craziness of the COVID-19 virus here in Arizona and the current physical state of the restaurant.’’ Over the

Just three days after a social media firestorm led to the closure of its Arcadia location, Zipps Sports Grill has closed two more locations due to more employees testing positive for Covid-19.

What the heck is going on at Zipps Sports Grill? On Saturday, employees of the local sports bar chain, which has 14 Valley locations, took to social media to report five workers at the Arcadia location in east Phoenix had

Up to 20% of Arizona restaurants – 1 out of every 5 – may be forced out of business by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the head of the Arizona Restaurant Association. Steve Chucri, participating Thursday in an ABC15 Town

Citing the importance of transparency, La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen in Gilbert is the latest East Valley restaurant to voluntarily report an employee has contracted Covid-19. The unidentified employee, who last worked May 19, began feeling mild symptoms after returning

Oregano’s Pizza Bistro took to social media Monday to announce an employee at its Queen Creek location notified the restaurant Friday they tested positive for Covid-19. The restaurant says the employee is quarantined at home and doing well. Oregano’s did

Craft 64 Pizzeria & Pub, one of the last restaurants in downtown Chandler doing just takeout and delivery due to the Covid-19 pandemic, reopens its dining room and patio today. The move comes as Chandler launches a new initiative, Dine

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in Chandler, Tempe, and Gilbert have filed for bankruptcy in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. A statement from Craig Paschich, the majority owner of the East Valley dine-in movie theaters, reads: ‘‘I’m sad to confirm

In a surprise decision, Gov. Ducey announced Arizona restaurants can reopen for dine-in service next Monday, May 11. Just last week, he said a May 12 reopening was the ‘‘best-case’’ scenario. He also announced barbershops and salons can reopen this

With several states beginning to allow restaurants to reopen this week, the National Restaurant Association has issued a 10-page Covid-19 reopening guide for restaurant owners. Its recommendations include: Thoroughly cleaning, detailing, and sanitizing the entire facility; Conducting employee temperature checks;

Good Time Charli’s, a 3-year-old west Chandler bar and grill with extensive live music offerings, has temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. ‘‘When the shutdown began on March 20th, I knew we would be OK for awhile,’’ owner  Charli

Beer and spirits wholesale giant Crescent Crown Distributing is donating a percentage of its April sales – a minimum of $250,000 – to help support Arizona restaurants, bars, and workers. ‘‘So many good people have suffered a loss of wages,

The Servd mobile app, featured several weeks ago on MXSW, is being offered to restaurant owners for free during this period of coronavirus restrictions. Developers Frank Estadt, owner of Waldo’s BBQ & Catering, and Aaron Zeper say there is no cost

Chandler neighborhood hangout Jolie’s Place announced it will close temporarily Wednesday after learning its SBA loan application was denied. ‘‘We’ve made the terribly hard decision to temporarily close Jolie’s Place,’’ the popular bar and grill posted on social media, adding

Press release: Since its inception, the Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) has been dedicated to the support and advocacy of the Arizona food and beverage industry. In recent weeks, this has been exemplified in great strides with the immediate implementation of

Press release: Some good news for the industry from Governor Ducey. Last week, he issued an executive order regarding commercial evictions, including lock-outs, notice to vacate, or any other attempt to inhibit the operations of a business. Ducey said, “Arizona

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants have launched a Burritos for Badges program allowing people to donate meals to first responders and medical personnel. You can donate online or by calling 480-857-0343. Anyone who makes a minimum $10 donation receives a digital coupon

All hail our new robot overlords! Venezia’s Pizzeria‘s flagship location in Tempe has become the first East Valley restaurant to deliver pizza via robotic vehicles. The locally owned chain, which has locations in Tempe, Gilbert, and Mesa, has teamed up

SanTan Brewing and Helluva Brewing have joined the list of East Valley craft breweries that are making hand sanitizer during the coronavirus pandemic. SanTan has partnered with Crescent Crown Distributing to convert 16,000 gallons of unsold beer into 400 gallons

The Living Room in south Chandler is the latest East Valley restaurant to experiment with market-like commissary service. Besides prepared meals, the wine cafe and lounge is selling meat, dairy, produce, and other supplies – including toilet paper, paper towels,

Although its doesn’t serve food, Hop Central Brewery & Taproom in Chandler remains open for to-go sales of growlers and crowlers of craft beer and bottles of wine. Hours are limited to 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; The

After giving out more than 500 free kids lunches last week, Sal’s Gilbert Pizza is continuing the giveaways until schools resume. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, kids get a choice of three free to-go meals: Slice

Many MXSW readers have asked for a list of small, family-owned restaurants they can support by ordering delivery or takeout during the COVID-19 crisis. I’m compiling the list in sections, starting with pizza since it’s the most popular delivery food.

With so many restaurants struggling financially during the COVID-19 crisis, I’m sharing this advice for restaurant owners and landlords offered by MXSW sponsors Chuck Wells and Justin DiBiase of Kidder Mathews, the largest independent commercial real estate firm on the

Skeptical Chymist Irish Pub in north Scottsdale is giving away free hot meals from noon to 5 p.m. today. It’s only asking for cash donations for the staff members volunteering their time to prepare the meals. The restaurant, which is

Brooklyn V’s Pizza, a locally owned pizzeria with locations in Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek, is holding a benefit for its servers Tuesday. The pizzeria will donate 50 percent of the day’s sales to its servers. ‘‘I am so blessed

Worth Takeaway, the award-winning sandwich shop in downtown Mesa, is raising money for Valley chefs with its popular Monday Night Supper series. Every Monday 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Worth Takeaway has featured a ‘‘hearty and tasty’’ off-menu item. Now,

Baja Joe’s Mexican Cantina in northeast Mesa has set up a GoFundMe campaign to support its employees and their families. The restaurant, which is open for takeout and delivery from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., is trying to keep as

Gilbert-based Salad and Go, which gave away more than 12,000 free salads and breakfast burritos to nurses and first responders last week, is doing more giveaways this week. Drive-throughs at all 15 Salad and Go locations in the Valley will

Press release: The Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) is responding to the recent state of emergency by creating an all new marketing strategy to help support local dining establishments with the debut of Arizona Takeout Week. Harnessing the energy from the

Adventurous Stills: Bottle sales available on an appointment basis. Call 480-292-8770 to arrange a pickup time. Amici Pizza: Order online for delivery or call 480-361-0006 for carryout. Baja Joe’s: Call 480-655-1828 for carryout or curbside delivery. No delivery available. Bella

Gov. Doug Ducey is limiting all restaurants in Maricopa County and five other counties to delivery and takeout. His order, which takes effect at the end of business Friday, also closes all bars. The mandate is in effect for any

Press release: The City of Tempe has announced the following measures as of March 19, 2020: All bars, nightclubs, and breweries are to close by 8 p.m. All restaurants are to move to curbside pick-up or delivery only. All dining

Like medieval knights on a quest to defend their kingdoms, Arizona restaurant owners are locked in a battle against an almost mythical beast. ‘‘We’re trying to slay a dragon known as COVID-19, and it’s a mean one,’’ says Steve Chucri,

Scottsdale Beer Company sent out a confusing email today that led some people to mistakenly think the brewery was closing permanently. The brewpub let its entire staff go, but will remain open with the owners as the only staff.

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Dozens of members of the Valley’s food and drink industry have taken to social media to complain about new inconsistencies in Arizona’s alcohol-consumption regulations. Phoenix (along with Tucson and Flagstaff) has banned the on-premise consumption of alcohol beginning at 8

The East Valley’s last remaining large-scale food and drink festival in March finally has been halted due to the COVID-19 crisis. The KNIX BBQ & Beer Festival, which hoped to draw 50,000 people to Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park on March 28,

Press release: To our knowledge, there have been no cases of anyone infected with the coronavirus having been at Organ Stop Pizza. However, out of an abundance of caution over the current situation and the importance of social distancing in