Daily Newsletter

The co-owners of the now-closed Teakwoods Tavern & Grills in Chandler and Gilbert have been sentenced to jail time and ordered to pay more than $3 million in restitution and fines for failing to pay taxes.

George Krotonsky was sentenced to one and a half years in the Arizona Department of Corrections, followed by seven years of probation. He also was ordered to pay $1,974,569.16 to the Arizona Department of Revenue and a fine of $100,000.

Aubrey Sturdivant was sentenced to nine months in Maricopa County Jail and seven years of probation. She was ordered to pay $1,052,616.31 in restitution and a fine of $100,000.

Krotonsky and Aubrey Sturdivant were indicted in 2021 for failure to pay transaction privilege tax and withholding income tax along with failing to file the corresponding returns from 2013-2019.

The Chandler Teakwoods closed in 2020, followed by the Gilbert one in 2021.

Today’s Cinco de Mayo specials around the Valley

La Ristra (Chandler and Gilbert): Parking lot parties; happy hour all day; outdoor bar and seating; jalapeno-eating contest (6 p.m. at Chandler); tequila and beer promotions; tequila ice luge; live music; 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants (four Valley locations): $6 margaritas; $4 Mexican draft beers; $30 chips and dips to-go packs; $5 gift card with the purchase of every $10 gift card today or Saturday.

Recreo Cantina (Chandler): $10 early-bird admission; cashless event; taco stands; mango cart; raffles; DJs and live music; 11 a.m.-1:30 a.m.

Ghett Yo’ Taco (Chandler): Two-day party today and Saturday; $25 adult admission each day (includes a beer or margarita) and $5 admission for kids 7-17 each day; taco-eating contest; live music; VIP lounge; kids zone; 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Pedal Haus Brewery (three Valley locations): $7 house margaritas, $7 Marg Gartens (a mix of margarita and Pedal Haus sourgarten beer), $5 Pedal Haus Mexican Amber beers; and $5 Micheladas until 7 p.m.

STK Steakhouse (Scottsdale): $5 Don Julio, Volcan, Patron, Espolon, or Milagro shots; $5 beef tacos; $5 tuna tacos; $25 Cincora Anejo shots.

RnR Gastropub (Scottsdale): Extended patio; interactive outdoor taco shop; $10 Patron Ranch Waters; live music.

Mavrix (Scottsdale): $5 margaritas; $5 Taco Trios; $15 Mexican beer buckets.

The Mission (Scottsdale): $18 Corrido Burritos.

Sushi Roku (Scottsdale): $18 Muerte Por Wasabi cocktail.

Diego Pops (Scottsdale): Parking lot party; tequila samplings; DJs; 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

Salt and Lime (Scottsdale): Also a nine-year anniversary party; pinata-lined archway; $9 Sonoran hot dogs; $9 specialty cocktails.

Kitsune Brewing (Phoenix): Taco food truck; tapping of margarita sour Kitsuneville; live music; noon-2 a.m.

Mesquite Fresh Street Mex (nine Valley locations): $2.89 street tacos; $27.99-$29.99 family meal boxes.

Black Angus Steakhouse (four Valley locations): All-day happy hour; $8.50 Messy Micheladas; live music.

Someburros (12 Valley locations): $3 off margaritas.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina (three Valley locations): $25 beer buckets; special cocktail menu; live music.

Twin Peaks offers Kentucky Derby specials

🏇🏼 All five Twin Peaks sports bars in the Valley will celebrate the Kentucky Derby with drink specials Saturday and Sunday, including $4.50 Jack Daniel’s Flavors, $5 hard seltzers, $6 sangria, $6 Maker’s Mark Kentucky mules, $6 Crown Royal Regal Apple mules, $9 Woodford Sours, and $9 Bulleit Blackberry Smashes.

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🍕 Today is Star Wars Day – May the 4th be with you – which means Stars Wars-themed food and drink specials around the Valley. For example, Myke’s Pizza in downtown Mesa is celebrating with Star Wars-themed pizzas, such as a Darth Tater Pizza, and desserts, while host Cider Corps serves up Light Saber Cider Slushies and Mangolorian Bombs. In north Phoenix, Kitsune Brewing has a double can release to go along with Star Wars trivia at 6:30 p.m. Anyone dressed up as a Star Wars character will get happy hour pricing all night. Feeling creative? Paint your own Deathstar at SanTan Spirit House in downtown Chandler at 5 or 7 p.m.

Mr. Pickles opens 4th Valley store in 3 months

🥪 Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop, a California-born chain that just made its Arizona debut in February, has opened its fourth Arizona store on the southeast corner of Dobson and Ray in Chandler. The concept, which moved its corporate offices to Scottsdale in 2022, offers hot and cold sandwiches on 10 types of bread, plus salads and soups. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

The Gladly launches series of summer pig roasts

🐖 The Gladly in Phoenix kicks off its series of summer pig roasts at noon Sunday. Held on the first Sunday of each month, the family-style meals from chef Bernie Kantak include Latin American-inspired sides and craft cocktails. The all-inclusive cost is $100 per person; reservations are limited and required. RSVP here.

May specials at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

🇲🇽 Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants are offering a trio of monthly specials for May: Sonoran Spring Rolls ($12.99), Dessert Nachos ($8.99), and Mangonadas (a mango margarita mixture with Chamoy and Tajin, $10.99). A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Mission of Mercy non-profit clinics in Chandler and Mesa.

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🌮🍔 Papa Locos Tacos & Burgers, a self-described halal Mexican restaurant, has opened in the former Jalisience Mexican Food space on the northeast corner of Lindsay and Warner in Gilbert. The fast-casual concept’s original location is in Tucson, and there’s another in Nogales. In addition to street tacos and eight specialty burgers, the menu offers breakfast items, burritos, tortas, and an extensive selection of seafood dishes. (Pictured: Chile Relleno Burger and al pastor taco.) Open for lunch and dinner Monday-Thursday and breakfast, lunch, and dinner Friday-Sunday.

D-Backs, CBCBs go to bat against brain tumors

⚾️ Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix is teaming with the Arizona Diamondbacks to offer four specialty burgers during National Burger Month – a Jalapeño Bacon Burger (May 1-7), Sweet Chili Pineapple Burger (May 8-14), Arizona Party Melt Burger (May 15-21), and Spicy Pickle Burger (May 22-31) – with $1 from each burger sold (as well as $1 from each 22-ounce Michelob Ultra sold) donated to the Ivy Brain Tumor Center and Barrow Neurological Foundation.

‘Pitcher & Pull-Aparts’ special at Zinburger

🍔 Speaking of National Hamburger Month, Zinburger is offering a ‘‘Pitcher & Pull-Aparts’’ special on Mondays and Tuesdays in May featuring four cheeseburger pull-apart sliders, a basket of fries, and a pitcher of beer or house-made Zingria for $22.

Black Angus launches to-go-only Badass Burgers

🍔 Still speaking of National Hamburger Month, Black Angus has launched Badass Steakhouse Burgers, a to-go-only option, to its menu. There are six half-pound specialty burgers available for takeout or delivery from its Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, or Goodyear locations.

Win $2,000 in Macayo’s annual Chimi Challenge

🌯 Macayo’s Mexican Food has launched its second annual Chimi Challenge. Through Aug. 31, finish the restaurant’s 5-pound chimichanga ($30) in less than 20 minutes to win free Macayo’s food for a year. In addition, the person with the fastest time at each of 12 Macayo’s locations (Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport excluded) advances to the Sept. 23 finals where the winner will get $2,000.

Surprise restaurant The Falls closes after fire

🔥 The Falls, a casual American restaurant and bar that opened just over a month ago in the Sun City Grand neighborhood of Surprise, has closed after being damaged in a fire. No cause has been identified, and the restaurant isn’t expected to reopen until the end of the year.

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Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen opens its sixth Valley location at 11 a.m. today at Epicenter at Agritopia on the northwest corner of Higley and Ray in Gilbert.

Chicago-style pizzas with a sweet sauce are Spinato’s signature menu item, but there also are sandwiches, pastas, spaghetti-stuffed calzones, and house-made Italian desserts.

The 4,650-square-foot restaurant has garage doors and walls that open to allow for fresh air. A large indoor-outdoor bar with three large TVs seats 24. A spacious patio seats another 76.

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Sunday.

Someburros offers week of Cinco de Mayo deals

🌯 Someburros is offering daily specials at its 13 locations leading up to Cinco de Mayo on Friday, including $2.50 crispy tacos today, $7.95 Pollo Fundidos on Wednesday, $3.60 bean and cheese burritos on Thursday, and culminating with $3 off frozen margaritas on Friday.

Floridino’s Pizza Muffin of Month: Chicken Tinga

🍕 May’s Pizza Muffin of the Month at Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta in Chandler is Chicken Tinga. Seasoned chicken, refried beans, sautéed onions, cilantro, and cheese are rolled up in pizza dough and served with sriracha ranch. Cost is $9.79 per half-dozen or $17.99 per dozen.

Thursday: ‘Taste of Romeo’s’ dinner in Gilbert

👨‍🍳 Mediterranean Paprikash and Andalusian Baked Eggplant will be the featured entrees when Romeo’s Euro Cafe in downtown Gilbert holds its weekly ‘‘Taste of Romeo’s’’ dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Cost is $44 per person plus tax and tip. See menu.

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🧾 A pair of Scottsdale restaurants – Maple & Ash and its sibling Etta – have agreed to pay $20,000 in civil penalties for charging diners an extra fee without properly notifying them.

The Chicago-based restaurants reportedly had been charging diners an extra 3.5% on their bill for “Emp Benefit,” which stood for an “employee benefit” charge.

The Arizona Attorney General’s office said many diners weren’t aware of the fee until receiving their final bill.

“This settlement sends a clear message to restaurants that they must disclose all add-on charges on their menus, so customers can make informed decisions,” Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement.

Nominate your favorite teacher for free pizza

🍕 Lou Malnati’s is looking to recognize the Valley’s best teacher with free pizza for a year and a special pizza party delivered to their school. Today through May 13, students K-12, teachers, administrators, and parents can nominate their favorite teacher in 100 words or less here. Eight other teachers will win $50 gift baskets.

Red Robin offers BOGO 50% burger deal in May

🍔 May is Burger Month at national chain Red Robin, which has 13 restaurants in the Valley. Buy any burger this month and you can get a second burger of equal or less value for 50% off. You have to sign up for the chain’s no-fee rewards program here or by downloading its app.

Train-themed Platform 18 expanding to Tucson

🚂 Train-themed Platform 18 cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix is opening a second location across from the Fox Tucson Theatre in Tucson. The award-winning basement bar uses TV screens as windows, making it appear the bar is moving. No opening date yet.

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You can win free food Saturday when Speedy Street Tacos relocates to the northeast corner of Washington and 40th Street in east Phoenix and rebrands itself as the Valley’s ninth Mesquite Fresh Street Mex.

Brothers Naser and Ahmad Alatrash, who opened Speedy Street in 2016, also own Mesquite Fresh Street Mex.

The new larger location will feature an enhanced drive-through, outdoor seating, and maintain its 24-hour schedule under Speedy’s original management.

The first 10 people in line when doors open at 10 a.m. Saturday will win free Mesquite meals for a year. The next 30 people will get $200 gift cards, and the next 60 will get $50 gift cards.

Other giveaways will include Mesquite merchandise, which give the wearer 10% off their order.

Pedal Haus Brewery celebrates 7th anniversary

🚴 Pedal Haus Brewery celebrates its seventh anniversary Saturday at its locations in downtown Tempe, downtown Chandler, and downtown Phoenix. Specials will include $7 steins, $7 margaritas, and $7 burgers and brats. Prizes will be awarded via scratch-off tickets ($5 for one, $20 for five) with all proceeds going to the non-profit Almost There Rescue, which helps save pregnant dogs and their puppies.

The Parlay celebrates grand opening in Scottsdale

🎸 The Parlay Kitchen + Cocktails, which opened a second location on the northwest corner of the Loop 101 and Via de Ventura in Scottsdale last month, hosts a three-day grand-opening party this weekend with live music and extended hours (until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday night). Dueling Pianos perform 6-9 p.m. Sunday.

Wren House releases collab for Ryan’s House

🍺 Wren House Brewing in Phoenix releases a new collaboration ale – a light lager called Little Bird House – today with Green Woodpecker and the non-profit Ryan’s House, which provides support and services to children experiencing unique life-limiting and end-of-life journeys. A portion of the proceeds will go to Ryan’s House.

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🌮 Caliente Mexican Grill, a two-year-old fast-casual concept in north Scottsdale, has opened a second location on the southeast corner of Deer Valley and 19th Avenue in north Phoenix.

House specialities include the Plato Caliente with steak, chicken, chorizo, and carnitas; the Carnitas Plate; and the Poblano Enchiladas. (Pictured: Blackened Chicken and Relleno Burrito.)

A breakfast menu features chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and breakfast burritos. No alcohol is available.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday-Saturday.

Hornbill Sushi & Asian Fusion opens in Phoenix

🍣 Hornbill Sushi & Asian Fusion has opened on the northeast corner of Bell and 16th Street in north Phoenix. Besides sushi, the wide-ranging menu ventures from kung pao chicken to kimchi fried rice to pad Thai to tonkotsu ramen. Beer, wine, cold sake, and soju are available. Open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday.

Win free ice cream for a year at Handel’s today

🍨 The first 100 people in line when Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream opens its fifth Valley location at 11 a.m. today at Park West on the northeast corner of Northern and 99th Avenue in Peoria will win free ice cream for a year. The store’s grand opening celebration will continue with more giveaways and activities through Saturday.

May 3: Tequila dinner at Ling’s Wok Shop

Scottsdale restaurant Ling’s Wok Shop and Scottsdale-based Tequila Corrido will team up for a four-course tequila dinner at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3. Cost is $85 per person plus tax and tip. See the menu and tequila pairings here. RSVP: 480-801-6524.

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🍍 Rochelle Daniel of Atria in Flagstaff was named Top Chef and Mark Tarbell (pictured) of Tarbell’s in Phoenix received the Food Pioneer Award (aka lifetime achievement award) in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s 2023 Foodist Awards.

The full list of this year’s winners, ‘‘as chosen by peers and the dining community in support of the food and beverage industry’’:

• Standout Signature Dish: Tomahawk Steak, Bacanora, Phoenix.
• Best Dish in a Supporting Role: Yam Mamuang Boran (green mango and shrimp salad), Lom Wong, Phoenix.
• Most Delectable Dessert: Strawberry Marzipan Shortcake, Sel, Scottsdale.
• Favorite Local Craft Beer: The Joy Bus, Four Peak Brewing, Tempe.
• Most Creative Cocktail Program: (tie) Century Grand, Phoenix, and Wren & Wolf, Phoenix.
• Brunch with a Punch: Hash Kitchen, multiple locations.
• Top Arizona Brewery, Winery, or Distillery Experience: Cider Corps, Mesa.
• Exceptional Culinary Experience: Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix.
• Outstanding Bar/Nightlife Experience: AZ88, Scottsdale.
• Phenomenal Fast-Casual Concept: Taco Chiwas, multiple locations.
• Outstanding Hospitality Group: Barter & Shake
• Best World Flavors: Glai Baan, Phoenix.
• Uniquely Arizona: Terra Farm + Manor, Prescott.
• Emerging Restaurant of the Year: First & Last, Phoenix.
• Team Member of the Year: Aaron Suder, Liberty Station, Scottsdale.
• Manager of the Year: Joey Carzo, Outback Steakhouse, Phoenix.
• Top Mixologist/Bartender: Kyla Hein, Whining Pig Enterprises, multiple locations.
• Top Chef: Rochelle Daniel, Atria, Flagstaff.
• Food Pioneer Award: Mark Tarbell, Tarbell’s, Phoenix.

Get 77-cent souvenir mug refills today at Macayo’s

🇲🇽 Macayo’s Mexican Food continues its series of 77th anniversary specials with 77-cent margarita souvenir mug refills (limit two) today at all 10 of its Valley locations except Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Don’t have one of the restaurant’s kitshcy ceramic mugs? You can buy one for $7.70 today (regular price: $9.99).

Barrio Brewing celebrates National Pretzel Day

🥨 Barrio Brewing in southeast Mesa is celebrating National Pretzel Day today with a special on its popular pretzel appetizer. Diners can enjoy orders of Bavarian Beer Sponges — salty soft pretzels served with spicy beer mustard and beer cheese —  for just $7 (regular price: $9).

Thursday: Tacos & Beer Pairing at Beer Research

🌮🍺 The Beer Research Institute in Mesa hosts a Tacos & Beer Pairing featuring four tacos – barbacoa, seasoned ground beef, chicken tinga, and birria – paired with four 4-ounce BRI ales for $28 all day Thursday while supplies last.

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