Metro Phoenix Dining Thread - Page 69

exit2lef · #**1361** Posted **Aug 23, 2023, 2:41 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by combusean

I can't help but wonder if a place that was thriving can't find a niche in a neighborhood that is no longer a destination but is slowly succumbing to the mass market. Breadfruit was an immigrant success story and losing that feels like an end of something.

I don't think it's an issue of not finding a niche. The restaurant was quite popular and busy up until March 2020. When COVID came along, the restaurant decided not to operate as a takeout business (except for a few special events) and became part of an organization that advocated for longer business closures during the pandemic. I think it was called something like "Too Soon Arizona."

Once vaccination became available in 2021 and virtually every place reopened, the Breadfruit took its time with successive dates pushed further and further out while no concessions on rent were given by the landlord. The owners had their own reasons for an extended closure, so I won't second guess them, but i think it was hard to recover from the decision to close completely for so long.

MiEncanto · #**1362** Posted **Aug 23, 2023, 7:20 PM**

Breadfruit is one of those places everyone liked having around and liked recommending to friends or out-of-towners... but didn't actually go to that often.

Phxguy · #**1363** Posted **Aug 24, 2023, 8:15 PM**

Some exciting news! Stumbled across some movement (or at least interest) taking place within one of our favorite low-hanging fruits east of Central, the gray shell building on 5th St/Roosevelt.

Currently, there is an Amendment and a Large Plan Review for the space which I've linked for viewing below. Looks like for a restaurant called Ledu Thai. Admittedly not my favorite use of a multi-purpose space such as this but it's something I guess

Large Plan Review: https://apps-secure.phoenix.gov/PDD/Search/PlanReviews?PermitType=LPRR&PermitNumber=2304450

Amendment: https://apps-secure.phoenix.gov/PDD/Search/PlanReviews?PermitType=AMND&PermitNumber=16-2761A6

exit2lef · #**1364** Posted **Aug 25, 2023, 11:51 AM**

I found this in agenda for the upcoming city council meeting:

Liquor License - The Roosevelt
Request for a liquor license. Arizona State License Application 250072.
Summary
Applicant
Andrea Lewkowitz, Agent
License Type
Series 6 - Bar
Location
815 N. 2nd St.
Zoning Classification: DTC - Evans Churchill West
Council District: 7
This request is for a new liquor license for a bar. This location was not previously
licensed for liquor sales and does not have an interim permit. This business is
currently being remodeled with plans to open in August 2024.
The 60-day limit for processing this application is Sept. 10, 2023.
Pursuant to A.R.S. 4-203, a spirituous liquor license shall be issued only after
satisfactory showing of the capability, qualifications and reliability of the applicant and
that the public convenience and the best interest of the community will be substantially
served by the issuance. If an application is filed for the issuance of a license for a
location, that on the date the application is filed has a valid license of the same series
issued at that location, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the public
convenience and best interest of the community at that location was established at the
time the location was previously licensed. The presumption shall not apply once the
licensed location has not been in use for more than 180 days.
Other Active Liquor License Interest in Arizona
The ownership of this business has an interest in other active liquor license(s) in the
Page 113
Agenda Date: 8/28/2023, Item No. 28
State of Arizona. This information is listed below and includes liquor license violations
on file with the AZ Department of Liquor Licenses and Control and, for locations within
the boundaries of Phoenix, the number of aggregate calls for police service within the
last 12 months for the address listed.
Ocotillo Restaurant (Series 12)
3243 N. 3rd St., Phoenix
Calls for police service: 10
Liquor license violations: None
Chantico (Series 12)
1041 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
Calls for police service: None
Liquor license violations: None
Starlite BBQ (Series 12)
1041 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale
Calls for police service: Not in Phoenix
Liquor license violations: None
Public Opinion
No protest or support letters were received within the 20-day public comment period.
Applicant’s Statement
The applicant submitted the following statement in support of this application. Spelling,
grammar and punctuation in the statement are shown exactly as written by the
applicant on the City Questionnaire.
I have the capability, reliability and qualifications to hold a liquor license because:
“Applicant is an experienced licensee committed to upholding the highest standards to
maintain compliance with applicable laws. Managers and staff will be trained in the
techniques of legal and responsible alcohol sales and service.”
The public convenience requires and the best interest of the community will be
substantially served by the issuance of the liquor license because:
“From the creator of Ocotillo and Chantico, renowned chef Walter Sterling will open
The Roosevelt , which will offer appetizers to full meals along with specialty cocktails in
a modern-classic venue. Applicant would like to offer alcoholic beverages to guests 21
and over.”
Page 114
Agenda Date: 8/28/2023, Item No. 28
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this application.
Attachments
Liquor License Data - The Roosevelt
Liquor License Map - The Roosevelt
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer and the City Clerk
Department.

It appears to be in the building that once housed Filmbar. It's an intesesting reuse of a name. About a decade-and-a-half ago, Matt Pool of Matt's Big Breakfast had a tavern called the Roosevelt just a block away on Third Street. That buliding is now home to the Farish House.

TJPHXskyscraperfan · #**1365** Posted **Aug 25, 2023, 3:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phxguy

Some exciting news! Stumbled across some movement (or at least interest) taking place within one of our favorite low-hanging fruits east of Central, the gray shell building on 5th St/Roosevelt.

Currently, there is an Amendment and a Large Plan Review for the space which I've linked for viewing below. Looks like for a restaurant called Ledu Thai. Admittedly not my favorite use of a multi-purpose space such as this but it's something I guess

Large Plan Review: https://apps-secure.phoenix.gov/PDD/Search/PlanReviews?PermitType=LPRR&PermitNumber=2304450

Amendment: https://apps-secure.phoenix.gov/PDD/Search/PlanReviews?PermitType=AMND&PermitNumber=16-2761A6

Wow, I didn’t picture this as a Thai restaurant, that spot screams brewery!Lol. Idk, guess we have plenty of them on Roosevelt already.

exit2lef · #**1366** Posted **Aug 25, 2023, 3:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJPHXskyscraperfan

Wow, I didn’t picture this as a Thai restaurant, that spot screams brewery!Lol. Idk, guess we have plenty of them on Roosevelt already.

I'd love to see a brewery combined with Thai food. The cuisine of Thailand, with its complex salty, sour, and spicy flavors, goes so well with beer, but I often long for something other than just another bottle of Singha. I don't think a Thai brewpub is actually happening at this location, but I can dream.

Obadno · #**1367** Posted **Sep 7, 2023, 4:34 PM**

Can't remember where we were discussing this but the former gas station at 7th Stret and Indian School is becoming a Cane's Chicken Fingers.

MiEncanto · #**1368** Posted **Sep 7, 2023, 5:21 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obadno

Can't remember where we were discussing this but the former gas station at 7th Stret and Indian School is becoming a Cane's Chicken Fingers.

Maybe it will take some of the pressure off the Bethany Home one, which is a zoo. I don't get the passion for the place but apparently it is popular.

exit2lef · #**1369** Posted **Sep 7, 2023, 5:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiEncanto

Maybe it will take some of the pressure off the Bethany Home one, which is a zoo. I don't get the passion for the place but apparently it is popular.

It seems to be a place for adults who never outgrew the kids menu. Apparently, there are a lot of them.

PHX31 · #**1370** Posted **Sep 7, 2023, 5:43 PM**

Speaking of old gas stations on 7th St being converted to restaurants... what is the status of the one on the SEC of 7th St/Thomas? I can't remember the plan for that, but it was slowly moving along at one point at least a year ago.

Obadno · #**1371** Posted **Sep 7, 2023, 6:19 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHX31

Speaking of old gas stations on 7th St being converted to restaurants... what is the status of the one on the SEC of 7th St/Thomas? I can't remember the plan for that, but it was slowly moving along at one point at least a year ago.

I think it was supposed to become a Birdcall (ive been to the one on shea and its.... fine... not bad not good either just fine)

But I have seen no movement.

ASU Diablo · #**1372** Posted **Sep 22, 2023, 5:23 PM**

Drove by 7th Ave/McKinley yesterday and had forgotten all about the Chick-fil-A being built there. It's close to opening and that thing is MASSIVE, the drive-thru lines specifically.

At least they made it look nice

CrestedSaguaro · #**1373** Posted **Sep 23, 2023, 3:00 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASU Diablo

Drove by 7th Ave/McKinley yesterday and had forgotten all about the Chick-fil-A being built there. It's close to opening and that thing is MASSIVE, the drive-thru lines specifically.

At least they made it look nice

I will never go there. I know a lot of people in the adjacent neighborhooda and from what I hear, nearly everyone in the area hates it already. I'm surprised that this wasn't fought harder from the locals such as the proposed Cane's was fought against up the road.

exit2lef · #**1374** Posted **Sep 23, 2023, 12:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrestedSaguaro

I will never go there. I know a lot of people in the adjacent neighborhooda and from what I hear, nearly everyone in the area hates it already. I'm surprised that this wasn't fought harder from the locals such as the proposed Cane's was fought against up the road.

I remember attending a DVC meeting where it was discussed. There was consensus that a double drive-thru has no place Downtown, but there didn't seem to be any legal options to block the restaurant.

In related news, Mesa is trying to limit the profiferation of drive-thrus but running into some inevitable opposition -- not from residents, but more from business interests.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/loc...osed-drive-thru-regulations/70923957007/

combusean · #**1375** Posted **Sep 23, 2023, 10:38 PM**

The disaster of 7th Avenue was sealed long ago when they kept the height at like 30' or something like that to scale with the neighborhoods to the west. Nevermind that the height limit on the west side of 6th Ave allows for the tallest buildings possible...

I never thought I'd say it but I miss that ugly hulking building that was there before. At least it had potential compared to something the neighborhood will be stuck with for 50 years.

MiEncanto · #**1376** Posted **Sep 24, 2023, 4:45 AM**

I can’t wait to see the nerd urbanistas complaining about the lines and popularity of Chic FiL A once it opens.

The neighborhood (me) doesn’t eat there! Why can’t the poor just eat expensive for lunch like us?

combusean · #**1377** Posted **Sep 24, 2023, 4:49 AM**

You don't have to be a nerd urbanista to realize that a two lane drive through has no place downtown and pretty much runs counter to everything people are trying to do to improve the area.

MiEncanto · #**1378** Posted **Sep 24, 2023, 5:10 AM**

Downtown is a massive area and there’s room enough for lots of interests and income levels. Y’all have an inflexible mindset and it’s anti democratic.

exit2lef · #**1379** Posted **Sep 24, 2023, 12:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiEncanto

I can’t wait to see the nerd urbanistas complaining about the lines and popularity of Chic FiL A once it opens.

The neighborhood (me) doesn’t eat there! Why can’t the poor just eat expensive for lunch like us?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiEncanto

Downtown is a massive area and there’s room enough for lots of interests and income levels. Y’all have an inflexible mindset and it’s anti democratic.

You continue to misrepresent the opposition as based on the price, food, and image of the restaurant. It's not. It's the poor land use. No one in this forum has ever complained about the Chick-fil-A on Taylor Street. That outlet meets the need without all the vehicle idling, car-centric design, and traffic backups associated with drive-thrus.

MiEncanto · #**1380** Posted **Sep 24, 2023, 2:28 PM**

The one on Taylor doesn’t serve anyone other than asu students. That is obvious.

All the complaints about a drive through are hollow. Should the McDonald’s be demo’d? The double drive through will reduce traffic congestion! You should be pleased it’s not a single lane. It won’t bring more cars to downtown- they are here already. Everyone I know that lives downtown save one has and uses a car.

You can claim your nuanced argumentation but I’m reflecting what it sounds like.