19 Jan 4th–Jan 10th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | Major Closures The Valley’s 15 biggest restaurant closings of 2023. BY TIRION BOAN T hroughout 2023, dozens of restaurants closed around the Valley. But while some quietly fizzled out, others closed with a bang. Whether they were highly anticipated new spots that closed after just a few months, or staples that had been serving customers for decades, these restaurant closings stung a little extra. Here are the 15 biggest restaurant closings to hit metro Phoenix in 2023. Gastromé Market When Gastromé Market opened in Gainey Ranch in September 2022, it made a splash. Social media influencers frequented the swanky spot, posting about their glasses of Champagne and shopping sprees to buy artisan cheese, jam, and wine at the gourmet marketplace. A month after the market’s opening, a restaurant joined the mix, serving baked Camembert drizzled with hot honey and extravagant cocktails. But all the hype didn’t last very long, as Gastromé’s owners announced its closure less than six months after opening. Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue A Valley favorite for brisket and pulled pork closed after 14 years in Cave Creek. The owners, Bryan and Donna Dooley shared the news, explaining that the closure was due to being “ready for a change! Life balance! It’s as simple as that!” They threw a blowout final day party on April 22, which was also Chef Dooley’s birthday. The space has remained a barbecue staple, however, as the Dooleys passed the torch to the family- run Cryin’ Coyote BBQ. Tomaso’s on Camelback One of the Valley’s most iconic restaurants closed after service on May 20 after 46 years. Tomaso’s on Camelback left its mark on the Phoenix dining scene and spurred on a restaurant empire owned by chef Tomaso Maggiore’s children. But the original restaurant, located on the corner of 32nd Street and Camelback Road, was opened in 1977 by Maggiore and his wife Patricia. Maggiore died in 2021 following a years-long battle with cancer. Sushi Roku On July 31, Scottsdale restaurant Sushi Roku closed. The popular spot, located inside the W Scottsdale, served seafood in the Old Town area for 15 years. After its lease ended in July, the chain decided to focus on its other locations, according to a news release announcing the closure. Santé Restaurant industry veterans Nico Doniele and Nick Neuman, who also owns Scottsdale’s EVO, opened Santé with the mission of providing a restaurant where those with dietary restrictions didn’t have to sacrifice quality or flavor to find something to eat. The menu included many vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free items available for brunch, dinner and happy hour. However, the Scottsdale restaurant closed in early June, a year and a half after opening. Shady’s Neighborhood dive bar Shady’s abruptly closed at the end of June, notifying customers and staff in one fell swoop. A GoFundMe was set up to help staff who found themselves suddenly without a job. The space was bought by local bar giants Barter & Shake, the team behind award- winning bars Century Grand, Platform 18, The Grey Hen and UnderTow. That team has since reopened the bar as Sunny’s Lounge, a new concept that kept the dive bar feel but serves elevated cocktails. Verdura Vegan mainstay Verdura closed in late May with owner Julia Chugerman explaining on her Instagram account that she was no longer involved in the restaurant. She hinted, however, that the overall closure might be temporary, leading fans to seek more information in the comments. However, it became certain that Verdura wouldn’t be reopening in its Seventh Street digs when Ahwatukee-area restaurant Brunch Snob opened in the space this fall. The Breadfruit & Rum Bar The brick-and-mortar location of The Breadfruit & Rum Bar has been closed since March 2020, but its menu of Jamaican dishes had been available from inside Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour. The pop-up officially ended on Sept. 2 with owner Dwayne Allen explaining his plans to focus on his artisan soda company, Big Marble Organics. As of late November, the recognizable restaurant on Pierce Street in downtown Phoenix has become home to burger bar Bad Jimmy’s. Top: Shady’s, a neighborhood dive bar, abruptly closed in late June. Left: Bryan Dooley of Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue announced his restaurant’s closure after 14 years. Right: Tomaso’s served its last customers this year after over four decades in business. (Photos by Jennifer Goldberg, Chris Malloy and Tomaso’s) ▼ Food & Drink >> p 20
