22 Aug 15th-Aug 21st, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | Float On MacAlpine’s Diner signals sweet return with national grant. BY ZACH ODEN W hen you step into MacAlpine’s Diner & Soda Fountain, there is an old jukebox filled with vintage 45s from the 1950s and ‘60s that embodies the spirit of this almost century-old establishment: retro cool, thoughtfully curated and warmly nostalgic. From the soda bar illuminated by the kitschy glow of the Coca-Cola marquee that advertises signature sandwiches and famous ice cream floats, to the carefully placed antiques and assorted collectibles from the golden age of Americana, every- thing is aimed at making you feel like the last true greaser. You can almost picture Pony Boy himself wandering in from the drive-in or early morning rumble and plunking a few coins down to hear Richie Valens and wolf down a perfect diner cheeseburger. Farther on, a sign optimistically proclaims “Pie Fixes Everything!” The display case below, filled with apple, cherry and the dangerously decadent “naughty” pecan with salted caramel, is ready to fix if not everything, then at least a sweet tooth. With a storied history dating back to 1929, the pharmacy-turned-drugstore and soda fountain has been a favorite of some famous regulars (Senator Barry Goldwater, Frank Lloyd Wright, Wayne Newton, Governor Rose Mofford and Senator John McCain all bellied up to the bar) as well as loyal locals across generations. Stewards of a slice of history MacApline’s owner, Monica Heizenrader, shoulders the responsibility of crafting memorable diner experiences while also understanding the stewardship of main- taining the legacy of one of the city’s most historical eating spots. She fell in love with the place when she and her late husband Cary bought it in 2001. “You could feel the historical charm of it, and we had a lot of experience in the restaurant business beforehand, so it was just a matter of seeing the potential of the place,” she says. Together, they spent months renovating and rejuvenating what had started as Burches’ Seventh Street Pharmacy in 1929, and had, over the years and owners — most famously Leslie J. Mahony, architect of the Orpheum Theater — morphed into MacAlpine’s Diner and Soda Fountain. The Heizenraders developed the menu that is served today. Their daughters, Heidi and Holly, grew up in the restaurant busi- ness and as kids, could often be seen bussing tables or taking orders. Today, they continue to help their mother with the day-to-day operations, with Heidi handling front-of-house responsibilities and the soda fountain, and Holly baking the pies and other desserts. “I always knew I would end up here,” Holly says. “I just didn’t know I would be making so many pies!” Holly Heizenrader grew up helping her parents at MacAlpine’s. Now, she bakes the diner’s pies. (Photo by MacAlpine’s Diner) ▼ Food & Drink >> p 25
