20 Nov 14th-Nov 20th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | FULL BAR! BILLS OF $50 OR MORE Dine-In or Take Out Not Including Combinations Dinner Only Expires 12/31/24 Closed On Tuesdays $5 OFF 2050 N. Alma School Rd., #36 • 480.857.4188 Taking the Reins How new owners are continuing the 43-year legacy of Randy’s Restaurant. BY CASSIE BRUCCI A fter 42 years of business, Randy’s Restaurant in Scottsdale was sold to Bradley and Amber Deane in September 2023. Founded in 1981 by married couple Randy and Andrea Cole, Randy’s Restaurant has been a Scottsdale mainstay for decades. Largely known for its home- style meals and affordable prices, the restaurant has earned many local acco- lades and amassed a large following of loyal customers. According to Bradley Deane, the Coles had been searching for a buyer to take over their restaurant and ultimately sought the assistance of Shamrock Foods, where he worked as a sales leader. Bradley says he’s dreamed of owning his own restaurant for “close to 30 years.” Taking over Randy’s felt like a natural move for him and Amber, who both have years of hospitality experience. Before Shamrock Foods, Bradley worked as a front-of-house captain at Sanctuary by Elements, while Amber held positions at JW Marriott at Desert Ridge. They both started their careers at Richardson’s, where they met over 20 years ago. “We both have grown up in restau- rants,” Amber says. After one full year of ownership, the Deanes reflect on the experience with gratitude, noting the special significance of buying a respected restaurant with an established history. “This opportunity fell in our lap, and it really worked out,” Amber says. “We couldn’t be happier.” Taking over a beloved business The couple knew they had big shoes to fill when they took over as owners. The local staple has a fervent customer base, many of whom come in multiple times per week. Joe and Karen McGuire have been frequenting Randy’s twice daily for approximately 25 years. They say that aside from the food, the people have kept them coming back. “There’s a lot of regulars, and we run into them often,” Joe says. “It’s kind of like a small community center to us.” Randy’s is also known for having a dedi- cated workforce. In an industry where staff turnover is rampant, many of the restaurant’s employees have been there for over two decades. Jen Carlson began serving at Randy’s in 1985, four years after it opened. She mentions that while she never envisioned working at the restaurant for close to 40 years, the work-life balance provided by the previous owners was excellent. “It was always conducive to me raising my kids and family,” Carlson says. The Deanes were aware of Randy’s reputation among employees and patrons and wanted to ensure nothing felt different once they took over. “A lot of restaurants change hands, and everybody goes, ‘Oh, it’s never the same.’ We wanted to avoid all that,” Bradley says. “We just took the blueprint, absorbed it and moved forward.” Aside from some new menu items and adding credit card payment options, every- thing has stayed business as usual, from keeping fan favorites on the menu to using the same payroll company. The Deanes kept on 100% of the employees, something Carlson mentioned helped with the transi- tion period. “When you have people like myself and some other co-workers who have been there for so long, we knew how things were supposed to go,” Carlson says. “Bradley and Amber were open to hearing about how we did things.” Bradley and Amber Deane purchased Randy’s Restaurant in 2023 and are committed to maintaining the nostalgia of this beloved neighborhood diner. (Courtesy of Randy’s Restaurant) >> p 22 ▼ Food & Drink
