Gadzooks
Audio By Carbonatix
November is a big month for restaurant openings in Phoenix, as the cool-weather high season gets into full swing. But unfortunately, the month also saw a number of restaurants close their doors.
Some spots shuttered to make way for new concepts to move in. Others said their final goodbyes. These six Phoenix restaurants closed in November.
Gadzooks
The Camelback Road location of Gadzooks has served its last enchiladas. But the restaurant won’t sit quiet for long. Owners, and brothers, Aaron and Jared Pool are working to transform the space into Pool Boy Taco. Over the last few years, they’ve been hosting Pool Boy pop-ups and serving tacos from inside their beer bar, The Green Woodpecker. Soon, the tacos will have a shop of their own in the former Gadzooks.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
Southeast Mesa sports bar Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has closed. The Louisiana-based chain offered a Cajun-themed experience with menu items including crawfish etoufee, voodoo shrimp and grits and chicken and sausage gumbo. The Mesa restaurant was the chain’s last location in Arizona.
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DTC Sports Grille
The Tempe location of DTC Sports Grille has shuttered. The restaurant and bar was located just West of the Loop 101 on the north side of the Hilton Garden Inn. There, it served a menu of burgers, salads and classic sports bar snacks including wings, onion rings, potato skins and fried pickles. The Tempe restaurant has been replaced by Tipsy Taps & Grill. The downtown Chandler location of DTC Sports Grille remains open on Chicago Street.
Togo’s Sandwiches
The final Arizona location of the California chain Togo’s Sandwiches has closed. The Gilbert restaurant was located on the northeast corner of Guadalupe and McQueen roads, where it served hearty subs and wraps at its casual, counter-service eatery.
Papa Locos
Papa Locos has closed its Tempe restaurant after a string of run-ins with the county health inspector. The multi-concept kitchen housed Papa Locos along with Jay’s Hot Chicken and Indo-Mex. Customers could order online, and pick from all three. In October 2024, the kitchen failed a health inspection. In March, it failed again. And in July, the restaurant failed a third time. Now, the kitchen has closed.
Tortas Chano
Anthem eatery Tortas Chano has closed. The family-run restaurant made its debut in 2009 and was later featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” which bolstered business. The restaurant served its namesake tortas along with tacos, burritos, quesadillas and combos. The restaurant shared the news of its closure on social media.
