Dominic Armato
Audio By Carbonatix
At Durant’s, the iconic steakhouse on Central Avenue, the grills have been cold since February. But now, after a change of hands and a refresh, the Phoenix staple is ready to reopen.
Durant’s is set to welcome customers back starting on Dec. 17.
The new owners announced the reopening date on the recently revamped website, with the statement, “Owners of the Valley’s Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak 44 and Ocean 44 Get Ready to Write the Next Chapter of the Durant’s Story.”
Durant’s first opened 75 years ago, when Jack Durant set up shop on Central Avenue just south of Thomas Road. The steakhouse became a destination for politicians, business people and the movers and shakers of Phoenix. Many deals were brokered over a stiff martini at the bar, while other customers marked birthdays and anniversaries in the dining room.
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The restaurant was later taken over by another Jack, when Jack and Carol McElroy took the reins.
Dominic Armato
In February, the McElroys announced that the restaurant had changed hands once again. This time, it was taken over by brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro, their dad Dennis Mastro and business partner Scott Troilo.
The Mastros are no strangers to the steakhouse game. The family opened the first Mastro’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale in 1999. They have since sold that brand, but they now run other spots, including Steak 44 and 48, Ocean 44 and 48 and Dominick’s Steakhouse.
When the new owners took over, they shared a statement on the Durant’s website along with the McElroys.
“It’s a privilege and honor to acquire the restaurant and to preserve its history, while enhancing its future for generations to come,” Jeff Mastro said in the announcement.
The new owners promised to make “some renovations and improvements to the kitchen while preserving the look and feel of the famous dining room.” They also planned to make “enhancements” to the menu.
Amid the closure, and consequent reopening delays, many longtime customers and fans have been eagerly waiting to see how much of the iconic staple will remain the same. Starting on Dec. 17, customers will be able to see just how much has changed.
Durant’s
Reopening on Dec. 17
2611 N. Central Ave.
