These 9 Phoenix restaurants are now closed

September brought some abrupt restaurant closures to the Valley, with longtime spots shutting down without a chance for customers to say goodbye. FEZ on Central made an announcement after it had already served its last customers. The Genuine shared the news once its building had sold. Starbucks gave customers three days’ notice that their neighborhood coffee shop was closing down.

Other spots went out with a bang. Early Bird Vegan hosted a goodbye party on its last day, with specials from previous menus. Quartz and The Cave invited fans in for one last drink.

Whether they quietly slipped away or partied until the last minute, these nine Phoenix restaurants, bars and cafes are now permanently closed.

Casa De Mina
Queen Creek staple Casa De Mina served customers for 13 years on the northwest corner of San Tan Boulevard and Power Road. The large, hacienda-style space served tamales and enchiladas in its two-story restaurant and out on a spacious patio. In mid-September, the owners shared a long post in English and Spanish on Facebook, announcing the closure and thanking the community for years of patronage.

Early Bird Vegan
Early Bird Vegan served plant-based eats at the Sonoran University of Health Sciences Tempe campus. But when its lease ran out at the end of September, the concept closed. Chef Krystal Mack shared the news on social media, also explaining that she is looking for a new location. She formerly ran a location of Early Bird in South Phoenix, along with her food truck Trash Panda Vegan. 

FEZ on Central 
FEZ on Central shocked fans in September with the announcement of its immediate closure. The longstanding spot has been a community hub for two decades, serving brunch, hosting drag events and offering a standout happy hour. But the well-loved spot has served its last martinis and feta fries.

Frank & Lupe’s Old Mexico
Longtime Scottsdale staple Frank & Lupe’s served Mexican and New Mexican food in Old Town for three decades. But when a new owner announced plans to take over the space, news of its closure spread. The restaurant is set to become The Ponderosa House, a modern, casual eatery with American and Mexican food.

The Genuine
In early September, The Genuine abruptly closed. The restaurant was part of Genuine Concepts, the company behind The VIG, The Little Woody, The Womack and other local spots. After three years, The Genuine served its last burgers and martinis on the northeast corner of 16th Street and Bethany Home Road. According to the company, the building, which also housed Genuine Concepts’ offices, was sold. 

Quartz and The Cave
On Van Buren Street, the glow of pink neon seeped out from the dual bar concept Quartz and The Cave. Originally opened in April 2023, the unique spot served creative cocktails inspired by crystals, minerals and deserts around the world. Quartz featured a menu inspired by birthstones and gems, served up front in a dark bar underneath a rocky overhang. Through a small hallway, the space transformed into a neon and mirrored space with cozy nooks for sipping complex cocktails. But two and a half years after opening, Quartz and the Cave shut down in mid-September.

Starbucks
At the end of September, Starbucks announced that it would close 1% of its stores. Three days later, over a dozen Arizona locations had served their last Pumpkin Spice Lattes. In the Valley, seven stores closed in central Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe. The closures are part of a $1 billion restructuring plan that includes renovations for 1,000 stores in North America, and the loss of 900 non-retail employees.

Torchy’s Tacos
Texas-based chain Torchy’s Tacos has closed one of its Phoenix locations. The restaurant located on the northeast corner of Tatum and Shea boulevards has served its last customers. The chain maintains four other locations in the Valley, serving tacos in Gilbert, Queen Creek, Phoenix and Surprise.

Vintage XIV
On the corner of Tatum and Shea boulevards, Vintage XIV swung open its doors last spring. The concept combined elements of a classic sports bar, such as plenty of screens to catch the game, with a wine bar aesthetic and upscale food and cocktail menu. But now, the restaurant and bar is permanently closed.