Melissa Parker
Audio By Carbonatix
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In March, the Valley said goodbye to seven spots for food and drinks. Multiple restaurants closed their doors, a coffee pop-up shifted focus and a cookie stand sold its last snickerdoodles. Here’s what to know about metro Phoenix’s March closures.
Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen
The last remaining location of Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen has closed in Tempe. The restaurant got its start in Scottsdale in 2020, and later added outposts in Litchfield Park and Tempe. But after a few years of scaling up, the local mini chain started to scale down, first closing in Scottsdale and then the West Valley. Now, the Tempe restaurant has served its final cocktails and creative eats. The restaurant was located on the northeast corner of Rural and Warner roads.
Jamie Peachey
Giuseppe’s on 28th
Local Italian restaurant Giuseppe’s on 28th was known for more than its hearty Bolognese ragu. During its 24-year run, the restaurant starred on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” twice. The Food Network star was drawn to the restaurant’s homemade pastas and rich sauces, but also to the owner and musician-turned-chef Richard Bock. Before opening his restaurant, Bock studied cello and played in professional orchestras around the world, including 24 seasons as the principal cellist with the Phoenix Symphony. His Italian restaurant shared the cuisine he learned to love while playing in Italy. The restaurant closed due to Bock’s retirement.
Sara Crocker
Harlem Coffee Co.
On Sunday mornings, Harlem Coffee Co. could be found serving creative lattes and flavorful matcha drinks at Sauvage Wine Bar and Shop on McDowell Road. The mobile coffee bar generated unique menus, music playlists and community at its busy pop-ups. But Harlem Coffee Co. is now Harlem Bottling Co. as owner Kendrick Jones shut down the coffee cart and plans to focus on selling small batch syrups instead.
Sara Crocker
Juanderful Tacos
After food influencer Keith Lee visited Juanderful Tacos in February 2024, we caught up with owners Juan Robles and Evelyn Gomez to ask if going viral is really good for business. After Lee posted about the small taco shop, lines began to build at the restaurant on the northeast corner of Camelback Road and 37th Avenue. They rapidly sold out of food. The second time a mega-influencer visited, the owners knew what to expect. But now, five years after initially opening, Juanderful Tacos has called it quits.
Melissa Parker
Mon Cheri
Scottsdale restaurant Mon Cheri has made headlines for more than just its rose-covered interior and bachelorette-party vibe. It was the scene of an illegal romantic romp when two robbers broke in, stole cash and liquor, and engaged in “alleged amorous activities.” Prior to that debacle, Mon Cheri opened in March 2024, pairing its girly aesthetic with cocktails and small bites. Following a recent, dramatic tell-all series of Instagram stories, in which the owner described her messy family drama and multiple lawsuits, the restaurant and bar has now closed.
Mrs. Fields
The final Arizona location of Mrs. Fields has sold its last cookies. The company got its start in California and grew to include hundreds of locations around the world. Now, less than a hundred remain. Arizona’s only store was located at the Chandler Fashion Center, where it sold cookies, brownies and other sweet treats.
Tasteful Tailgates
After a short run, the southeast Mesa sports bar Tasteful Tailgates has closed. The bar and restaurant opened on the southwest corner of Power Road and the Loop 202 five months ago in the former home of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.
