Ghett Yo Taco’s + Wings
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While some exciting new restaurants opened their doors in October, more than a dozen Valley eateries said goodbye.
A West Valley Mexican spot served its last street tacos. A downtown Phoenix bodega sold its final bottles of wine. And in the East Valley, two barbecue restaurants turned off their smokers and two doughnut shops served their last treats.
These 14 Phoenix restaurants, bars and bakeries are now closed.
Revolu Modern Taqueria + Bar
Peoria restaurant Revolu Modern Taqueria + Bar has closed. The restaurant was located on 83rd Avenue right next to Peoria Sports Complex, where it served street-style Mexican food and margaritas in a colorful space. From 2019 to 2023, Revolu also operated a restaurant in uptown Phoenix. All locations of the local spot are now closed.
Ghett Yo Taco’s + Wings
The colorful building that housed Ghett Yo Taco’s + Wings in downtown Chandler was somewhere between a Mexican cantina and a beach shack. Each wall was painted a different color, and the shaded patio felt somewhat homemade. Customers gathered on wooden stools to nosh on saucey wings and plates of tacos, washed down with a cold bottle of Modelo or Jarritos. But after eight years, the vibrant eatery has shuttered.
Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts
The last remaining Arizona location of Duck Donuts has closed its doors. The doughnut chain is based in Pennsylvania and has stores around the country. In Arizona, franchisee Daniel Bruno brought the build-your-own doughnuts to Chandler and Queen Creek. The Queen Creek store closed earlier this year, and now, the Chander shop has shuttered as well.
B.W. Bakery
B.W. Bakery, also known as Baker Wee Bakery, closed after 30 years in business. The bakery posted an announcement on its website, citing “the difficult economy, rising costs, and challenges beyond our control” as the reasons for the closure. The bakery’s closure garnered local media attention after customers spoke out about their cake orders being canceled without notice or refunds.
Amy Young
Mifan Claypot Kitchen
The white, serene dining room of Mifan Claypot Kitchen was punctuated by steaming plates packed with colorful vegetables. The latest eatery from Valley chef and restaurateur Johnny Chu opened in 2022. But now, the restaurant located at the base of the Muse Apartments on Central Avenue has closed.
Controlled Chaos Coffee
Tempe coffee shop Controlled Chaos has closed its cafe on Elliot Road. The cozy shop served traditional and specialty Vietnamese coffee drinks, boba tea, matcha, lemonades and energy drinks. Controlled Chaos served its last drinks on Oct. 11.
Jacqueline Garay
Buena Vida Bodega
Tucked into the Garfield Historic Neighborhood, Buena Vida Bodega sold snacks, natural wines and gifts from its small, cozy storefront. But at the end of October, the shop closed its doors. Owner Jackie Garay shared the news on Buena Vida’s Instagram page, and hinted at a new business, called Pour Amor, that she has in the works.
Big Nate’s Backyard Grill
Big Nate’s Family BBQ has closed its downtown Gilbert restaurant, Big Nate’s Backyard Grill. The family-owned business shared the news on its social media, explaining that the restaurant is “closed indefinitely.” The owners encouraged fans to find their Texas-style barbecue at Mesa locations on Higley and McKellips roads and Power Road and Main Street.
Fratelli la Bufala
Scottsdale Italian restaurant Fratelli la Bufala served wood-fired pizzas, pastas and desserts at The Grove. Another Scottsdale Italian spot, DiMaggio’s, recently took over the space, confirming the closure of the former pizzeria.
Jackie Mercandetti Photo
Word of Mouth Grill
Popular Tempe barbecue restaurant Word of Mouth Grill expanded six months ago, opening a second location in Ahwatukee. The second spot was more casual than the original, offering counter service and takeout. But after a very short run, the new eatery has closed its doors. The original barbecue spot, known for its brisket, pulled pork, homemade rubs and eight different sauces, is still open on the southwest corner of Elliot Road and McClintock Drive.
JoJo’s Shakebar
Milkshakes topped with a cloud of cotton candy and a slice of cake. Cocktails adorned with sprinkles and rock candy. Seasonal events that transformed the restaurant into a winter wonderland or fall festival. And a full food menu with sandwiches, salads and soups. JoJo’s Shakebar had it all. But in mid-October, the over-the-top eatery closed its only location in Arizona. The chain maintains locations in Illinois, Michigan and Florida.
SoJo’s Donuts
Mesa doughnut shop SoJo’s has sold its last treats. The 100% vegan bakery crafted plant-based doughnuts, sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, danishes, scones and more from its colorful, nostalgic shop on Guadalupe Road. SoJo’s served its final customers on Halloween.
Pocha 54 Korean Tapas
After serving customers in the North Valley for two years, High Street eatery Pocha 54 has closed. The restaurant served Korean food designed to be shared and enjoyed over drinks. Beer and soju were best paired with snackable small plates of fried calamari, Korean fried chicken, crab salad or corn cheese. The restaurant also served four different flavors of hot pot.
Jim Louvau
Angel’s Trumpet Ale House
Angel’s Trumpet Ale House is credited with being one of the first craft beer taprooms in Phoenix. But after 13 years, the bar and restaurant has closed. Along with its wide selection of beers, the downtown Phoenix spot was famous for its loaded nachos and crispy wings. There was a second Angel’s Trumpet in Arcadia from 2018 to 2021. But now both locations have closed their doors.
