Almost instantly, long lines began snaking around the shopping center as customers rushed in for the fusion eatery's Korean fried chicken and crunchy tacos.
The outpouring of customer support inspired some potential investors, which persuaded the landlords to let the restaurant extend its lease for another month. Owners Jason Morris and chef Richard Hinojosa were hopeful that they could figure something out.
But just a few days before the extension runs out, CRUjiente's team learned there would be no new lease. The restaurant will officially close after dinner service on May 31.
"A couple of days ago, they finally gave us an answer, and the answer was no," Hinojosa says. "We've got a couple of services left and then we've got to clear out."
"The fact that it took a whole month to finally decide and let us know, that was a little frustrating, to put it mildly," he adds.
Hinojosa and Morris opened the restaurant at 40th Street and Camelback Road in November 2016. The concept continued to be successful, and the owners had no desire to close their restaurant. It all came down to the lease. One of the biggest blows to finding out with just a few days left was telling his staff, Hinojosa says.
"It really sucks. I had no intention of giving anyone a three-day notice to the end of a job. That's not how I operate," he says. "Unfortunately, that's the way it worked out."
The restaurant posted news of the impending closure on social media, with a little teaser, saying "hopefully, this is not the end of our story."
But what does the next chapter hold? Hinojosa doesn't know yet.
"I don't have anything in my back pocket. I wish I did," he says. "Somehow, I hope, I pray, we'd love to continue. I never felt like CRUjiente had run its course."
In the immediate future, Hinojosa is focused on serving customers until the food runs out on Friday and Saturday night. The restaurant opens at 4 p.m., and for anyone hoping to snag a last Korean fried chicken or crunchy taco, the chef says get there early.
After the final service, the team will start the mountain of work to move the restaurant out of its home of the last nine years.
"There's a month's worth of work to do in a few days to exit the building," Hinojosa says.
The last few months have been sad and difficult for the entire team, Hinojosa says. But one bright spot has been the outpouring of support from the restaurant's loyal customers. The chef signed off with gratitude.
"It means a lot to Jason and I, and all of the CRU team really, to see how much love and support there's been out there for us," he says. "It really means a lot. So thank you to everybody."
