Durant's has served steaks and martinis in Phoenix since making its debut in 1950. Over the years, it became a destination for everything from date nights to important business meetings between Valley politicians.
Jack Durant originally opened the restaurant, which he later passed on to Jack and Carol McElroy, who stewarded the classic spot for decades. Earlier this year, the ownership changed again, when the restaurant was sold to Prime Steak Concepts.
Prime is owned by the Mastro family, who opened the original Mastro's Steakhouse in Scottsdale in 1999. They have since sold that restaurant chain, but they now run Steak 44 and 48, Ocean 44 and 48 and Dominick's Steakhouse.
Brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro, their dad Dennis Mastro and business partner Scott Troilo bought Durant's to add it to the Prime lineup. In an announcement posted to the Durant's website, Mike Mastro shared excitement over the acquisition and appreciation for the iconic spot.
"To loosely quote Patek Philippe, you never own a legend like Durant’s, you simply look after it for the next generation," he said. "My family and I are thrilled with the acquisition and intend to bring a renaissance to this iconic steakhouse and expand its legendary status for generations to come.”
The red-hued dining room has been a staple of Durant's for most of its 75 years. Now, updates are in the works.
Dominic Armato
Whether the Phoenix staple's moody red dining room, tuxedo-clad servers and crisp martinis will remain has yet to be seen, as the new owners have kept details of the renovation close to their chest.
But the changes they are making are taking longer than planned. The steakhouse was originally set to celebrate its grand reopening this fall. But now, the new ownership has confirmed the target date is Dec. 10.
Durant's
Opening Dec. 102611 N. Central Ave.
