The Wandering Tortoise, the neighborhood beer shop and taproom on Indian School Road, has a new food option. Transfer Station is the latest venture from the taproom's owner and the team behind 2322, a private dining space just across the street.
Since opening The Wandering Tortoise in 2016, owner Shay Gau has collaborated with various food trucks to complement the bar’s rotating selection of craft beer. Most recently, Sink or Swim held a long-term residency before closing in the fall. With its departure, regulars eagerly awaited the next culinary chapter for the popular taproom.
“The concept of the Tortoise was always supposed to be about beer and wine – focus on one thing really well, with a food truck element always in place. We've been fortunate over the years to have a lot of really good people work with us,” Gau says.
In addition to The Wandering Tortoise, Gau runs 2322. He opened the meal prep service, private dining space and catering kitchen with his longtime friend and business partner, Paul Lindsay. At times when outside vendors weren't available to pop up at The Wandering Tortoise, 2322 stepped in. Eventually, the duo realized it was time to take control of the food service themselves.
“We were ready to take it over, and having the kitchen across the street, it just made sense for that to be our next move," Gau says. "We have eight years of data of what other people have done, what has worked, what hasn't worked."
Gau and Lindsay met while working at LGO Hospitality over 15 years ago. In 2021, they co-founded 2322 just a short walk from The Wandering Tortoise. They knew that this centrally located part of Phoenix was the ideal space for growing their family of brands.
“I didn't really want to do anything anywhere else – it makes sense. We have some strong roots in the community in this neighborhood. That always helps when you're trying to start a new business, which is not easy,” Gau says.
Lindsay’s journey to 2322 started with a private dining and meal prep business. He grew his business beyond what he could tackle himself from home, and knew that Gau would be the perfect partner. The duo looked for a space for about six months before striking gold on a spot 200 yards from The Wandering Tortoise.
Now open on the backyard patio of The Wandering Tortoise, Transfer Station offers a menu designed to pair seamlessly with the bar’s selection. All dishes are prepared at 2322 and finished on-site.
“The Thai skewers are one of my favorites,” Lindsay says, describing the 48-hour process. "The chicken thigh takes on flavor and it is served with peanut sauce.”
Other standout menu items include skin-on potato wedges, a warm pretzel with mustard and beer cheese, a grass-fed semi-smashed burger and dumplings with ponzu.
The approach is dynamic, with no hesitation to adjust the offerings. Aside from the consistent staples, the menu rotates weekly with various cultural inspirations and cuisine options. This new food element keeps the business partners on their toes.
“One night, we’re working on the food truck, and the next night, we’re doing a five-course dinner in our (2322) space," Lindsay says. "That’s a really cool, different thing that not a lot of chefs get to do."
