Iconic Phoenix steakhouse Durant's is reopening. Here's when

With new owners, some renovations and improvements, the Central Avenue staple is on track to reopen soon.

June 24, 2025

Image: The red-hued dining room has been a staple of Durant's for most of its 75 years. Now, updates are in the works.

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

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Along Central Avenue, an iconic steakhouse served Valley diners for 75 years. When Durant's announced its closure in February, many mourned its dim red dining room, stiff martinis and shrimp cocktail served by sharply dressed waiters.

But now, the restaurant is on track to reopen.

Jack Durant founded his namesake restaurant, which opened just south of Thomas Road in 1950. He passed the torch to Jack and Carol McElroy, who ran the historic spot for years. Earlier this year, ownership changed again, with the Mastro family taking over.

Brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro, their dad Dennis Mastro and business partner Scott Troilo are the proud new owners of the Phoenix icon. And they have plenty of steakhouse experience to lean on. The Mastro family opened the first Mastro's Steakhouse in Scottsdale in 1999. They later sold the Mastro's brand, but have opened other spots including Steak 44 and 48, Ocean 44 and 48 and Dominick's Steakhouse.

click to enlarge

Durant's was known for more than its steaks. The best move may have been to stop by the bar for a stiff drink and some shrimp.

Dominic Armato

Durant's is the latest steakhouse brand to join the family-owned group.

“It’s a privilege and honor to acquire the restaurant and to preserve its history, while enhancing its future for generations to come,” Jeff Mastro said in an announcement posted to the Durant's website.

Since the restaurant closed earlier this year, the new owners have made "some renovations and improvements to the kitchen while preserving the look and feel of the famous dining room," according to the announcement.

Progress has been coming along, and according to a spokesperson for the company, Durant's is scheduled to reopen late this fall.

Durant's

Opening late fall
2611 N. Central Ave.

Tirion Boan is the Food Editor of Phoenix New Times where she’s worked since May 2022. Tirion keeps a close eye on restaurant openings and closings, offers dining recommendations and reports on metro Phoenix food news and trends. She also publishes major annual lists like Top 100 Bars and Top 100 Restaurants, and contributes to the Best of Phoenix project. Tirion previously worked for publications including The Arizona Republic and The Tucson Weekly. She holds a bachelor’s of arts in journalism from the University of Arizona.

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