See also: Postino, Windsor, and Churn Owners to Open Two More Concepts See also: Postino/Windsor Owners to Open New Phoenix Restaurant in Historic Digs
A new pizza place in a historic bank building, wood-fired pizzas designed by master baker MJ Coe, small-batch craft beers, and custom growlers -- it must be the work of Upward Projects, the group comprising Craig DeMarco, wife Kris DeMarco, and Lauren and Wyatt Bailey.
The restaurateurs have announced their newest venture, Federal Pizza, will open on Tuesday, October 9, at 5210 North Central Avenue in Central Phoenix. Federal Pizza will join the neighborhood of two other Upward Projects-owned restaurants, Postino and Windsor & Churn.
Here's what diners can expect.
Located in the historic Al Beadle building, which originally housed the First Federal Savings & Loan Bank (and inspired the restaurant's name), Federal Pizza will serve up sharable starters, salads, and wood-fired pizzas designed by MJ Coe, bread master and husband of notable sweets maker Tammie Coe.
"I was tapped to create a bespoke ciabatta loaf for Postino in the early 2000s, and we are still baking the same exact recipe 11 years later," says Coe. "The pizza here is going to be designed the same way, to stand the test of time and become a part of peoples lives."
And to wash down the wood-fired pies, Federal will offer a seasonal and progressive wine list, small-batch craft beer selections, and custom growlers for to-go orders.
Craig DeMarco says the building's design will be a mid-century feel with modern touches and that the bank's old teller lane will be turned into a pickup window. Inside, diners can belly up to a 30-foot-long butcher block bar, sit around the pizza oven, and stare at the sky thanks to floor to ceiling windows and skylights.
Opening Tuesday, October 9, Federal Pizza will be open for lunch and dinner service seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
No updates on Upward Projects' second restaurant concept, a yet-to-be-named neighborhood Mexican joint which will be located in former home of Aiello's East Coast Italian Dining. An opening date has not been announced and a source says all of the group's efforts are currently on Federal Pizza.
