Southern Rail announces closure. Here's what to know

The Southern restaurant led by chef Justin Beckett is set to close this weekend.

December 21, 2023

Image: Southern Rail, a restaurant from celebrated chef Justin Beckett, announced its impending closure.

Southern Rail, a restaurant from celebrated chef Justin Beckett, announced its impending closure. Southern Rail

Help us weather the uncertain future

We need to raise $7,000 to meet our goal by August 10. If you’re able to make a contribution of any amount, your dollars will make an immediate difference in helping ensure the future of local journalism in Phoenix. Thanks for reading Phoenix New Times.

We know — the economic times are hard. We believe that our work of reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now is more important than ever.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$7,000

$3,400

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "21251496",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "21327862",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "16759093",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "17980324",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "21934225",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25          
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "17980324",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17012245",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

The celebrated Camelback Road restaurant Southern Rail is set to close on Dec. 23.

The duo of couples that own the uptown Phoenix restaurant, Justin and Michelle Beckett and sommeliers Scott and Katie Stephens, posted the news on the restaurant's social media on Thursday afternoon, giving fans just a couple of days to stop by for a final meal.

"We wish to share that Southern Rail has been sold after 9 1/2 years," the post explains. "We are honored to have fed you and nourished you."

click to enlarge

Southern Rail was located at The Newton shopping center on Camelback Road.

New Times Archives

The post went on to explain that the restaurant was bought by "a talented, local and independent restaurant group," and that a new concept will be opening in The Newton shopping center in 2024. The small collection of businesses on Camelback Road recently got another new neighbor, when Flagstaff brunch restaurant The Toasted Owl Cafe opened its first Valley location.

Southern Rail was the couples' second restaurant concept. They opened Beckett's Table in 2010. The original Arcadia-area spot remains open.

Southern Rail opened in 2014, and featured a large patio, a comfortable restaurant complete with repurposed leather booths and a cozy bar. The idea for the concept was inspired by Scott Stephens' Louisiana roots and Justin Beckett's love for Southern food.

As for the bourbon cocktails and crackly fried chicken at Southern Rail, customers have until the end of service on Dec. 23 to get a taste.

Southern Rail

300 W. Camelback Road

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.

A message from Tirion Boan: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Phoenix's evolving dining scene and the chefs and restaurants that serve our community.

Support Today