Here’s a look at the ways Arizona restaurants were folded into the news cycle this week.
Downtown Phoenix Bars and Restaurants Grapple With Statewide Curfew
Phil Johnson is the owner and pitmaster of Trapp Haus BBQ, located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District in downtown Phoenix. After contending with the forced closure of his restaurant because of COVID-19 and finally being able to reopen for dine-in on May 11, Johnson has had to shut his doors once again this week because of the statewide curfew imposed by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. We also spoke with Gracie’s Tax Bar owner Grace Perry and co-owner Kell Duncan of The Churchill.
Wren House Brewing Company is starting a new beer overseen by brewer Akil Zakariya. It will be ready in about a month, and all proceeds will go to the NAACP.
Lauren Cusimano
How Phoenix-Area Food and Drink Businesses Are Showing Solidarity
Food-related businesses across Arizona and metro Phoenix employed social media posts, resources highlighting black-owned restaurants, and beer projects to draw attention to the cause of anti-racism. Restaurants closed on Tuesday, June 2. Donations were and are being made. And brewer Akil Zakariya at Wren Wren House Brewing Co. started a new brew yesterday — an unnamed stout — that will be ready in about a month with all proceeds going to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Rag's Real Chicken & Waffles in Youngtown, a west Valley restaurant owned and operated by Ken Smith.
Lauren Cusimano
How to Support Black-Owned Restaurants in Metro Phoenix, According to Three Black Owners
Christian Brantley, who owns downtown Chandler’s West Alley BBQ, says he decided to participate in #BlackoutTuesday — a social media movement intended to amplify black voices — because he believes in the message the nationwide protests are trying to convey. In return, he says, “the Valley came out." Sales surged for black-owned restaurants on Tuesday, but these restaurant owners say there are more ways customers can support their businesses.
the Larder + the Delta near downtown Phoenix is owned and operated by chef Stephen Jones.
Lauren Cusimano