Funviralpark Phoenix’s food scene is constantly evolving, with movers and shakers making waves, new restaurants opening and winning awards. This year, two of her Arizona chefs won him one of the culinary world’s highest honors, several Phoenix institutions celebrated major milestones, and several long-standing stores closed. The announcement shocked customers. Here are the biggest Phoenix Food News stories of 2022.
Jacob Tyler Dunn
Two Arizona Chefs Win James Beard Awards
Arizona celebrates the names of Don Guerra and Chris Bianco. These two chefs each make the best bread in Tucson and the best pizza in Phoenix. This year, the James Beard Foundation made national headlines by awarding an icon to Arizona. Don Guerra took home his Outstanding Baker title and Chris Bianco won his Outstanding Restaurateur title.
the breakfast bitch has moved
The drama-ridden restaurant — whose owner was facing up to 20 years in prison — closed its original Phoenix location, but not for the expected reasons. Despite Tracii Show Hutsona’s legal troubles, the restaurant has reopened at a more prominent location in downtown Phoenix a few blocks away. The restaurant is now open and serves brunch in Roosevelt’s Row space, where he previously hosted Golden Margaritas. This restaurant closed after the drama, resulting in a lawsuit.
Jose Jimenez dies
My beloved father, grandfather, husband and cook, José Jiménez, passed away in November. Most recently, she worked at Little Miss BBQ and her Cloth & Flame pop-up event company. One evening, on his bike ride home, he couldn’t get back to his family. Phoenix police found a corpse in the canal the next morning, later identifying it as Jimenez. Food his community has rallied around his family, hosting last concert his events, naming menu items, and crafting his beer in his honor.
Bliss ReBAR’s large patio was the perfect place to relax.
Melissa Fossum
Valley agency closed
Some restaurants are relatively short-lived, but few are lucky enough to stand the test of time. This year was the last day of multiple long-running Valley institutions. LGBTQ hangout Bliss ReBAR in downtown Phoenix has closed after 12 years. In Tempe, Chompie’s closed after his 25 years of operation, House of Tricks said goodbye after his 34 years, and PF Chang’s served its last customers after his 24 years.
Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen + Bar, adjacent to Chase Field, celebrated its grand opening on June 15th.
Nicky Michelle Charnstrom
Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen + Bar Opens Downtown
Discerning foodies may find this new downtown restaurant a long way from Flavortown, but news of Guy Fieri’s new restaurant exploded online this year. , the barbed-haired chef has partnered with Caesars Sportsbook to open Arizona’s first restaurant near Chase Field. The large space doubles as a restaurant and sports betting hub, complete with giant burgers, Fieri’s famous trash nachos, and gambling kiosks.
Phoenix Cafes gathered after Roe
People across the country were rocked this year when the Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe V. Wade and the constitutional right to abortion. There have been multiple rallies and protests in Phoenix, and several Valley restaurants and cafes have stepped up to help communities share their voices. It is one of the businesses that has become a place where you can sign petitions to vote on your right to freedom initiatives.
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza.
Zee Peralta
Celebrated birthday icon
Unfortunately, some long-standing restaurants have closed this year, while others have doubled down and celebrated major milestones. Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s iconic 16th Street spot Barrio Café celebrated its 20th anniversary. In Mesa, quirky restaurant and concert hall Organ Stop Pizza celebrated 50 years of slinging and pipe-playing with his 50 days of deals and discounts. .
the breadfruit is back — Sorting
The Breadfruit & Rum Bar was known for its cozy downtown Phoenix space, expert cocktails and excellent Jamaican cuisine. Bread Fruits closed when restaurants across the state closed due to COVID-19. But when others reopened, the Valley favorite remained closed. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlor offers a taste of old-fashioned restaurants. The restaurant appears inside an acclaimed cocktail bar, serving customers Ross Simon’s award-winning cocktails with jerk shrimp and sweet plantains.
A cocktail pro fell from grace
Tyka Chheng was a leading name in the Valley’s cocktail scene. He is known for creating unique drinks, most recently for incorporating his personality and traditions into his Khla, a downtown Phoenix cocktail bar based on Southeast Asian culture and ingredients. I’m here. But this year, he became known for even more nefarious reasons. A series of social posts on his media gathered momentum, accusing Chen of sexually harassing women online. His business partner soon cut him out of his ownership group.
The Gypsy Cup brings a European café vibe to Gilbert.
Gaby Ursinger
Gilbert significantly reduced his caffeine intake
The Gilbert Heritage District has seen a bit less caffeine later this year as two of its local coffee shops have closed. Bergies, a beloved indoor-outdoor space with expansive patios and gardens, closed on Christmas Eve after 14 years of serving the community. A few blocks away, Gypsy Cup, a cute new cafe in town, has closed after only eight months in business.
