Iconic Phoenix steakhouse Durant's reopens with same classic feel
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Durant's steakhouse will reopen on Dec. 17. Photo: Jeremy Duda/Axios
Durant's is reopening under new ownership after a nearly year-long renovation that aimed to keep everything fans know and love about the central Phoenix steakhouse intact.
Why it matters: In a city long defined by rapid growth where everything seems new, Durant's Steakhouse is a historic institution.
State of play: Durant's will reopen for dinner next Wednesday, and soon after for lunch on Fridays.
- The steakhouse temporarily closed in February so the new owners could begin renovations.
- Brothers Jeff and Mike Mastro, their father Dennis Mastro and business partner Scott Troilo — the team behind swanky restaurants like Dominick's Steakhouse, Steak 44 and Ocean 44 — bought Durant's from owners Carol and Jack McElroy early this year.
Zoom in: The renovation's goal was to upgrade the restaurant while preserving its iconic look, layout and vibe.
- "We wanted people to come in and not realize that anything really changed," Jeff Mastro told Axios during a media tour Wednesday.
- The carpeting is new and the plush red booths have been reupholstered and, in the bar area, replaced.
- "This is the original Durant's steakhouse as everybody wanted it to be and we wanted it to be," chief brand officer Oliver Badgio said.
And yes, you can enter from the parking lot through the kitchen, as Durant's customers have always done before.
Between the lines: They kept the classics, like porterhouses, scalloped potatoes, oysters Rockefeller, prime rib, the relish tray and strawberry shortcake, with minor changes to some dishes.
- But the menu now boasts items like lobster thermidor, veal Parmesan, appetizers like fried deviled eggs, and caviar service.
- Mastro said the menu additions, overseen by chief executive chef Marc Lupino, are befitting of a traditional steakhouse.
Flashback: After 75 years, Durant's has seen its share of famous faces and historic moments.
- Mastro recalled that John Wayne played poker in a back dining room, while Badgio noted that Barry Goldwater often dined there with former owner Jack McElroy.