Food + Restaurants
Record high temperatures prevented restaurants across the Valley from opening outdoor seating in an attempt to recoup lost profits in response to the pandemic. However, a drop in temperatures has businesses taking advantage of temporary dining permits and good weather and opening outdoor seating for their customers.
Dec. 4, 2020
Several Valley chefs are partnering with a nonprofit to provide meals at polling places. The program not only feeds voters, it also nourishes local restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
Nov. 2, 2020
Just because Arizona State Fair fans can’t pack the fairgrounds this year, it doesn’t mean they can’t get a taste of it.
Fair organizers are hosting a drive-thru for two weekends featuring fair food favorites — from turkey legs to funnel cakes.
Sep. 26, 2020
An attorney for Gov. Doug Ducey argues giving restaurants the "privilege" to sell beer, wine and liquor out the door "qualifies as a recovery and response activity because it aids restaurants." More than 100 bars are suing over the decision.
Sep. 22, 2020
The Arizona Restaurant Association is reminding its members to follow rules and guidelines established to keep their staff and customers safe during the pandemic.
Several bars violating COVID-19 safety measures were recently shut down.
Sep. 9, 2020
New data from Yelp show a 23% increase in restaurants that permanently closed between mid-June and mid-July. For local, independent restaurants, the biggest challenges are supply and labor costs.
Aug. 19, 2020
While many restaurants are suffering financially due to COVID-19, there are growing calls for the federal government to help independent restaurants — those that are not part of national brands or large chains. Over the last several months, KJZZ has been following two Phoenix restaurants through the crisis. This report starts downtown where some people waited in triple-digit heat to support their local restaurant.
Aug. 10, 2020
McDonald’s plans to close 200 locations in the United States this year, including more than half located inside Walmart stores. McDonald’s said the low-volume restaurants were slated to close in future years but thanks to the coronavirus they’ll close this year.
Jul. 28, 2020
Many older restaurants across Arizona invested in Series 6 bar licenses due to their value and flexibility. But under Gov. Doug Ducey's executive order closing all bars with Series 6 licenses, these restaurants are in limbo.
Jul. 19, 2020
In recent months, as we’ve seen protests over racial violence across the country and new support for the Black Lives Matter movement, we’ve also seen new support for Black-owned businesses. Some argue that a good place to put those dollars here in Phoenix is toward our burgeoning Black barbecue scene.
Jul. 17, 2020
As the pandemic has raged in our state, we’ve seen businesses close and reopen with new safety protocols in place. But now, as the numbers continue to surge here, some businesses are choosing to close their doors again.
Jul. 16, 2020
Phoenix is following in the footsteps of Mesa and Glendale by allowing restaurants to extend their dining areas.
Jul. 2, 2020
It's Arizona Restaurant Week and restaurants are re-imagining the setup due to COVID-19. Diners have the option for take-out or dine-in to more than 100 participating eateries for this year’s restaurant week. Prices range from about $33 a person to $44, and some restaurants are even offering $44 couple’s meals.
Jun. 26, 2020
Restaurants in Arizona have been allowed to open for dine-in service for some time now, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's business as usual. In order to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, most are operating at low capacity, and with many new restrictions in place.
Jun. 9, 2020
Another weekend is kicking off. And after the crowds seen across the state last weekend, many will be on the lookout for scenes of non-social distancing. Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane had some choice words for party-goers who packed into Old Town Scottsdale restaurants over Memorial Day Weekend.
May. 29, 2020
New figures from OpenTable, the dining app helping people make reservations, show dine-in seating is down 60% in Arizona from a year ago. That's a big decrease, but far better than the 87% drop-off nationwide.
May. 26, 2020
Restaurants are opening again in Arizona. But some managers and owners are still finding themselves short staffed.
May. 20, 2020
As health officials continue their efforts to clamp down on the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Doug Ducey is moving forward with reopening the state’s economy. However, while some are excited to return to service, others say we are not ready yet. This includes people like Food Critic Chris Malloy, whose job depends on dine-in restaurants.
May. 14, 2020
Despite being able to resume dine-in service, it’s far from business as usual for Arizona restaurants. In April, we featured two Phoenix restaurants coping with COVID-19 in different ways. Four weeks later, we check in to see how they’re doing.
→ Gyms, Pools To Open As Gov. Ducey Continues To Relax Restrictions
→ Gyms, Pools To Open As Gov. Ducey Continues To Relax Restrictions
May. 12, 2020
While many Arizona business owners have been pushing to reopen, not everyone is so eager. A growing number of business owners are now voicing their concerns — and saying it’s simply too soon to reopen.
May. 11, 2020
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