These metro Phoenix restaurants closed in March — one after more than 70 years

Bahar Anooshahr, Arizona Republic
Updated ·4 min read

This spring brought some major changes to the Valley’s restaurant scene. Despite more than 40 restaurants opening, a history-making chef and some longtime restaurateurs announced plans to retire and close their businesses in the coming months.

March marked the end for of some Valley staples and oldest establishments, as well as some newcomers. An outdoor food entertainment venue, a Detroit-style pizzeria, a long-time bakery, a family-owned barbecue joint and a historic ice cream shop said goodbye this month, leaving a slew of disappointed fans sharing their nostalgic memories on and off social media.

Here's a look at the metro Phoenix restaurants that closed in March.

Pemberton

The Pemberton, a popular outdoor food and entertainment venue on Roosevelt Row, closed after three years. Located near the corner of Second and Portland streets, The Pemberton opened in February 2021.

An Instagram post dated Feb. 8 announced that The Pemberton was closing at the end of March. The post did not allude to why.

The post read: "The Pemberton crew wants to thank ownership for all of the amazing support and allowing our businesses to thrive and grow these last several years - what a fun place to come to work this has been!"

With the tagline "for the community, by the community" The Pemberton PHX offered everything from craft beers to yoga in the front yard.
With the tagline "for the community, by the community" The Pemberton PHX offered everything from craft beers to yoga in the front yard.

Via 313

Detroit-style pizzeria Via 313 in Tempe has closed permanently after less than nine months.

The Texas-based pizza restaurant opened its first Arizona restaurant in Tempe, near the Sun Devil Stadium and Desert Financial Arena, on June 26, 2023. Less than a year later, a visit to the restaurant revealed packed boxes and a note on the door that read: "Valued customers, we regret to inform you that this restaurant is closed. We appreciate your patronage and hope to see you at one of our other locations soon."

There are no other Via 313 pizza shop locations in Arizona.

Arizona BBQ Company

Arizona BBQ Company in Gilbert closed on March 23 after six years.

Located on the corner of Ray Road and Val Vista Drive, husband and wife owners Mark and Colette Nichols served barbecue with Southwestern touches like green chili and habanero sauce. Each plate also came with a side of fresh tortillas. The couple announced their plan to close “with a heavy heart” in an Instagram post dated March 17.

“Despite exhaustive efforts to adjust our business model and reduce costs, the persistent downturn in business, exacerbated by the current economic climate and continual rising operational costs, makes it no longer a viable option for Arizona BBQ Company to remain open.”

Mary Coyle Ol' Fashion Ice Cream

The Mary Coyle Ol’ Fashion Ice Cream parlor, home to 16% butterfat ice cream, has closed permanently after 73 years in the Valley.

Mary Coyle Ol’ Fashion Ice Cream began serving house-made ice cream in 1951 when its namesake owner moved to Arizona from Ohio and brought her ice cream recipes with her. Since opening, the shop changed hands and locations a few times.

Earlier this year, a note on the door announced: "Landlord of the premises has initiated a lockout of the tenant for default under the lease agreement." As of March 6, the shop was empty, with a Clear Commercial sign listing it as available.

Father and daughter Karl and Christine Boerner in the kitchen at Karl's Quality Bakery, their family-owned and -operated business in Phoenix.
Father and daughter Karl and Christine Boerner in the kitchen at Karl's Quality Bakery, their family-owned and -operated business in Phoenix.

Karl's Quality Bakery

Karl's Quality Bakery in Sunnyslope closed after 30 years at the end of March.

The owner, Christine Boerner, announced in an Instagram post dated March 25: "Auf Wiedersehen and thank you for 30 years. It Has been an extraordinary journey filled with the aroma of love and the sweetness of shared moments. While our ovens may cool, the warmth of our bakery will forever linger in the hearts and taste buds of those we’ve had the honor to serve. With Love and Butter Always, the Karl's family."

According to Christine, another family-owned bakery from New York will be moving into the space.

Taco Culture Taco Shop

A family-owned taco shop that was ranked one of the best on Yelp in September 2023, closed due the owner's wife facing health issues.

Located at the corner of Chandler Boulevard and 32nd Street, the shop opened in 2019 and made Yelp's best tacos in the U.S. in September 2023.

El Meson restaurant has replaced Taco Culture.

'That was my opus': Phoenix's most iconic chef is closing her historic Mexican restaurant

Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix restaurants that closed recently — one after 73 years