Category: non-profit

Round up for Eric Marsh Found. at Bill’s Grill & Red, White & Brew

A somber day is approaching as the 12th anniversary of the 19 firefighers of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Fire near Prescott on June 30th, 2013. Two of Prescott’s favorite restaurants, Bill’s Grill and Red, White & Brew are honoring their lives with fundraisers in June for the Eric Marsh Foundation for Wildland Firefighters.

The Prescott non-profit helps wildfire firefighters and their families through financial and emotional support as many firefighters are volunteering to protect the Arizona wilderness. The Foundation is named after and is the legacy of the Granite Mountain Hotshots Superintendent.

“This cause is deeply personal to the Prescott community and to anyone who understands the risks wildland firefighters take every time they go out,” said Bill Toole, owner of POV Foods. “We want to keep their legacy alive and support the families and crews who continue to serve with the same dedication.”

Throughout June, guests can round up their checks with the proceeds benefiting the Foundation. On Monday, June 30th both restaurants will donate $1 of each specially created burger sold to the foundation as well. The month-long fundraiser also helps in remembering the bravery of the 19 firefighters, so they’re never forgotten.

Burgers for the Eric Marsh Foundation

At Bill’s Grill guests can order the Valor burger or the Five Alarm Chili Size burger and the Hot Shot burger at Red, White & Brew.

The Five Alarm Chili Size burger features a brioche bun stacked with a juicy patty, house made chili, ghost pepper cheese, fried jalapeños and chipotle aioli.

The Valor burger keeps it classic with cheddar, ketchup-based Valor sauce, red onion, lettuce, tomato and pickle.

The Hot Shot burger features a half-pound patty topped with poblano peppers, pepper jack cheese, onion tanglers and poblano crema, served on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion and a choice of one side.

“We’re grateful for this continued support from Bill’s Grill and Red, White & Brew,” said Amanda Marsh, founder and executive director of the Eric Marsh Foundation. “These kinds of partnerships make it possible for us to meet the needs of wildland firefighters and their families when it matters most.”

2025 Summer Chef Series from Devour Phoenix

We’re still a month away from the official start of summer 2025 and no matter how hot it gets, you still must eat. So why not let four of the best chefs from around the valley cook for you once a month. If that sounds good to you, the 2025 Summer Chef Series dinners are scheduled on the 3rd Monday of the month from May to September with each dinner featuring two valley chefs who will create a seasonal 4-course menu to celebrate community and showcase local culinary creativity.

Each month’s dinner starts at 6 p.m. and tickets for the Dinner Series are an all-inclusive $1,250 per person ($250 per dinner) and come with curated drink pairings. Heading out of town to cool off, don’t worry the tickets are transferable and they make great gifts for your favorite foodie or split with friends. There will be no refunds. One guest at each dinner will win a pair of tickets to the 2026 Devour Culinary Classic. The series is a partnership with Local First Arizona and In Good Spirits Hospitality with the schedule below.

  • Monday, May 19 – Chefs Stephen Jones & Lori Hashimoto at The Larder + The Delta
  • Monday, June 16 – Chefs Bernie Kantak & Gio Osso at The Gladly
  • Monday, July 21 – Chefs Justin Beckett & Stephen Jones at Beckett’s Table
  • Monday, August 18 – Chefs Lori Hashimoto & Bernie Kantak at  Hana Japanese Eatery
  • Monday, September 15 – Chefs Justin Beckett & Gio Osso at Virtù Honest Craft

For more information and to reserve your seat visit their website.

 

M.I.K.I.D and Red, White & Brew partner to raise money

Red, White & Brew is partnering for the month of May with Mentally Ill Kids in Distress (M.I.K.I.D) at its Mesa and Prescott restaurants. The Arizona nonprofit is committed to improving the behavioral health and wellness of children and youth through its family centered approach.

Starting today through May 31st guests can “Dine & Donate” by ordering the popular Lemon Basil Chicken entree and or a Church Music IPA from The Shop Beer Co. $2 will be donated for each entree ordered and $1 from each beer sold hurchwill be donated to directly to M.I.K.I.D. Every bite and sip will help to raise money for critical support, preventive education and reunification of families navigating the challenges of youth mental health throughout Arizona.

For more information visit Red, White & Brew’s and M.I.K.I.D. websites.

Mowry & Cotton hosting Derby Day Porch Party

With the 151st running of The Kentucky Derby coming up on Saturday, May 3rd, Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician Resort will be serving up a variety of Southern-inspired foods & cocktails at their annual Derby Day Porch Party. From 1 – 4 p.m. enjoy southern hospitality while watching the race(s) on TVs and large projection screens along with Derby Day activities and entertainment emceed by Master of Ceremonies Sean McLaughlin of Arizona’s Family 3TV/CBS5.

Socialize with other guests while sipping on Mint Juleps, served in a take home commemorative copper cup, and signature cocktails while dining on savory and sweet Southern foods from the Mowry & Cotton culinary team. They will be serving pickled deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, bourbon balls and other delicacies. On the outdoor patio, hanger steaks and other dishes will be grilled over an open flame.

Guests are encouraged to wear their best spring attire and fancy hats to win prizes for several “Best Dressed” categories and winner’s circle prizes will be awarded for raffles with horses that win, place or show. A DJ will bring the energy and entertain, and a special VIP guest racehorse will be available for photos. Woodford Reserve will serve samples and custom engraved Kentucky Derby labeled bottles will be available for purchase. A portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated to After The Homestretch- Arizona. The local non-profit helps to protect the legacy of former racehorses through reconditioning, retraining and re-homing.

Tickets for the Derby Day Porch Party are $150++ per person and include all food, 2 signature cocktails, bourbon samples, contest prizes and a take home swag bag. To purchase tickets, click on The Phoenicians website or at Eventbrite.

State Forty Eight collaborates with Spinato’s

Locally owned Spintato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen and the State Forty Eight Foundation are collaborating on a new pizza and margarita to support local entrepreneurs until May 31st at all six Spinato’s locations. The State Forty Eight Pizza is the first specialty pizza at Spinato’s using Hayden Flour Mills flour. In late 2024 Spinato’s decided to offer a healthier and locally grown & milled flour and made the switch to Hayden Flour Mills, which is one of Arizona’s oldest companies.

“We are big fans of State Forty Eight and we jumped at the chance to collaborate with them on a pizza to raise funds for their foundation,” said Anthony Spinato, CEO of Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen. “Mike Spangenberg and his State Forty Eight team do tremendous work supporting small businesses and startups. We admire their innovation and commitment to strengthening our community, and we’re excited that our guests can help support their efforts as well.”

The State Forty Eight Pizza is a zesty Southwest Margarita pizza made with olive oil, mozzarella, Pico de Gallo, feta, lime crema, cotija, and cilantro. The Phoenix is an orange blossom margarita paying tribute to valley’s once thriving citrus industry.

Celebrate State Forty Eight on April 9th

The celebratory launch is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th at Spinato’s Gilbert location at Epicenter at Agritopia from 6 -8 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended where guests can win prizes, fun surprises and enjoy live music from Hayley Green. A portion of the proceeds from pizza, margarita, t-shirts and stickers will be donated to the SFE Foundation.

“Arizona is full of incredible, talented entrepreneurs with diverse business challenges. Our goal is to lift them up with support and guidance. Ultimately, we want to build a thriving ecosystem of local businesses committed to creating a stronger economy for all who call Arizona home,” Mike Spangenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of State Forty Eight and Chairman of the Board for the State Forty Eight Foundation said. He is also grateful to collaborate with Spinato’s to support local business’.

Prices for the pizza are $18.25 (small); $24.25 (medium), and $30.25 (large). The Phoenix Margarita is $16. Special pricing packages are also available that include the pizza, margaritas, stickers, and the special collaborative T-shirt.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

The Main Ingredient raising $$ for Pediatric Cancer

The Coranado neighborhood restaurant since 2010 is celebrating the opening of their new outdoor bar with $4.80 draft beers from 2p.m. til closing, raffles to win free sandwiches for a year, entertainment and an afternoon ribbon cutting with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. A portion of all the day’s sales will be donated to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, who helps local families affected by cancer.

Pita Jungle Gilbert to donate money next Tuesday

On March 25th the location at 1431 E. Williams Field Rd. will donate 50% to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Guests dining in must mention LLS when ordering and those ordering online can enter promo code LLS as the coupon code. Third party deliveries are excluded from this promotion.

Women in Wine Tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The downtown Phoenix wine bar will be pouring 3 wines made by women on Thursday, March 27th from 6 -8 p.m. The cost is $10 unless you’re a Wine Club member then it’s free. The wines poured will be 20% off bottle purchases during the evening.

Bad Jimmy’s opens in Scottsdale

The popular burger food truck turned brick & mortar restaurant opened its 2nd location in Scottsdale this week at Miller & Indian School Rds. Open Wednesday – Monday at 11 a.m. the Scottsdale location follows the Downtown Phoenix location and presides a third location opening later in 2025 in Uptown Phoenix.

Thai Chili 2 Go continues expanding in 2025 and 2026

The quick casual Thai concept will be opening 7 locations in the coming 2 years with the first in Queen Creek in late March. Other locations opening later this year include Marana (near Tucson), Peoria (Vistancia), Surprise (Asante), Buckeye and near Cactus Rd. & Loop 303. In 2026 a second location in Buckeye at Verrado is planned. The new openings will bring a total of over 20 locations in Arizona.

Waste Not partners with Pita Jungle on National Pita Day

For more than 36 years Waste Not has been sustainably gathering unused food from restaurants and events then distributing them to food shelters and non-profits to help prevent food waste and hunger. Saturday, March 29th is National Pita Day and the non-profit and Pita Jungle have partnered to raise money to help the cause.

“We’re thrilled to once again join forces with Waste Not,” says Pita Jungle Co-Founder Bassel Osmani. “In continuation with our multi-years collaboration with Waste Not and thus consolidating our support in aiding the suppression of food insecurity, Pita Jungle commits to contribute proceeds from our National Pita Day promotion to support their meaningful mission.”

A $1 from every pita sandwich sold will be donated to the non-profit including Mediterranean Roasted Chicken (Shawarma), Falafel Pita, Grilled Chicken Pita, Gyro, Philly Chicken and Philly Steak Pitas and vegan pita offerings. The day long promotion is available for dine-in or take-out at participating locations.

“Pita Jungle has been an incredible partner to Waste Not for more than a decade,” says Tonia Smith, Development Manager at Waste Not. “Their support helps ensure that thousands of Arizonans facing hunger receive nourishing meals through our programs. Arizona has the worst overall food waste in the country while nearly one million people in our state experience food insecurity. Partnerships like this are essential to raising awareness, rescuing more food, and creating a lasting impact for both people and the planet.”

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Fish Fry Fridays at Chompie’s

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m hooked on fish n chips, now we all can get a platter at all Chompie‘s Phoenix area locations every Friday. Hand-dipper beer battered cod with crispy fries, cole slaw and homemade tartar sauce for only $17.99 starting at 11:00 a.m.

Chef Joey raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The local celebrity chef is raising money for the next 10 weeks in honor of his daughter Giuliana who has stage 1 Lymphoma. A portion of sales from wines by the glass sales at The Italiano and margarita sales at The Mexicano will be donated to LLS.

Terra Tempe gets Wicked through the end of March

The signature restaurant in the Westin Tempe turns into the Emerald City while the award-winning play has its run at nearby Gammage Auditorium. Signature cocktails like the gin based “Green for Good” and Instagram worthy enchanted bites are available.

Get free bagels at Barrio Bread

While bagel & pizza lovers wait for the opening of, Don Guerra’s Bagel & Slice he’s offering up 2 free bagels with the purchase of a loaf of bread from his Barrio Bread. Until the opening guests can order then pick-up bread and complimentary bagels on Tuesday’s & Friday’s from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at their Hayden Flour Mill commissary in Gilbert.

Ling & Louie’s Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price on weekends

Every Saturday & Sunday get a 1/2 priced brunch entree with the purchase of one at full price at their Scottsdale location. A portion of proceeds from their Big-Hearted Brunch will be donated to local charities. It can’t be combined with other offers, and you should mention this offer when ordering.

Bell Bank, O.H.S.O Brewery & Mark Tarbell partner to raise money

Valley beer drinkers will want to grab two new beers created by local brewer O.H.S.O Brewery as part of a partnership between Bell Bank and Chef & Restaurateur Mark Tarbell. $2 of every pint sold of “Slice and Dice Rice” Lager and “Yes, Chef” Amber Lager will be donated to C-CAP by Bell Bank & O.H.S.O and Tarbell’s picture will be featured on the limited production cans. C-CAP helps Phoenix area culinary students and teachers with programs and resources for students looking to get a higher education in the culinary arts and enter the restaurant industry.

“O.H.S.O., Bell Bank and Tarbell’s, have come together to give back to a great cause. C-CAP is an amazing organization that helps young high school students all over the country pursue their dreams through culinary programs. It’s when businesses come together in support of such causes that real magic and change can happen. What an honor to be a part of it all,” said Bell Bank Champion Mark Tarbell.

The beers pair well with many dishes found at O.H.S.O and Tarbell offered a few pairings. Rice Lager – Hamachi Crudo, Fresh Made Potato Chips and Caviar, Phở Amber Lager – Boars Head Bratwurst, West TX Babyback Ribs, West TX Pulled Pork, Jamaican Jerk Chicken. The beers will be available through the holiday season or until supplies run out and a check presentation to C-CAP will be held in early 2025.

“This collaboration is definitely one of the most festive ways we like to pay it forward and help a really deserving cause in each city every year,” said Kyle Kennedy, Bell Bank’s Phoenix president and Arizona banking director. “We thank Mark Tarbell for his support, and we hope everyone will come out to O.H.S.O and Tarbell’s this season to support this incredible organization which helps give students a great opportunity to thrive in the culinary arts.”

 

Veteran’s Day meals & deals around Arizona

Veteran’s Day is Monday, November 11th and on that day, we honor our military personnel and their families thanking them for their service and dedication to the United States of America. Throughout Arizona restaurants salute them by saving some money on food & drinks.

Cider Corps– Mesa- The veteran owned cidery not only celebrates Veteran’s Day but it’s 7th anniversary the weekend of November 8th-11th. Four new ciders including Ghost Army, Top Dogs and more will be released along with fun & games and limited-edition merchandise for sale.

Original Breakfast House– North Phoenix- Veterans and active military personnel get a free meal for breakfast or lunch. There will also be a festive parking lot party with live music, muscle cars and more. The day is also a fundraiser for Tunnels to Towers Tempe. The nonprofit was founded for firefighter Stephen Siller and other first responders who lost their life on September 11th, 2001.

Bill’s Grill– Prescott- A free All-American burger & fries to all active and retired military personnel. No purchase necessary.

Roaring Fork– Scottsdale- All active and retired military with military I.D. get 20% off their meal not including alcohol, tax & tip starting at 4 p.m. when you dine-in.

Burrito Express– Multiple locations- All active and retired military get a free burrito with valid I.D.

Miracle Mile Deli- Phoenix- Veteran’s always get 10% off at MMD but on the 11th they get 20% with I.D. for dine-in or take-out.

Rusty Spur Saloon– Old Town Scottsdale- Free t-shirt for retired and active members of the military. No purchase necessary, while supplies last.

32 Shea– North Phoenix- Free medium coffee of any kind, no purchase necessary.

Lakeside Bar & Grill– Peoria– A free Lakeside Burger for all members of the military, active & retired. No purchase necessary.

Red, White & Brew– Mesa & Prescott- All members of the military get a free appetizer on Sunday, November 10th.