Dough Riders Wood Fired Pizza Co. rises out of pandemic

A year ago Arin Finger didn’t think he’d be making NY -style pizzas around town but he is. He’s one of many stories of 2020 who had to adapt when the global pandemic to over earlier this year. Finger, a franchisee of i9 Sports, a youth sports organization for over seven years knew how to run his own business and with a network of over 2,500 youths and their families, had what was needed to start Dough Riders Wood Fired Pizza Co.

“With no idea how long the closures would last and refund requests pouring in, I had to do something to support my family and my key employees,” says Finger. “Dough Riders is a solution to a need that developed out of COVID-19 — providing families with wholesome food without leaving home — and we’re proud that we can do something during these times that reconnects neighborhoods and communities.”

Dough Riders signature pizzas

He approached i9 Sports soccer instructor Codey Stetler who had a culinary background at his family’s pizzeria and the new business was born. Both Finger and Stetler are from the east coast and knew creating a menu for Dough Riders would be easy. The two now travel the valley with an 800 degree oven in tow making made-to-order pizzas, appetizers, salads and desserts for farmer’s markets, private & corporate events, outdoor concerts or any occasion is where you’ll find them.

Signature pizzas are made in less than 2 minutes including Elote, made with garlic oil, roasted corn and poblano, bacon, cilantro, Mexican cheese and lime crema; the Backyard BBQ, featuring Dough Riders’ signature BBQ ranch base, mozzarella, BBQ chicken, red onions, crispy bacon and scallions. Appetizers include Garlic Knots, Pepperoni Rolls and others and two salads are offered, The Signature and a Caesar. Save room for desserts, the Sweet Bacon Jammin’ and Stuffed Pizzelle Cookies.

To find Dough Riders Wood Fired Pizza Co. follow them on Facebook and Instagram and head to their website for more information.

New quick service and to-go dining concept at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel

The hospitality industry continues to adapt to the changing dining habits due to the pandemic that has burdened 2020. The latest is downtown Phoenix’s FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel which signature restaurant Match Restaurant & Lounge has transformed into Match Market & Bar. The new quick service and to-go dining concept debuted Monday October 12th after the hotel re-opened on October 1st.

“Match Market & Bar is designed to fill a much-needed void in the downtown dining and marketplace scene,” says Tim Sprague of the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel. “MMB is a warm and inviting spot for neighbors and hotel guests alike to gather for a relaxed, comfortable and casual meal and cold drinks; a convenient place to pick up a unique gift or a specialty ingredient for a recipe; or a late-night pit-stop to grab an in-room or on-the-way-home midnight snack.”

Quick service dining options

The artisan market offers quick service breakfast, lunch and dinner along with to-go meals and wine, curbside pick-up and a pantry with staples & gifts. Locals and hotel guests can expect trunk shows and pop-up shops that will feature gifts from locals and others like those found in the curated market. The comfortable bar and lounge features specialty cocktails, an extensive wine list, an inviting patio and nightly happy hour.

“We’ve recreated our signature concept to perfectly fit the neighborhood and serve the needs of our guests — whether they are business or social travelers.” say Sprague. Hotel staff is working hard to provide a safe and healthy environment by following strict CDC guidelines. The hotel is looking to hire in several positions throughout the hotel, market & bar. Qualified applicants can submit a resume to mrkyalsky@foundrehotels.com

The Market and Kitchen is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; the Espresso Bar is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; and the Bar opens for service at 11:00 a.m. FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel is at 1100 N. Central Ave. Phoenix 85003.

 

Lumberjack’s Taco Shack on Food Network’s Supermarket Stakeout

Four year old Lumberjack’s Taco Shack has taken to the streets and heading to your TV. Owner Cash Murphy rolled out of his taco shack in Tempe into a food truck in recent weeks and tonight he’s featured on the Food Network’s “Supermarket Stakeout”.

There will be a viewing party for tonight’s episode at Club Red in Mesa with Lumberjack’s Taco Shack food truck. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. running until 11:30 with the episode airing at 10. Large screens inside Club Red are set up and the bar is open with social distancing. Get your tacos while you can because Murphy heads to Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin for the summer before returning to Arizona in October.

During the recent pandemic Murphy loaded up his food truck with an ice cream PA on it announcing his arrival in the neighborhoods selling his tacos. He has several Facebook pages and Youtube channels featuring his cooking. On his Cooking with Cash channel and page he teaches people how to cook at home on a limited budget, PANdemic- Recipes for Quarantine. The videos have been very popular and he hopes tonight’s appearance will continue to spread the word of his award-winning tacos.

To taste the tacos and view Supermarket Stakeout tonight visit Club Red at 1360 W. University Dr. Mesa 85201.

 

A virtual bao & dumpling food festival is happening

Many daily activities and special events have gone virtual in the last few weeks with the social distancing of the coronavirus. The organizers of the Arizona Bao & Dumpling Festival are in the process of re-scheduling the festival to the Fall and are organizing 2 virtual online parties. The Bao & Dumpling Online Party’s are scheduled on Facebook for Saturday April 25th and May 23rd. The online parties were created to the spirit of the festival alive while showing the diversity of the food.

The FREE parties start at 6 p.m. and invites foodies to share homemade bao & dumpling photos and socialize with foodies. They’ve also put together a resource guide full of recipes, different types of bao and dumplings, pictures and a directory of local restaurants doing bao & dumpling for takeout.

For a chance to win tickets to the re-scheduled festival, join the party by clicking on the Facebook link above and to get the Resource Guide click on this link. Tickets are still on sale for the festival and can be transferred to the new date when it’s been confirmed.

 

Let Chompie’s cook your home bound Passover and Easter feast

Holidays Passover and Easter don’t get cancelled because of the coronavirus, just with no large gatherings of celebration and cheer. In home traditions and meals will still be enjoyed with family and that means cooking a small feast. All 7 Chompie’s locations are preparing meal packages for delivery and pick up for the week long Passover from April 8th – 16th and Easter Sunday on the 12th. Below are several meal packages with pick up & delivery options for both holidays.

The following Passover Meal Box options are available via Door Dash Delivery only (not for takeout or curbside):

Turkey Dinner with Matzo Stuffing including roasted potatoes, home style green beans, a pint of matzo ball soup and three macaroons, $25.99

Brisket Dinner with a potato pancakehome style green beans, a pint of matzo ball soup and three macaroons, $25.99

Pre-packaged items include:

Matzo Box – $7.50

Honey Cake $12

Marble Sponge, $10

Half pound of Vanilla Macaroons, $10

Half pound of Vanilla Meringues, $10

The following Passover Dinner To-Go options are available for curbside pickup:

INDIVIDUAL MEALS (minimum six people for takeout pre-order), $34.95 each —

Choice of one starter:

House made Chopped Liver
Gefilte Fish with Horseradish

Choice of one soup:
Chicken with Matzo Ball
Sweet & Sour Cabbage

Choice of one entree:
Half Roasted Chicken with Matzo Stuffing
Braised Brisket of Beef with Gravy
Roasted Turkey Breast with Matzo Stuffing & Gravy

Choice of one potato:
Large Crisp Potato Latke with applesauce
Roasted Potatoes with caramelized onions

Choice of one vegetable:
Home style Green Beans
Old World Tzimmis

Dessert:
A fine assortment of holiday cake

BASIC DINNER (serves 8), $235 —

Choice of two entrees:
Half Roasted Chicken with Matzo Stuffing
Braised Brisket of Beef with Gravy
Roasted Turkey Breast with Matzo Stuffing & Gravy

Choice of two side dishes:
Potato Latke
Roasted Potatoes
Old World Tzimmis
Home style Green Beans

Choice of two desserts:
Loaf Marble Sponge Cake
Loaf Honey Cake
8 Assorted Macaroons

FULL TRADITIONAL MEAL (serves 8), $279 —

Choice of one appetizer:
House made Chopped Liver
Gefilte Fish with Horseradish

Choice of one soup:
Chicken with Matzo Ball
Sweet & Sour Cabbage

Choice of two entrees:
Half Roasted Chicken with Matzo Stuffing
Braised Brisket of Beef with Gravy
Roasted Turkey Breast with Matzo Stuffing & Gravy

Choice of two side dishes:
Potato Latke
Roasted Potatoes
Old World Tzimmis
Homestyle Green Beans

Choice of two desserts:
Loaf Marble Sponge Cake
Loaf Honey Cake
8 Assorted Macaroons

Easter Sunday home cooking from Chompie’s

The following options are available for takeout and curbside pickup Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12: 

Easter Brunch (serves four) — Scrambled eggs, bacon slices, ham steak slices, home fries, bagels, cream cheese, fruit salad and a muffin loaf, $59.99

The Feast (serves eight) — Scrambled eggs, bacon slices, ham steak slices, home fries, bagels, cream cheese, fruit salad and a muffin loaf, $109.99

Á la carte additions include the Smoked Salmon Package with tomato and red onion for $24.99;
Mimosa Package with one bottle of champagne and one gallon of orange juice for $29.99 and more

For large catering orders, Chompie’s Catering Co. delivers directly for orders of $150 minimum. The preferred method to order is calling 480-348-CATR (2287), but guests may also order online via www.ezcater.com/brand/pvt/chompies-cateringFor details on Chompie’s Catering, visit www.chompies.com/catering/.

For more and to find a Chompie’s near you visit www.chompies.com.

Delivery and take-out options at Phoenix restaurants during pandemic

Many Phoenix restaurants have closed their dining rooms to customers but are preparing meals for delivery or take-out. Here is a list of local restaurants. This will be updated going forward.

Ocotillo Restaurant & Bar has a pop-up menu on their website for pick up daily from 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Weekend Brunch available 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Get 10% off all takeout orders. Buy $100 gift card, get $20 card free. To order call 602-687-9080. 3243 N. 3rd St. Phoenix 85012.

Bourbon & Bones is open from 4 – 9 p.m. for curbside pick up & takeout. A modified menu is available with 25% off pick-up or takeout orders and 50% off select beer, wine and spirits. To order call 480-629-4922. 4200 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251.

Hopdoddy Camelback & Scottsdale are open for curbside pick up & delivery from 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. for burgers, shakes and more. Use promo code “Buy1Give1” to have a hands free burger delivered to healthcare workers. Delivery available thru UberEats (free), Postmates and DoorDash

Steak 44, Ocean 44 & Dominick’s Steakhouse are offering luxury takeout daily from 12 – 7 p.m. with white glove curbside service. The restaurants are offering their full menus and all bottles of wine to take home.

Farm & Craft has started a touch less takeout and curbside pick up service. Individual and family style appetizers, salads, entrees, bowl and more are available as are selected bottles of wine. Vegetarians are available too. Open Thurs. – Sun. from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. with 24 hour notice needed for Family Style meals, to order call 480-568-8980 or order on-line. Delivery from DoorDash and Postmates is available. 4302 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251.

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse has a to go menu along with butchered meats for home cooking. Wine & Caipirinas available to go as well. Free delivery on orders of $50 or more and within 15 miles. Call 480-609-8866 to order. 6300 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85253. 

Miracle Mile Deli– The central Phoenix deli is open Mon. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 7 .m. for pick up of individual meals, family meals deals, deli meats, breads and more. Delivery available from Postmates and UberEats. See website for complete menu of offerings and call 602-776-0992. 4433 North 16th Street Phoenix 85016.

Zuzu at Hotel Valley Hois offering a new to-go menu from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Buy 1 bottle of wine with you meal, get the 2nd at no cost. Gift cards are also available. Call 480-376-2600 order. 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale 85251.

Mountain Shadows ResortBreakfast burritos, burgers and more are available for pick up at Rusty’s from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Bottles of wine start at $15 and gift cards are available to. Orders can be placed at 480-624-5442 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley 85253.

Barro’s PizzaAll locations continue to do takeout for pickup and delivery. Lunch specials to incl 2 slices & a drink for under $5.

Be CoffeeThe coffee shop in Monorchid is open from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. for it signature drinks and cold outs to go. Delivery available from Grubhub, UberEats & Postmates. 214 E. Roosevelt Phoenix.

My Pie PizzaAll My Pie Pizza locations remain open for takeout (curbside) and in most areas, 3rd party delivery is available through DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats and Grub Hub.

SanTan Brewing & DistillingFull pub menus are available for pick up or delivery in addition to larger quantities for family meals. oreder $50 or more and recceive a FREE 32oz can of beer when you use promo code a BEER at checkout. Delivery thru Grubhub, Postmates, DoorDash & UberEats. Call 480-917-8700. 8 S. San Marcos Pl. Chandler, AZ 85225

Pita JungleSelect locations throughout Arizona have a limited menu available for takeout along with Family Meals for $35. Select bottles of wine are $15.

Ghost Ranch– Friends & Family meals to go, pick up only. Chicken tacos and enchiladas with sides for $25. Feeds 2 -3 people. Call the restaurant at 480-474-4328.

Serrano’s Mexican RestaurantsMeals serve 6-8 or 8-10 people. Take out only. All 5 locations. The $39.99 Family Pack specials include:

Taco Family Pack: The special includes two dozen taco-size flour tortillas, 32 oz. of either shredded beef or chicken (or combo), shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, 8 oz. smooth hot sauce or tomatillo salsa, bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

Burrito Family Pack: The special includes one dozen flour tortillas, 32 oz. shredded beef or chicken or refried beans, 16 oz. enchilada sauce (red, green or tomatillo), bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

Nachos Family Pack:  The special includes 32 oz. of either shredded beef or chicken, 16 oz shredded lettuce, 16 oz shredded cheese, 8 oz. pico de gallo, 8 oz guacamole, 3 oz sliced olives, bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

Taco Salad Family Pack: The special includes 32 oz. of either shredded beef or chicken, salad mix for 6-8 people, 8 oz shredded cheese, 8 oz. tomatoes, 8 oz dressing of your choice, bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

$5 Grab ‘n’ Go Burritos: Serrano’s will also offer shredded beef, shredded chicken or bean and cheese burros for those looking for a single meal option. To avoid a wait, please call ahead to order.

Pomo Restaurant Group delivery & take out options.

All Pomo’s are offering 30% off and free delivery on orders over $100, here’s how to order from each location.

Pomo Pizzeria- Shops at Gainey Village.  Take- out or delivery.

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (480) 998-1366 Curbside is right in front.
2. Online Order for Pickup: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>

Pomo Pizzeria Downtown Phoenix- 705 N 1st St #120, Phoenix, AZ 85004

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (602) 998-1366. Curbside right in front.
2. Online order for pickup: https://pomodowntown.mobilebytes.com/
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomodowntown.mobilebytes.com/
4. Third Party Delivery: ubereats, postmates, grubhub, doordash

Pomo Pizza at Biltmore Fashion Park– 2502 E. Camelback Road

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (602) 954-5278 Curbside loading area south east
2. Online Order for Pickup: https://pomobiltmore.mobilebytes.com/
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomobiltmore.mobilebytes.com/

Pomo Pizzeria Gilbert– 366 N Gilbert Rd #106, Gilbert, AZ 85234

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (480) 878-2222 Curbside, back entrance with reserved spots
2. Online Order for Pickup: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>
4. Online Order for Delivery: Postmates, Ubereats, Doordash

More delivery & pick up options

Kaleidoscope Juice is delivering orders of $80 or more on packaged juices with 25 mile radius of their old town Scottsdale location. All locations are open for Grab n Go and are encouraged to call in order ahead of time.

Fired PieAll 21 locations has a Date Night deal ready for pick up. 2 pizzas 9or salads) and 4 rotolis for 420. Use promo code “Date” when ordering. Also 2 pepperoni or cheese pizzas for 410 when you use promo code “pepp”.

Koibito Pokehas partnered with Postmates, Door dash and Uber Eats for food delivery.

PHX Beer Co. ScottsdaleThe restaurant is still open but offers sandwiches and salads for pick during lunch hours, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for $12.

Salads

House-made Chicken Tortilla Soup and Small Salad

CK Chopped Salad—Kale, romaine, tomato, red peppers, smoked mozzarella, black beans, corn, pepitas, agave onions and a house creamy malt vinaigrette. Add grilled chicken for $5 or salmon, shrimp or prime flat iron steak for $7.

Sandwiches

BLT—Applewood bacon on toasted sourdough with lettuce, tomato and mayo.

Grilled Ham and Cheese—Seared ham, sandwiched between melted cheddar cheese and sourdough.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich—Seasoned and grilled chicken breast with lettuce and tomato on challah bun.

BBQ Pork Sandwich—Zesty, smoked and pulled BBQ Pork on challah bun with sliced red onion.

The All Day Family Combos that feeds 3 – 4 people.

Black Iron Pizza & Salad ($22)—14” Melrose (house-made sauce, secret cheese blend) & CK Chopped Salad. Toppings extra.

Black Iron Pizza & Wings ($28)–14” (house-made sauce, secret cheese blend) & 12 wings (choice of Guajillo Chile, BBQ, Buffalo and Smoked Salt & Pepper). Toppings extra.

Salad & Wings ($25)—CK Chopped Salad & 12 Wings (choice of Guajillo Chile, BBQ, Buffalo and Smoked Salt & Pepper)

Southern Fried Chicken Tender Dinner ($42)—Choice of two sides (coleslaw, Cast Iron Mac N Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, seasoned fries or fruit). Includes Morenci Copper Ale BBQ Sauce.

Crowlers—For adults only (2 pack $18/4 pack $35), choose from 12 PHX Beer Co. beer selections.

Aoili Gourmet Burgers- Meal prep kits are available for pick up or delivery. 5-9 meals @ $9 each + tax and delivery, 10-13 meals @ $8.50 each + tax and delivery 14 + meals @ $8 each + tax and delivery

Burger Kits – Package is $29.99 and includes four burger patties, buns, cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, grilled onions, salt and aioli sauce. All orders placed by Thurs 5 p.m. and will be delivered Sunday between 11 a.m. and can be picked up between 4 – 8 p.m. To order info@aioliburger.com

 

Coronavirus and the Phoenix restaurant and hospitality community

As we are now well into this Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic its taking its toll on every industry around the world. Here in Arizona festivals and events are being cancelled or postponed, restaurants and other business’s are voluntarily cutting back hours. As I saw this weekend several Phoenix restaurants continued to be busy with people going out to eat & drink. Many are sending out emails and posting on social media how their following deep cleaning and sanitizing procedures and following guidelines from local and state health departments.

FnB and Rancho Pinot Grill made tough decisions to close their dining rooms but stay open to provide meals for take out or delivery. I’m sure others will follow with these and other decisions while looking at creative and necessary ways to continue to serve our community and pay staff and other expenses. So far the State of Arizona hasn’t required businesses to shut down the way other states have enforced curfews and closings.

How you can help during the coronavirus

When a cure is found for Coronavirus and the risk of it spreading slows down hopefully many of our favorite restaurants and hospitality industry rebounds with no permanent closures. Sadly I feel several will close permanently due to the sudden drop in business right during our busy season. Dining out is a great way to help local restaurants whether you cautiously dine-in, have food delivered or taken- out or buying a gift card for a future visit. If you do the latter I hope the restaurant or businesses are still in business when you choose to visit.

Looking on the bright side we as a community learn from experiences like we’re going through. New processes are being learned and implemented but may become a reality for when things return to as they were. Full service restaurants like FnB and Rancho Pinot may continue to do more take-out business than traditional dining. As few businesses may fall others will be created to take their place. Hopefully this will be short lived and we can get back to gathering at festivals & restaurants and sharing meals & good times together but it’s up to us to minimize the damage by supporting local restaurants and business when we can afford to and feel safe doing so. Visit Local First Arizona for a list of locally owned businesses you can support. Be safe!