Restaurant concept groups are on a continual search for what is trendy. They invest in one space, design it to look and feel like a popular spot, and then, when traffic begins to slow, the plug on the restaurant is instantly pulled for a newer idea. There’s a reason why the longest-lasting restaurants around greater Phoenix are all family-owned and not restaurant group-owned. Those at most will last a few years before being flipped. Between trying to stay ahead of the curve and the tax incentives with terminating a business, there are a number of reasons why restaurant groups in Phoenix do this. And now, one group is back at it, as it has officially replaced its own restaurant in Gilbert.
A few months ago Sandbar Mexican Grill called it quits. However, at the time it was evident this was the classic restaurant group move to revamp a location that was starting to bleed resources. With such a large space it’s often best to not let it linger in its demise but instead make it quick. Especially when the property is already owned. Unlike a family restaurant, where there are various ups and downs, in the restaurant group space, there are only ups. Sandbar Mexican Grill began slipping, and as such, it was discontinued.