Every month, we round up the Valley’s recent restaurant closures. But this spring, we started to notice a pattern. Restaurants that have served customers for 30, 40 and even 50 years said their goodbyes.
Some closures were due to owners retiring after a lifetime of serving the Valley. Other spots downsized their businesses. One national chain exited Arizona after a longtime residency. While these enduring spots were open, they served nostalgia along with plates of pasta and enchiladas. But now, they’ve become part of the Valley’s past.
Here are six Phoenix staples that said goodbye this spring.
Giuseppe’s on 28th
On March 22, Giuseppe’s on 28th closed its doors. The small Italian restaurant off Indian School Road served homemade pastas and sauces for 24 years. During its long run, the restaurant was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” twice and won four consecutive Best of Phoenix awards. Owner Richard Bock, a professional cellist, lived and played music in Italy, where he fell in love with the cuisine. When he landed the Valley as principal cellist for the Phoenix Symphony, he wanted to bring a taste of Italy with him. Over 24 years, and 24 symphony seasons, he shared those flavors with his customers. The restaurant closed in March as Bock retired…