As the staff of an Old Town Scottsdale restaurant works to create a fresh start, its founders continue their battle in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Liquor Pig opened in March 2025 on Fourth Avenue and Winfield Scott Plaza, touted as a long-anticipated project from hospitality veteran Scott Casey and chef Steven “Chops” Smith. It quickly attracted praise for unique cocktails, including a viral sipper served in a Spam tin, and an inventive, eclectic food menu.
Yet, by July, Smith was out of the kitchen. Casey exited in January 2026. Despite the internal shakeup, the restaurant carried on, and its team continued to impress diners. Then, on May 30, Liquor Pig shut down for a week, rebranded and reopened as Wayward…