Current Issue

Here we are in the first part of September, and I think we are through the worst part of the summer. Let’s hope the temperatures start dropping down to the ones we love — the reason why we live here and suffer through the summer heat. All indicators show that we are starting to slowly increase in food and beverage sales — let’s hope this continues for the months to come. Let’s all keep encouraging those holiday parties coming up and keep working together to increase dining out.

Our congratulations to everyone at The Gathering Restaurant & Bar and Conference Center in Camp Verde. Located at Cliff Castle Casino, The Gathering Restaurant & Bar and Conference Center have been voted the No. 1 conference center in Northern Arizona’s Verde Valley. It was indeed a pleasure to have them as our feature this month. I also would like to extended my thanks to Lita Sorensen at Cliff Castle Casino for all her help in working with us and putting this all together. Thanks Lita, your help was greatly appreciated. Are you heading up to Lake Havasu anytime soon? We’ve got just the place for you to go. Our “Partner of the Month” feature is The Red Onion, owned and operated by Steve Van Ella. Great story and history behind Steve and his career in the industry. I think you will enjoy your experience there and our best wishes for continued success to Steve and all his staff.

Do not miss this month’s “Who’s Cooking Now?” article. Gluten free food products are becoming a bigger and bigger issue in our industry. The story behind LynnRae Ries at Gluten Free Creations Bakery is an interesting and educational piece about the only bakery of this kind in the state of Arizona. After you have read the article, please give LynnRae a call and ask any questions you might have, or stop in for a tasting of her products. Your customers are out there looking for these products. Don’t you think you should consider making them available?

As we approach the last few months of the year, everyone here at Restaurateur of Arizona is starting to fill with anticipated excitement. The first of the year will mark 20 years of publishing Restaurateur of Arizona for you, our readers, and you are the reason for its success today. Your support and involvement in helping us with articles, press releases, upcoming events and advertising is the key to this success story. We can’t thank you enough for your continued support.