INSIDE THE NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE: Vermillion Homes Makes its Mark p. 3 Analytical Mineset Wins Moonshot State Pitch Contest p. 4 Audiologist Offers Inner Peace in Book and Podcast p. 8
Gateway Sandwich Co. Temps Travelers p. 10 Future of Grand Canyon Lodge Pondered p. 11 Brandie Wolfe Finds Hope in Field of Dreams p. 20
Adventure Becomes Enterprise for MULE Expedition Founders Couple’s van project evolves to overlander showroom in Prescott Valley By Heidi Dahms Foster, QCBN
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rea outdoor enthusiasts have new options for adventuring with the recently opened MULE Expedition Outfitters in Prescott Valley, especially those with a passion
for “overlanding,” a popular style of self-sufficient trekking by vehicle. MULE Expedition Outfitters got its start when Joe and Dana Marshall, shortly after marrying in 2010, started building a Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia in their Issaquah, Washington ga-
rage. “We tore it down and built it back from the ground up over two years,” Dana said. “Then we both took a leave of absence from our jobs and traveled in it with our dog for four months.” The two made their way down into the Southern states and then into Baja California. “It was just an eye-opening experience for us,” Dana said. “We decided that people needed to experience
that freedom of just traveling and being self-sufficient with their vehicle and just kind of go where the wind directs them.” When the couple came home, Dana decided not to return to her job, while Joe remained at his job at Boeing. In April 2014, they opened a small 800-square-foot retail space in the back Continued on page 38
Tara Fine Thai Cuisine Expands Flavor and Reach in Downtown Prescott Popular restaurant adds new takeout and delivery options while blending authentic Thai cuisine with old Prescott charm
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Matt Boykan poses alongside an eight-foot tall Buddha statue and koi pond at his restaurant, Tara Fine Thai Cuisine, across from Courthouse Plaza. Photo by Kay Lyons
November 2025 | Issue 11 Volume 13
By Heidi Dahms Foster, QCBN
rescott’s Tara Fine Thai Cuisine restaurant has been a popular fine dining option for both visitors and local food lovers in Prescott for 10 years. Now, the eatery is expanding its menus and adding new takeout and delivery options. Chef Somrudee Olch originally founded Tara Thai in Sedona. He later sold the restaurant to his sister and opened a smaller, popular location in Prescott Valley. Meanwhile, when Matt Boykan and his thenwife moved to Prescott Valley, Boykan knew he wanted to open a restaurant here, too. His seventh! Boykan found a promising empty building on Cortez Street, directly across from the Courthouse Plaza. “I didn’t really have a plan
yet, but it was a great space, so I thought, ‘I’ll figure it out.’” When the owners of the Prescott Valley Tara Thai found that their lease would not be renewed, they partnered with Boykan to open a restaurant in the new space in Prescott. Preparing the building for opening was a daunting undertaking, Boykan said. “It was worse than an empty slab.” He and his restaurant partner took two months to gut the place and then began the buildout. The space now features a dining area with seating on one side and a bar on the other, divided by a long pond with live giant koi, which is fitting because tara means “waterfall” in Thai. An imposing eight-foot Buddha statue presides over the pond. More seating is available at the rear, including for larger parties. The restaurant also features some eclectic Continued on page 36