End NEW IN TOWN
MEET MEATBALLZ Comfort food and craft beer rule the menu at this new eatery
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
A first-generation American, Bob Zdravkovski grew up working in his parents’ bakery in Michigan. “It not only kept me out of trouble, but it also gave me a passion for both food and entrepreneurship,” Zdravkovski says. “But, given it was Michigan, I got my start in business like so many do – in automobiles.” Zdravkovski worked for Ford Motor Company in the 1990s and early 2000s, but when he got the chance for a buyout from the company in 2008, he jumped at the opportunity to turn his attention to the restaurant industry, launching a string of successful eateries in Pittsburgh with a business partner who lived in the area. “We were a hit! So much so, in fact, that a competitor made us an offer we couldn’t refuse,” says Zdravkovski, who sold the business in 2015 and moved to Scottsdale in 2016. “For all intents and purposes, I was retired, but I quickly grew restless.” He was also eager to learn about his new home, so he took on a unique hobby: driving for Uber. “Once I got my bearings, I had that entrepreneurial itch yet again,” says. By late 2017, he was approached
122
So Scottsdale! October ‘18
about getting back into the restaurant business. This time in Scottsdale. “There are already so many great burger spots, traditional sports bars, pizza joints and steakhouses in town, so I wanted to do something different,” Zdravkovski says. “So, we came up with the idea of pairing meatballs with our favorite craft beers, and Meatballz was born.” Meatballz (spelled with a “Z” in homage to Zdravkovski’s name) opened in late July, offering beef, chicken, spicy pork, vegan and even gluten-free meatball options made from scratch daily with dozens of sauces ranging from mushroom gravy to pesto cream. They are available in a slider, as a grinder (baked with sauce and cheese), on their own, or over any side dish. The menu also has poutine, salads and sides like tater tots, loaded fries and crispy Parmesan Brussels sprouts. On the drink front, there are two dozen craft beers on tap as well as additional varietals in bottles, plus wines by the bottle and glass. In mid-September, Meatballz launched a menu of craft cocktails using Arizona-distilled spirits in libations like margaritas and spiked Arnold Palmers. The space is equipped with Wi-Fi, and the patio is dog-friendly. With concrete floors and tables, the interior has an industrial feel and is tailor-made for football lovers with 11 flat-screen TVs on the walls. “We open at 9 a.m. for NFL fans every Sunday, and we will offer special pricing on buckets of beer as well as other food and drinks each week,” says Zdravkovski, noting happy hour is offered daily from 3:30 to 7 p.m. with $1 off all craft cocktails and wines as well as deals on individual meatballs and sliders. Regular hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Meatballz, 7342 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.306.8600; www.meatballzinc.com.