Backyard Party

New sports bar is where neighbors get their ‘grubb’ on By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski R egina Holmes believes everything happens for a reason.

When she and her husband, J.J., had the chance to rebrand the couple’s Native Grill and Wings stores, they ran with it.

“Life happens for a reason,” she says. “We had some opportunities, and it made sense for us to go off. We were able to rebrand, and it was great. We are now J.J.’s Grubb Shack.”

On May 20, their Happy Valley location opened, followed by Goodyear on May 29 and Avondale in early June.

“We’re rebranding with a new menu and a di erent look and feel,” Regina says. “We’re really excited about it.  e concept originates from having family and friends at a backyard barbecue. My husband and I, one thing we love to do is entertain friends. He comes from a family where he’s the youngest of eight. I “Shack Pies”—or pizzas—come in 10, 14 and 18 inches. (Photos courtesy Regina Holmes) have a close-knit family.

“It’s customary for us to have friends and Dog” and the Grubb Shack original ($11.99 onions; the Dirty Dog with chili, cheese and family over on the weekend.” to $13.99). onions; and  e Mutt, where the customer  e menu is broken up into sections. Stick e “Shanty Dogs” are backyard dog with chooses his/her own toppings.  ey start at ing with the party theme are the “Backyard tomatoes, onion, cheese and bacon; the $6.99. Burgers”—bacon butt burger, the “Hair of the “Atomic Dog” with jalapenos, cheddar and For “Samiches,” J.J.’s has a Grubb Clubb ($10.39); Po’ Shacks (shrimp/ sh for $10.99); Grilled Cheezie ($5.99); Piggly Wiggly ($9.99); and the Saucy Bird with buffalo chicken ($11.99).

“ e Water Hole” has a Noodler Nugget Plate and Some Shrimps Plate for $10.99

Of course, there’s barbecue, under the “Finger Lick’n Good” menu. For $12.99, guests can have a rib tip basket.

“From the Coop” features wings—chicken and wa es, salt and vinegar, lemon pepper, Bu alo, hot, honey hot, honey barbecue, barbecue hot, Shoutin’ John and Halleluiah Hot.

Appetizers (“Pre-Grubbin’”), salads (“Wild Greens”) and pizzas (“Shack Pies”) are available as well.

For dessert, the “Sugga Shack” has Fudgy

Tasty "Noodler" and "Some Shrimps" baskets appease the seafood lovers. Each offer deep-fried catfi sh or butterfl ied shrimp.

Gooey Brownie, bourbon pecan pie and hering to the Centers for Disease Control and Mama’s Cookie. Prevention’s guidance on social distancing.

“Our menu is going to be focused on bar “We’re longing for the days when we could and grill, fun foods,” she says. “People can all hug each other by the bar,” she says. “We’re come and socialize and enjoy themselves. not there yet. For our curbside takeout, all of Kids will be running around having a good our runners wore gloves and masks—same time. At some point, we hope we can get back when you dine with us. We’ll have hand sanito that.” tizer available. All of our kitchen sta will  e couple’s  rst restaurant is attached to adhere to the appropriate guidelines.” their small liquor store, where they o er cat- Regina admits it’s a little di cult to open  sh platters and burgers. restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When we moved out here (from Colorado) “It was hard, but we have a solid business we purchased a liquor store, and we had that plan that we feel good about,” she says. “ e for a number of years,” she says. “We added a reality is this is what we do now. It wasn’t restaurant onto it. We wanted to o er someany harder than feeling if we walked away we thing that brought a backyard feel. were going to be a failure. No one wants that.

“ is has a very similar feel and the same We rebranded, rebuilt and we recognize it’s name. These are sports bars and grills, not going to be where it was in February. But though, with plenty of televisions. One of the we’re ready the minute the doors open. We’re things my husband said is, ‘I cannot have a prepared for the long haul.” bar and grill without sports.’ He’s a sports enthusiast.

“He played sports at University of Colorado J.J.’s Grubb Shack Boulder for a little bit. He had a lot of friends 2501 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 12, Phoenix play professionally. All things sports is his 623-440-9888 passion.” 10220 W. McDowell Road, Suite 160, Avondale

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 623-907-8181 sta had the restaurant sanitized, she adds, 15375 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear Regina and J.J. Holmes turned their Native Grill and and doesn’t take anything for granted. She 623-536-7121, jjsgrubbshack.com Wings locations into J.J.’s Grubb Shack. posted on social media that they’re strictly adA TABLE FOR TWO?

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