East Valley Business - 08.02.20

Page 1

east valley

Volume 3 Issue 3 Mesa, AZ

August 2, 2020

New owners aim to freshen up legendary Tortilla Flat BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tribune Staff Writer

K

atie Ellering, one of Tortilla Flat’s new owners, isn’t about modernizing the remnant of the Old West

IN THE BIZ

town. She and her fiancé/operations director, Chris Field, just want to bring a fresh look to the tourist attraction, which boasts a population of six. “The most important thing to remember is we—the owners—are temporary,” said Field, who lives in Gilbert with Ellering. “We’re transitioning what Tortilla Flat was into the 21st century. We’re not a sports bar or a strip mall that’s going to be gone in 10 years. This is a historical Arizona property that will be here for another 100 years,” Ellering said, adding: “Our goal, as caretakers, is property maintenance and we want to keep the look and the feel and provide programming to make sure we’ll be able to pass it on.” Ellering has owned it since September with partners Ryan Coady, Tom Misitano and Dale Evans. “We thought this was such a unique thing and we were like, ‘Yeah, let’s do this,’” Ellering said. “We got together and made it work.” So far, the team has upgraded the kitchen and the food on the menu, except – Ellering and Field are quick to add – the famous chili recipe that’s been around since the 1940s. “It’s a time-honored tradition and that will not change,” she said. Public Notices ............... page 2 © Copyright, 2020 East Valley Tribune

Tortilla Flat, nestled in the Superstition Mountain range, draws thousands annually. (Special to the Tribune)

The chili, which is also found on the chili dog, is part of a hearty American menu that includes the Mucho Macho nacho ($15.99); Roosevelt Dam Good wings ($7.99 starting price); Gaucho cheesesteak ($12.49); Ol’ Faithful BLT ($11.49); chicken street tacos ($12.59) and fajita salad ($14.39). “We have great food,” Field said. “We do. Is our food better than what you’ll find elsewhere? Maybe. We’re trying to create an experience. It’s a little gem of an experience.” After having a meal in the saloon, guests can head to the Tortilla Flat General Store (USPS 004-616) is published weekly

Mailing Address: 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy., Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 898-6500 Steven Strickbine, publisher Paul Maryniak, executive editor

and Ice Cream Shop, where they can enjoy its well-known prickly pear gelato, or take home prickly pear barbecue sauce or a Tortilla Flat “Killer Chili” packet. The owners have heard plenty of heartwarming stories from visitors to Tortilla Flat. They see children dressed up as cowboys and cowgirls and the awe on their face when they’re out there. “They’re used to growing up in the city and when they come out here, they play in the dirt and see cactus everywhere,” she said “They have a lot of fun. They have a Subscriptions are $26 for 2 years, $14 for one year. Periodicals postage paid at Phoenix, AZ 85026.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: East Valley Tribune, 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy., Suite 291, Tempe, AZ 85282


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.