Podcasts about mill avenue

Have something you wanna tell us? Send us a message and it could end up on the show! This week we're chowing down on Japanese pancakes, made by Canadians, that got their big break in China! Fluffy Fluffy (or Fuwa Fuwa) Dessert cafe aims to delight diners with cute menu items and fresh poured espresso, but does this international chain deserve its spot amongst the Mom and Pop favorites of Orlando's Mill Avenue? Tune in as we talk the magic of egg whites, how Starbucks is scamming you when you order matcha, and what the hell is a croffle?? This is Talk With Your Mouthful: Fluffy Fluffy Dessert Cafe! Support the show on Patreon for access to unedited episodes, exclusive shows, and more! Find us at patreon.com/mouthfulpodWant more TWYMF content? You can check us out on our social media accounts for behind-the-scenes videos, pictures from the episodes, cocktail recipes, listener polls, and much more!Twitter: @MouthfulpodTikTok: TalkWithYourMouthfulInstagram: mouthful_podThreads: mouthful_pod

#boyfriend #girlfriend --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bling-viera/message

On Sunday, April 16, 2023, 22-year-old Mercedes Vega was attacked and abducted from the parking garage of her apartment complex in Tempe, Arizona. Her vehicle was found behind one of the most popular restaurants in the city near Mill Avenue, but Mercedes was not in it. She was found deceased at approximately 1:15 am on Monday, April 17, 2023, 60 miles away near Tonopah, Arizona, in a vehicle off the I-10 freeway that had been lit on fire. Her murder remains unsolved.   Mercedes was Caucasian and Puerto Rican with a fair complexion, 5'9”, 150lbs, with brown eyes and long black hair. Her vehicle was a 2019, white Dodge Charger with the license plate LUV333. The vehicle she was found in has not been identified.   If you have any information about Mercedes Vega, please call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. There is a $2000 reward for information leading to an arrest, and you can remain anonymous.   GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/reward-to-find-her-killer   Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1041193393898060   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/honoringmercedesvega/   TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@honoringmercedesvega Thank you to our sponsors, Hello Fresh and June's Journey. Try HelloFresh at HelloFresh.com/justicefree and use code justicefree for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while subscription is active. Discover your inner detective and download June's Journey today on IOS or Android. For more information about the podcast and the cases discussed, visit VoicesforJusticePodcast.com Don't forget to follow me on social media under Voices for Justice Podcast & SarahETurney The introduction music used in Voices for Justice is Thread of Clouds by Blue Dot Sessions. Outro music is Melancholic Ending by Soft and Furious. The track used for ad transitions is Pinky by Blue Dot Sessions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rose French is the founder and French Horn player of the Arizona ensemble, Mill Avenue Chamber Players. They will be highlighting chamber music from...

DJ Akshen of Furious Styles Crew gets the party started with music to keep your feet moving. Councilmember Joel Navarro is a third-generation Arizonan. He grew up in Tempe and shares stories about his summers in Tempe. He'll also talk about youth sports programs and his love of live, local music.  Brendan Ross of Tempe Arts and Culture, Jessica Jupitus of Tempe Public Library and Savannah Harrelson of the Tempe Communication and Marketing Office will talk about the great summer events that are coming soon, like the July 4th celebration, the three Juneteenth events and the Pride Party on Mill Avenue on June 3. Get the details on where to go and what to do.  Chhaya Tan from Donut Parlor brings sweet treats for the podcast crew and you can win some! The sweet shop makes light, fluffy and creative donuts in your favorite traditional flavors along with some that reflect pop culture or Tan's Asian heritage. Donut Parlor has been an active member of the Tempe community since it opened. Giving back has been part of the Tan family philosophy since they left Cambodia and came to Tempe as refugees in the 1970s. Hear the story of how the Tempe community came together to help and how Donut Parlor got started. Listen to win a $50 gift card to the Donut Parlor! Go to tempe.gov/TempeThisWeek to enter.  

Summer is on the way. Hear about a variety of ways you can have fun and stay cool. We'll also take a walk down Mill Avenue. Guests include Susie Steckner for Tempe Human Services and Savannah Harrelson for Tempe Community Services. Listen to win amazing prizes! Enter now at tempe.gov/TempeThisWeek! Answer the FIRST trivia question correctly by May 23 to win a Hundred Mile Brewing gift certificate! Answer them all right and you could win an overnight stay at the Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU.

People always told me that charity was the pure love of Christ. #LDS #Mormon #Junkie #Homeless #ASU #ForksUp #Forkem --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bling-viera/message

Nearly 400 booths, 50 musicians, a couple dozen food vendors and a giant sunflower mural painted live - all in one place during one weekend! It's the Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts!  Twice a year, the Tempe Festival of the Arts covers Mill Avenue with inspiration and art. Guests are all taking part in the festival, including DJ Justin Stewart, artist Kyllan Maney and festival organizers Kate Borders and Kim DeMeritt. Food vendor Salted Knot Pretzels brings a yummy twist to the episode.  Enter to win some pretzels at tempe.gov/TempeThisWeek

Reported cases of COVID-19 continue to drop in Arizona, but the number of deaths continues to rise. The winter trends as we watch the rise of a new variant on the East Coast. Plus, an iconic Mill Avenue bookstore has closed. We were there for its final day. That and more on The Show.

January 17, 2023 Eden City Council MeetingAGENDA1. Meeting called to order by: Neville Hall, Mayor2. Invocation: Pastor Dennis Clements, First Baptist of Draper3. Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Chris White, Fire Chief4. Council Member Appointment:a. Consideration to appoint a Council Member to fill the unexpired term as Council Member representing Ward 6.b. Introduction of the Honorable Judge Stan Allen and swearing in of newly appointed Council Member.5. Proclamations and Recognitions:a. Proclamation: Black History Month6. Audit Report:a. Presentation of the 2021-2022 Audit by Rouse, Rouse, Rouse & Gardner7. Roll Call8. Set Meeting Agenda9. Public Hearings:a. (1) Consideration of a zoning map amendment request and adoption of an ordinance to rezone approximately 89 acres off of S. Edgewood Road from Residential 20 to Residential Mixed Use. Zoning case Z-22-07. Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Director(2) Consideration of a resolution adopting a statement of consistency regarding the proposed map amendment. Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Directorb. (1) Consideration of a zoning map amendment request and adoption of an ordinance to rezone approximately 15 acres located at 1711 Mill Avenue from Open Space to Heavy Industrial. Zoning case Z-22-09. Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Director(2) Consideration of a resolution adopting a statement of consistency regarding the proposed map amendment. Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Directorc. Consideration to approve an economic development proposal that would include a conveyance to Mabe Trucking Properties, LLC of a fee simple interest in Parcel D containing 14.862 acres, Tax Parcel ID 111078, as currently shown on Plat of Survey for Fieldcrest Mills, Inc., dated January 27, 1986 by C.E. Robertson & Associates and recorded in Plat Book 30 Page 89 in Rockingham County Register of Deeds. Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Director10. Requests and Petitions of Citizens11. Unfinished Business:a. Consideration of boards and commissions appointments.Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Director12. New Business:a. Consideration of approval to remove the out-of-service Byrd Street water tank.Melinda Ward, Utilities Managerb. Consideration to adopt an ordinance to amend the backflow/cross connection portion ofChapter 16 of the Eden City Code of Ordinances. Melinda Ward, Utilities Manager13. Reports from Staff:a. City Manager's Report. Jon Mendenhall, City Manager14. Consent Agenda:a. Approval and adoption of the December 20, 2022 Council meeting minutes.Deanna Hunt, City Clerkb. Approval and adoption of a contract regarding the Conduct of Municipal Elections with theRockingham County Board of Elections. Erin Gilley, City Attorneyc. Approval and adoption of Budget Amendment #4.Tammie McMichael, Finance and Personnel Directord. Approval and adoption of a resolution in support of seeking and sourcing funding for traffic reconfiguration at the Bridge Street, Boone Road and Washington Street intersection.Erin Gilley, City Attorney15. Announcements16. Adjournment###

December 20, 2022 Eden City Council MeetingAGENDA1. Meeting called to order by: Neville Hall, Mayor2. Invocation: Pastor Chris Burns, Draper Pentecostal Holiness Church3. Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Chris White, Fire Chief4. Proclamations and Recognitions:a. Recognition: Prowlers Football Championsb. Recognition: The Vacuum and Sewing Center for 51 years in businessc. Recognition: Quality Cleaners for 75 years in businessd. Proclamation: Year of the Traile. Proclamation: Martin Luther King Jr. Day5. Roll Call6. Set Meeting Agenda7. Public Hearings:a. (1) Consideration of an ordinance to adopt a zoning map amendment to rezone a 2.8-acre property on Main Street from Residential Agriculture to Light Industrial. Zoning Case Z-22-08. KellyStultz, Planning & Community Development Director(2) Consideration to adopt a resolution of a statement of consistency regarding the proposed mapamendment. Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Directorb. Consideration of a program amendment to the City's 2018 Community Development Block GrantNeighborhood Revitalization program. Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Director8. Requests and Petitions of Citizens9. Unfinished Business:a. Consideration of appointments to Boards and Commissions.Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Director10. New Business:a. Mayoral appointments: (1) ABC Board (2) ABC Board Chair (3) Piedmont Triad RegionalCouncil (4) Rural Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committeeand (5) Eden Downtown Development Incorporated. Mayor Neville Hallb. Presentation of the Fair Housing Report for the Community Development Block Grant projects.Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Director11. Reports from Staff:a. City Manager's Report. Jon Mendenhall, City Manager12. Consent Agenda:a. Approval and adoption of the (1) November 15, 2022 and (2) December 1, 2022 Council meetingminutes. Deanna Hunt, City Clerkb. Approval of the re-organization of Administration and Police Departments for 2023.Jon Mendenhall, City Managerc. Approval and adoption of an amendment to the City-County Utilities agreement.Erin Gilley, City Attorneyd. Approval and adoption of Budget Amendment #1. Tammie McMichael, Finance & Personnel Directore. Approval and adoption of Budget Amendment #2. Tammie McMichael, Finance & Personnel Directorf. Approval and adoption of Budget Amendment #3. Tammie McMichael, Finance & Personnel Directorg. Approval and adoption of an easement for the Draper Volunteer Fire Department.Erin Gilley, City Attorneyh. Approval to initiate a zoning map amendment to rezone property at 1711 Mill Avenue.Kelly Stultz, Planning & Community Development Director13. Announcements14. Adjournment###

Music, like water, is the lifeblood of civilization. In this episode, host Will Dailey guides you on a trip through space and time, taking you behind the scenes of the city's most vibrant venues — all while tracing the stories of iconic rockers like Meat Puppets and Jimmy Eat World back through desert wanderers like Waylon Jennings and Lee Hazelwood, on back to the Hohokam, original settlers of the Valley of the Sun.  To hear the artists mentioned in this episode, check Will's playlist at soundofourtownpod.com Want to chat about the music in your city? Hit us up on:  Instagram: @DoubleElvis @WillDaileyOfficial Twitter: @DoubleElvisFm @WillDailey Sound of Our Town is a production of Double Elvis and iHeartRadio. Executive Produced by Jake Brennan, Brady Sadler, and Carly Carioli for Double Elvis. Production assistance by Matt Beaudoin. Created, written, hosted and scored by Will Dailey.  Additional writing on this episode by Patrick Coman. Music for this episode composed and performed by Will Dailey. Check out Will's music: Spotify Apple Music Bandcamp    SOURCES for this episode include: All Excess Occupation, by Danny Zalisko Stuck Outside of Phoenix, by Art Edwards Waylon: An Autobiography, by Waylon Jennings Arizona Music Hall of Fame Arizona Natural History Museum Legendary Tempe Venues Now & Then (Phoenix New Times) Best of 2021: Our Favorite Music Venues (Phoenix New Times) Requiem for an Outlaw (Phoenix New Times) Downtown Phoenix Journal Remembering the Mill Avenue music scene of the '90s (AZCentral) 10 Greatest Record Stores in America (SPIN)   SOME PLACES YOU'LL WANT TO VISIT AFTER LISTENING TO THIS EPISODE: Crescent Ballroom + Cocina 10 The Trunk Space The Lost Leaf The Van Buren Rebel Lounge Gold Rush Music Festival M3F Fest Musical Instrument Museum Grand Avenue Records Yucca Tap Room  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A retirement home is suing a live music venue on Mill Avenue for being too loud. Now the city council is backing the music venue! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ep. 2 - Paul Calvisi takes us down memory lane to highlight a historic victory over the rival Dallas Cowboys in the 1997 home opener. What made this win different from others? Well, jubilant Cardinals fans rushed the field, tore down the goalposts and marched them to Mill Avenue and beyond. Where did the goalposts wind up? Which famous Cardinals player saw his brothers dangling from the goalposts? And why does the win qualify as a genuine turning point in team history?

Ep. 2 - Paul Calvisi takes us down memory lane to highlight a historic victory over the rival Dallas Cowboys in the 1997 home opener. What made this win different from others? Well, jubilant Cardinals fans rushed the field, tore down the goalposts and marched them to Mill Avenue and beyond. Where did the goalposts wind up? Which famous Cardinals player saw his brothers dangling from the goalposts? And why does the win qualify as a genuine turning point in team history?

Ep. 2 - Paul Calvisi takes us down memory lane to highlight a historic victory over the rival Dallas Cowboys in the 1997 home opener. What made this win different from others? Well, jubilant Cardinals fans rushed the field, tore down the goalposts and marched them to Mill Avenue and beyond. Where did the goalposts wind up? Which famous Cardinals player saw his brothers dangling from the goalposts? And why does the win qualify as a genuine turning point in team history?

If you attended a Sun Devil baseball game from 1999 to 2007, there's a good chance you saw this man hard at work. Former Director of Baseball Operations and Current Arizona Diamondbacks Vice President of Special Projects and Fan Experience Graham Rossini joins the show to talk about his time with the program. Graham came to ASU hoping to walk on to the baseball team and ended up as one of the key cogs in the well-oiled Sun Devil baseball machine for seven seasons. He talks about his special relationship with Coach Murphy, what his role with the program was and how he and some teammates once shut down traffic on Mill Avenue on a busy Friday night.

Who’s ready for some global holiday cheer, a funny guy podcaster, twinkling tumbleweeds, Kevin MacCallister, glowing balloons and a HUGE arts festival for the ages? Yeah, I know you are. Pour the nog and let’s go.

We are back with another brewers panel episode featuring 3 of the most respected and skilled brewers in the state if not the country. Before we get to that, make a note to submit a rating and review to iTunes. Its a huge help to us. Let me know you did so and I’ll read your review on the episode and send you some swag. The topic for this installment of the "Brewers Panel" series is trends in beer. Many people, especially on the beer side thought the hazy IPA would never stick. The style is taking on a life of its own and capturing fans from varying preferences. My guests for this episode have worked their entire lives to perfect the clarity of their beer so a hazy seems sacrilege. Joining in on this brewers panel is  Andy Ingram from Four Peaks, Doc Osborne from Pedal Haus and Jeff Huss from Huss Brewing Company. In this episode you’ll hear what seems like white noise but in actuality it's the fountain right outside the patio area of Pedal Haus just off of Mill Avenue tempe. Seriously if you haven't been there make it a priority.  Lets tap into ...BEER TRENDS

If you drive around the Valley you're likely to see electric scooters on sidewalks, in neighborhoods and in popular areas like Mill Avenue in Tempe or Scottsdale Fashion Square. Bike-share programs that have docking stations have been in metro Phoenix since 2014. But once dockless bikes popped up in 2017 and dockless scooters in 2018, they immediately drew criticism. You might be wondering: Why are they here? Are they safe to ride? How are they changing the Valley? In this episode of The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com's Valley 101 podcast, we look at all the ways electric scooters and bikes are affecting our cities. In this episode, you'll hear: What it's like to be a charger for electric scooter companies like Bird and Lime.What safety issues scooters are bringing to the forefront in our communities?Whether or not scooters will change transportation as we know it.

When the El Cafecito Squad want to go out and get lit they visit these places. In this episode they discuss their favorite places to go drink and dance in Phoenix. Phoenix is a large place so we break down our favorite places by West Valley, Downtown Phoenix, Mill Avenue and Scottsdale. Join us and find what spots you can catch the El Cafecito Squad getting lit at.

Popular Arizona restauranteur Julian Wright is embroiled in a bitter battle with former managers who claim Wright misappropriated funds. Wright responded to those allegations by accusing the former managers of misappropriation. Wright owned the Gringo Star Street Bar, which subsequently closed without notice to investors. Wright’s limited liability company is Fork & Dagger, LLC., listed as “manager” in legal documents. Whiskey Rocks Tempe, LLC, is a limited liability company organized for the operation of  the Gringo Star Street Bar. True Gentlemen, LLC (“TL”) is a member of Gringo, hence, Fork & Dagger is one corporation. Operating under it is Whiskey Rocks Tempe, and under that True Gentlemen. Wright’s rebuttal contends: “Throughout the past year, TL (Gringo Star managers) has alleged and asserted to other Gringo members that “manager” (referring to Wright) had engaged in fraud and other improprieties, and had overcharged for corporate overhead and other expenses. Most recently, in the course of soliciting other members to contribute to an alleged litigation fund being amassed by TL. It stated it would be filing a ‘public complaint’ against Manager for its alleged wrongdoing.” As previously reported, investors in the Gringo Star Street Bar are still awaiting a return on their investment. Overview of the case The bar opened in 2013, offering arcade games, food and drinks, dancing, and street art. The 6,500-square foot bar on the corner of 5th Street and Mill Avenue was once home to the Library Bar and Grill, another of Wright’s establishments. Gringo Star’s opening was highly anticipated from both a consumer and investor standpoint. Mill Avenue is popular for its unique taverns and nightlife, which draws patrons from nearby Arizona State University. From an investment standpoint, it appeared to offer a good return. The following allegations were set forth in Wright’s response: Pursuant to the agreement of the parties, Manager permitted two of TL’s Members, Hartley Rodie and Stephen Sperry, to conduct and oversee Gringo’s day-to-day business. While Sperry and Rodie operated Gringo’s business successfully and profitably between 2013 and 2016, Gringo’s net income declined significantly after 2016. Upon information and belief, Sperry and Rodie neglected their duties to Gringo upon their potential involvement in other restaurant ventures. Sperry and Rodie also engaged in excessive participation or giveaways of Gringo’s property, giving away food, drinks and other property of Gringo in “comps” totaling $1,027,902.00 out of total gross income (including comps) of $10,548,451.00. Although Sperry and Rodie controlled the day-to-day operations of Gringo, Manager provided oversight, corporate-type and administrative services and caused an outside bookkeeper and CPA to pay bills and handle other accounting matters for Gringo. Wright maintains that all finances are properly accounted for. The matter is expected to go to arbitration.

When the Gringo Star Street Bar in Tempe, Arizona closed abruptly in mid-January, investors said they were taken by surprise when they learned via Facebook post that the popular nightspot had closed its doors for good. “I had no idea it closed,” said a Tempe resident at the time, who had invested in the establishment. His sentiment was echoed by other investors, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of financial retribution. The surprise was not that the establishment had closed, but that shareholders had learned of the closure on social media. As reported January 20, a post on the bar’s Facebook page alerted customers to the closing. There was no explanation given and numerous questions from patrons were left unanswered. In March, Wright told shareholders that once the books were reconciled, they would receive their return on investment. Months passed without payment. Now the former managers are in a bitter legal battle with Wright, alleging he misappropriated Gringo Star’s funds.  Conversely, Wright is alleging it was not he, but his former managers, who misappropriated funds. The bar opened in 2013, offering arcade games, food and drinks, dancing, and street art. The 6,500 square foot bar on the corner of 5th Street and Mill Avenue was once home to the Library Bar and Grill, another of Wright’s restaurant bars. Gringo Star’s opening was highly anticipated from both a consumer and investor standpoint. Mill Avenue is popular for its unique taverns and nightlife which draws patrons from nearby Arizona State University. From amigos to antagonists Investors said things started going south after a couple of years. They no longer received dividends and found Wright difficult to reach. They allege when they asked questions about their investment or the financial health of the Gringo Star Street Bar, they were either ignored or not given an answer. When they did receive an answer, they allege it wasn’t a favorable one. In fact, two investors said Wright would answer with a “F**k you” if he didn’t like what was being asked of him. Veritas News was provided with a string of text messages allegedly between a shareholder and Wright that does show crude language. At that time, Wright did provide a profit and loss statement for 2017.  The records show total sales of just over $1 million, but with overall sales down 39.4 percent. Currently faced with arbitration through the American Arbitration Association (AAA), Wright sent a memo to investors stating, “The proforma Operating Budget provided to you prior to your investment projected that operating expenses would total 18.27% of gross sales. Actual operating expenses of Gringo Star from 2013 totaled 18.13% of adjusted gross revenues (i.e., total gross revenues less $1,027,902.00 of drinks and food that (former managers) comped to unknown persons during their management of Gringo Star).” It continues, “The proforma Opening Budget projected that corporate overhead would total 3.01% of gross sales. From 2013 to 2017 corporate overhead actually totaled 3.03% of adjusted gross sales (gross less [former managers’] giveaways).” No date has been set for the arbitration.

It was more bad news for some who invested in a Tempe bar owned by Julian Wright as the IRS has sent notifications that they owe money. According to one shareholder, the IRS sent notification that money is owed for the Canteen bar. “He’s costing his investors almost a quarter of a million dollars because he didn’t do something right,” the investor said. “We’re paying penalties and interest and the investors had nothing to do with it.” The shareholder said it makes no sense that those who invested in the Canteen are liable to the IRS. “According to him (Wright), he sold have the business to someone else and they took it over.  Then the other owner put in that they put in a million dollars in assets, when it was really only $300,000 in assets for depreciation. So why aren’t they paying it instead of us paying it.” For some investors, there was another potential loss as Wright abruptly closed the Gringo Star Street Bar on the popular Mill Avenue. The closure left shareholders to wonder if they will see any income from the sale, which Wright said was $300,000.  The Tempe bar  opened in 2013, offering arcade games, food, drinks, dancing and street art. The 6,500 square foot bar on the corner of 5th Street and Mill Avenue was once home to the Library Bar and Grill, another of Wright’s bar/restaurants. Gringo Star’s opening was highly anticipated from both a consumer and investor standpoint. Shareholders said when the bar first opened, it appeared to be a sound investment. They said they did see a return on the funds they entrusted with Wright. But after a couple years, they said things started going south. They no longer received dividends and Wright was difficult to reach. They allege when they asked questions about their investment or the financial health of the Gringo Star Street Bar, they were either ignored or not given an answer. When they did receive an answer, they allege it wasn’t a favorable one. In fact, two investors said Wright would answer with a “F**k you” if he didn’t like what was being asked of him. Veritas News was provided with a string of text messages allegedly between a shareholder and Wright that does show crude language. One investor said he has received no explanation for the money owed the IRS. He said he was told that Wright didn’t want to get into a pissing match with the new owner. “He’s supposed to be fiscally responsible to us,” the shareholder said. “We invest with him to make money.” Wright is the president of Fork & Dagger Restaurant Group. He has opened and closed bars in and around Tempe. In October, ABC15 reported Wright’s plans to open Equal Parts, a “rustic northern Italian” eatery in downtown Chandler had been scrapped for a different concept. The new concept will be called Las Palmas Cantina. Wright has been featured in several Phoenix New Times stories. He has also been featured in a promotional video for Tempe. Learning the IRS wants the investors to pay penalties and interest didn’t sit well for those who already anticipate a loss from Gringo Star. Gringo Star Street Bar’s Jan. through Oct. 2017 profit and loss statement indicates the establishment took a  negative 37 percent change in sales. The 2016 profit and loss statement also indicates a loss of revenue. Arizona Leisure’s website states, “Without a doubt, Tempe’s Mill Avenue District is the hottest entertainment center in Arizona. It is the hot spot in the Valley of the Sun Phoenix area with the highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, microbreweries, sports bars, unique shopping and nightlife than any other place in the Metro area.” The location of the bar and its proximity to the university leaves one investor baffled as to Gringo Star’s demise. “It’s a popular area and a college hangout,” the shareholder noted. “I thought it would be a good investment. Lots of foot traffic.” College students and foot traffic weren’t enough to keep Gringo Star out of the red, according to another shareholder. “It was mismanaged. They were giving out too many comps and not watching the bottom line.” What will happen next, the shareholders said they aren’t sure. Those interviewed said they hope to receive some money from the sale, however, noted they won’t be surprised if they don’t. “We probably won’t see a nickel. I’ll be surprised if we do,” said one investor. They are hoping after the bills are paid that there will be something left for the investors to receive. For those invested in the Canteen, the Gringo Star profits could pay the IRS.

The owner of the Gringo Star Street Bar in Tempe, Arizona said a manager posted the closure notice on Facebook before he had the chance to notify investors. That’s one of the complaints investors stated when owner Julian Wright abruptly closed the popular bar located on Mill Avenue. “There was no communication,” said an investor who trusted his money with Wright. “I found out Gringo Star closed when I saw it on Facebook.” The shareholder noted that there had been “street talk” that business was faltering and that it was apparent the bar was not doing well, however, he was “left in the dark.” The Jan. 19 closure announcement was vague, leaving investors to wonder what was going on. They alleged Wright was a poor communicator and that it wasn’t until he was contacted by an investor that  all investors were notified that the bar had been sold. Wright said investors were aware he’d been trying to sell. “The investors that keep in touch with me had known about us trying to sell this business for a year now, including a time in October when it was in escrow and was supposed to close and then a day before it fell out so I didn’t want to get anyone too excited to look like this was a done deal.” Wright sold the bar for $300,000 but had not received any money at the time of the sale. He said last week he has since received the money and investors will be paid. The bar opened in 2013, offering arcade games, food, drinks, dancing and street art. The 6,500 square foot bar on the corner of 5th Street and Mill Avenue was once home to the Library Bar and Grill, another of Wright’s bar/restaurants. Gringo Star’s opening was highly anticipated from both a consumer and investor standpoint. Shareholders said when the bar first opened, it appeared to be a sound investment. They said they did see a return on the funds they entrusted with Wright. But after a couple years, they said things started going south. They no longer received dividends and Wright was difficult to reach. They allege when they asked questions about their investment or the financial health of the Gringo Star Street Bar, they were either ignored or not given an answer. No government funding  When asked if he receives any government funding, Wright said, “No such thing exists for bars in Tempe.” He added, “I’m the biggest investor since day one.” The Tempe city government was contacted for confirmation, however, did not respond. Phone calls were not returned and an email sent requesting the information under the Freedom of Information Act received no acknowledgement or response of any kind. Wright said his businesses are privately financed and added that he’s very protective of his investors. In response to allegations that he’s lax in his communication with his shareholders, Wright said, “I’m not the greatest communicator especially since I no longer have my company controlled who handled all the investor communications.”  He said there are certain types of investors, such as those who complain or feel something underhanded is going on, that he no longer does business with. “I don’t accept money from investors like that anymore and so I’m ridding myself of those cancerous types of individuals.” When asked why Gringo Star Street Bar wasn’t able to keep the doors open, Wright said Mill Avenue is very competitive. “After Gringo Star opened, countless other bars, seeing our success, opened around us and in better locations.” He added that there have been more bars that have failed on Mill Avenue than have been successful. Wright noted that a bar in a college town rarely has a lifespan beyond three years. “The fact it lasted five years is pretty impressive,” he said. Despite the investor complaints, Wright said no money was lost.  “That’s the reality,” he said.

Investors left in the dark regarding Gringo Star Street Bar closure  Investors of a popular Tempe, Arizona bar were taken by surprise when they learned via a Facebook post that the Gringo Star Street Bar on Mill Avenue had locked the doors for good. “I had no idea it closed,” said a Tempe resident, who had invested in the establishment. His sentiment was echoed by other investors, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of financial retribution. The surprise was not that the establishment had closed, but that shareholders had learned of the closure on social media and not from the owner or managing partners. “There was no communication,” said an investor who trusted his money with Gringo Star Street Bar owner Julian Wright. “I found out Gringo Star closed when I saw it on Facebook.” The shareholder noted that there had been “street talk” that business was faltering and that it was apparent the bar was not doing well, however, he was “left in the dark.” Unbeknown to shareholders, the bar was sold, according to Hartley Rodie, Gringo Star Street Bar managing partner. “We sold the bar,” Rodie wrote in response to a request for information. “The group that purchased it will be starting construction immediately and opening a different concept in the coming months. Bodie didn’t elaborate as to who purchased the facility and what it will become. As reported January 20, a post on the bar’s Facebook page alerted customers to the closing. There was no explanation given and numerous questions from patrons were left unanswered. The bar opened in 2013, offering arcade games, food, drinks, dancing and street art. The 6,500 square foot bar on the corner of 5th Street and Mill Avenue was once home to the Library Bar and Grill, another of Wright’s bar/restaurants. Gringo Star’s opening was highly anticipated from both a consumer and investor standpoint. Shareholders said when the bar first opened, it appeared to be a sound investment. They said they did see a return on the funds they entrusted with Wright. But after a couple years, they said things started going south. They no longer received dividends and Wright was difficult to reach. They allege when they asked questions about their investment or the financial health of the Gringo Star Street Bar, they were either ignored or not given an answer. When they did receive an answer, they allege it wasn’t a favorable one. In fact, two investors said Wright would answer with a “F**k you” if he didn’t like what was being asked of him. Veritas News was provided with a string of text messages allegedly between a shareholder and Wright that does show crude language. Wright was unavailable for comment. Lack of notification irks shareholders  Several shareholders said while they knew the bar was not doing well, they expected Wright would keep them updated as it its financial health. That didn’t happen, they allege, and it wasn’t until they saw a Jan 19 post on the bar’s Facebook page that they were notified of the closing. “It’s been real and it’s been fun but now it’s time to go. We know many of you have had some of your wildest nights at our lovely bar and we are glad we were able to be part of it  It’s been a great ride! Peace out Thanks for the memories!” the announcement stated. There was no other information provided. “I first heard of the closing on Facebook,” said an investor who had signed on to his account Jan. 20 and saw the announcement as he perused his newsfeed. “I received nothing from Julian.” Wright did notify investors, but not until Jan. 24, and not until after an investor contacted him wanting to know the status. Wright wrote: Hi All, It looks like we’ve finally closed a deal to sell Gringo Star.  We haven’t received funds yet but it’s looking good.  In anticipation of the sale closing we closed the business as well last week.  It’s been losing money and staff at a rapid rate so wasn’t worth keeping open even through the weekend. The sale price was $300,000 and included all FF&E, liquor license and inventory.  Quite frankly we were lucky to get that.  They probably could have bled us out and gotten it for half that.  Especially since the last $300,000 deal we had in escrow fell out the day before we were supposed to close (in October.) It will take us 45-60 days to reconcile as we have to await final statements from all vendors and make sure everything is paid off before making final distributions.  The deal was an all cash offer so at least there was no carry back. I could only guess at what the final amount will be as I don’t have all the financial info but I do know I’ve personally put in at least $60,000 in the last six months to keep the doors open and the staff paid and we had to pay $56,000 at closing to get caught up on rent, and that was after applying our $17,000 rent deposit. If you have any questions feel free to email, call or text me.  Attached are all the P&L’s I have in my computer.  I haven’t received Nov, Dec 2017 yet. Cheers, Julian Wright President   More questions than answers  The message from Wright left several shareholders with more questions than answers. “The new owner is doing construction and Wright doesn’t even have the money? That’s taking a risk,” an investor noted, adding that he believes Gringo Star closed due to mismanagement, hence, selling without having cash in hand was not a surprise. “There were too many comps and the place wasn’t kept up,” another investor said. Gringo Star Street Bar’s Jan. through Oct. 2017 profit and loss statement indicates the establishment took a  negative 37 percent change in sales. The 2016 profit and loss statement also indicates a loss of revenue. The bar is situated in the Mill Avenue District, a popular downtown strip located near Arizona State University. Arizona Leisure’s website states, “Without a doubt, Tempe’s Mill Avenue District is the hottest entertainment center in Arizona. It is the hot spot in the Valley of the Sun Phoenix area with the highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, microbreweries, sports bars, unique shopping and nightlife than any other place in the Metro area.” The location of the bar and its proximity to the university leaves one investor baffled as to Gringo Star’s demise. “It’s a popular area and a college hangout,” the shareholder noted. “I thought it would be a good investment. Lots of foot traffic.” College students and foot traffic weren’t enough to keep Gringo Star out of the red, according to another shareholder. “It was mismanaged. They were giving out too many comps and not watching the bottom line.” What will happen next, the shareholders said they aren’t sure. Those interviewed said they hope to receive some money from the sale, however, noted they won’t be surprised if they don’t. “We probably won’t see a nickel. I’ll be surprised if we do,” said one investor. “And letting the new owner start construction before money has exchange hands is a risk, and it could be a liability to all of us. Anything could happen.”

With little fanfare and no explanation, a popular bar in Tempe, Arizona is closing. The Gringo Star Street Bar, located on the city’s famed Mill Avenue, opened in 2013 offering arcade games, food, drinks, dancing and street art. In a Jan. 19 Facebook post, a vague notice was given. “It’s been real and it’s been fun but now it’s time to go. We know many of you have had some of your wildest nights at our lovely bar and we are glad we were able to be part of it  It’s been a great ride! Peace out Thanks for the memories!” As of publication, there was no indication on the tavern’s website that it is closing. Patrons of the establishment were surprised by the announcement. Alex Kelly Ouch..  I have left a piece of me at the corner table by the DJ booth with its departure. The only place in the world to have a keg stacked with Don and Vodka..   Amanda Gordon Audra Nicole Hall Nicole Daignault nooooooo…..this just broke my heart and I don’t even live there anymore   Chris Hirata Dude I love this place! I can’t believe they closed it. So sad.   Kassie Visco Maggie Bryson we didn’t even get to say goodbye.   While the surprise came to Gringo Star patrons, it didn’t come as a surprise to investors, who claim owner Julian Wright’s mismanagement caused the demise of the popular nightspot.   “I was led to believe I’d get a great return on investment,” said one shareholder. “I invested in Modern Margarita and Gringo Star. I got a little bit of the money back on Gringo Star. I got zero on Modern Margarita. That was a one hundred percent loss, yet somehow Julian figured out a way to make money.”   The shareholder added that communication with Wright was almost non-existent. “I would have to nag and beg repeatedly. When I asked him to provide documents for some of the expenses, he totally refused and he literally sent me a text message that said, ‘F**k you.'”   Wright could not be reached for comment.   Less than two weeks ago, ABC15 reported Wright will be opening the Pedal Haus Brewery in downtown Phoenix, anticipated to open early this year.   Wright is listed as the president of Fork & Dagger Restaurant Group, noted as “an 11 year old multi-state restaurant development and management company” on Wright’s LinkedIn profile. News reports indicated Wright has opened and closed a number of restaurants as well as scraped plans to open a rustic northern Italian eatery in downtown Chandler.    In 2013, less than two weeks following the opening of Gringo Star, the Phoenix New Times reported on Wright’s plans to open other businesses on Tempe’s main drag.   The fate of the Gringo Star location is unknown. The Facebook page states it’s “permanently closed” and as of publication, no one representing Gringo Star has responded to questions from commenters.

Steve, a retired Phoenix Firefighter, shares the story of a call that will stay with him forever. It's circa 1990. 2AM. A three-story nightclub on Mill Avenue in Tempe catches fire. The building is old and has been renovated time and time again. Hidden spaces behind walls and beneath floors conceal fire and smoke. Electricity in the building remains on due to crews being unable to gain access to secure power to the building. These elements create a false sense of security- an illusion that the fire is not as advanced as it truly is. While Steve is conducting search and rescue on the second floor, the ceiling above collapses around him.

Arizona State University's #14, Austin Erlich, gets 2018 started on The WCHL Podcast! Erlich talks with WCHL Commissioner Chris Perry about warm temperatures, hockey in California, passionate coaches, Mill Avenue, an impressive (if wordy) major, golf and more. So thaw out for a few minutes and have a listen!

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