Just in time for its 75th anniversary, Midtown’s Durant’s reopened its doors to the public on Dec. 17 after a months-long restoration by the Mastro family, the iconic steakhouse’s new owners (photo courtesy of Durant’s).
After much anticipation and in what the owners say may be the most significant restoration of a Phoenix restaurant, Durant’s Steakhouse officially reopened for dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Now owned by James Beard-nominated brothers Mike Mastro and Jeff Mastro, along with their father Dennis Mastro and longtime business partner Scott Troilo, the next chapter begins for the legendary restaurant, which opened in 1950.
Durant’s has been closed while the restaurant was restored and underwent a year-long renovation. The ownership team – who also own and operate Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak 44, Ocean 44 and Steak 48 and Ocean 48 in cities across the country – completed the refresh of the restaurant just in time for its 75th anniversary.
All the finishes and everything from the kitchen to the dining rooms have been restored, including a brand new and high-end gourmet kitchen, new signature red booths, the iconic red walls, plus refurbished vintage neon signs and even the famous pink exterior paint has been redone, the team said. Jeff Mastro and Mike Mastro also reopened Durant’s private dining room which had been closed since the ‘70s.
“This was really more of a restoration than a remodel,” said new owner Jeff Mastro. “We think everyone will be incredibly pleased that we preserved what was here and enhanced the restaurant. The look is every bit Durant’s but with some upgrades that complement the legacy brand’s character, look and feel.”
Among the dishes that have been enhanced, the porterhouse steak for two, Durant’s prime rib, caviar service, lobster thermador, crispy veal parmesan, plus the famous mouth-watering sides like Durant’s scalloped potatoes and mushrooms in a rigatoni vodka sauce.
“We have a great new porterhouse on the menu and all the classics that Durant’s is known for, plus a few new dishes,” said Mastro. “The food is very much Durant’s but even better. We have really taken it up a notch and can’t wait for everyone to come in and try it.”
Durant’s also refurbished the porterhouse plaques that have hung on the walls for the last seven decades and the restaurant will still honor the famous tokens that grant the bearer a free dessert.
At the helm will be the restaurant group’s longtime Chief Executive Chef Marc Lupino, who will work alongside Executive Chef Felix Ruiz.
With the addition of the Mastro family’s culinary and hospitality team, guests can expect enhancements to the menu, improved kitchen operations and elevated, luxury personalized service – all while honoring the timeless Durant’s experience. And, yes, patrons will still enter through the kitchen’s back door.
For more information, visit www.durantssteakhouse.com.
