By Michelle Talsma Everson
During the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, instead of just closing up shop and waiting for the go-ahead to open up again, the team at The Covenant decided to switch gears and transition to a new restaurant concept: PV Pie & Wine.
“We knew we wanted to adapt with the needs of the community,” says owner Carrie Lane about the transition. “We didn’t have a walk-up service for easy take-out orders. While we loved the concept of The Covenant and are proud of all that we accomplished with that restaurant, we listened to what our customers were telling us. Feedback indicated the desire for a casual dining experience that would provide a more family-friendly environment. The downtime afforded by the shutdown allowed us to make these modifications. You will notice that much of the decor is the same or similar with pops of a new more casual layout for a more relaxed visit.”
So what will be different for those who are used to The Covenant?
“The big yellow door will remain and we are actually keeping some of the favorite Covenant dishes while adding roman style pizzas, some flavorful pasta dishes, and tried and true sandwiches,” Lane shares. “We have brought on a new chef, James Moran, to guide these new dishes while preserving those fan favorites from the old place. We will have some of our signature appetizers including the unique and beautiful hummus board along with our fan favorite ceviche. You will also see some of the favorite entrees including the cedar plank salmon and the short rib ravioli. However, in this changing time, we want to expand our menu for ease of take out and relax the menu a bit for the everyday pick up or dine in experience.”
She adds that the decor is also a little different. “We have put a bigger focus on our wine room, with its two spiral staircases and ample room; we will fill it with an eclectic and affordable wine selection. We will also have some bottle choices for those looking for something a bit bigger. The bar is a bit smaller, but the energy will be even better.”
Some other changes include the fact that PV Pie & Wine will have more seating than The Covenant did. Guests can expect a more relaxed setting with a changed color palate and new furniture, with the focus on guest comfort. “Whereas The Covenant seemed more appropriate for a special occasion, PV Pie & Wine will feel more like your favorite everyday spot,” Lane says.
“We will be blending the best dishes of The Covenant while taking the direct input from our customers over the last two plus years,” she continues. “Aside from our great location, we’ve put a good amount of attention behind setting up our dining space to enhance the way that people interact socially. We have a large screen playing classic movies, which is something that we believe provides a sense of nostalgia and commonality. While we intend to make pizza our main focus, we won’t be just a pizzeria. We’ll be able to offer something for everyone, including our popular classic cocktails, our handmade house cocktails, wine and local craft beers.”
When it comes to concerns regarding the novel coronavirus, Lane shares that PV Pie & Wine is taking all necessary precautions.
“We will strictly adhere to all CDC guidelines, we will have hand washing logs, and hand sanitizer stations for guests and our team,” she says. “We will change and adapt to the current times. The guests’ safety and that of our team are a top priority. We will try our best in this challenging environment; some may think we are going overboard and others may think we have not done enough. Our goal is to be consistent and follow minute by minute, daily, and weekly sanitation protocols to insure the best possible experience while keeping safety as the priority.”
Family owned and operated, PV Pie & Wine does a lot for the community through food donation and sponsoring events. They often work in tandem with their sister restaurant, O.H.S.O Brewery.
Some of the dishes Lane says that customers will love are PV Pie & Wine’s Roman style pizzas, available with a variety of toppings, cedar plank salmon, ceviche, and an updated chopped salad that “is out of this world.” On Mondays and Tuesdays, there is a $35 pizza and bottle of wine special.
“We are open for one and all. We will have a big to-go focus and online ordering for those in a hurry or not wanting to get out of their car. You will be able to pull up and get curbside to your car,” Lane says. “We also want to let people know the wines, food and vibe will be a bit more approachable with a greater emphasis on fun, family and a relaxed experience.”
PV Pie & Wine is now open where The Covenant used to be located; 4740 E. Shea Boulevard, #104, in Phoenix. Learn more by visiting pvpieandwine.com or call 602-495-7440.
