By Michelle Talsma Everson
Randy Teffeteller and Joe Manzella of Tableside Partners have decades of hospitality experience in California and nationwide. Between the two they’ve won awards for business, beer and even brunch. This is good news for local fans of the two popular Taphouse Kitchen locations because just a few weeks ago it was announced that both restaurants, in Phoenix and Scottsdale, were sold to Tableside Partners.
“Tableside Partner Joe Manzella is an ASU grad and current resident of north Scottsdale after moving here 13 months ago. So yes, the restaurants are going to have a very large local presence in terms of ownership and involvement,” the pair shared on Taphouse Kitchen’s Facebook page. “Partner Randy Teffeteller resides in southern California.”
Manzella says that he founded the iconic TAPS Fish House and Brewery in Brea, California in 1999. Shortly thereafter, he opened additional locations in Irvine and Corona, purchased the long-standing Orange County institution, The Catch in Anaheim, and most recently built Orange County’s most popular new brewery/tasting room TAPS Brewery & Barrel Room.
Teffeteller founded Hospitality Management Group (HMG) in 1999. During HMG’s tenure, Teffeteller was the CEO/Managing Partner of the fund and assets, managing over 20 different brands nationally. HMG’s portfolio included Southern California’s renowned Aysia 101, Bistro 201, Diva, Kachina, Topaz Café, Newport Fish Company, and BB Kings Blues Clubs at Universal City Walk, uptown New York and Memphis, Tennessee.
Now, the two have launched Tableside Partners (TSP), an innovative hospitality investment venture with a portfolio of iconic brands ready for national expansion, while simultaneously offering consulting and investment advisory services for concepts they feel will prosper from their platform and brand growth strategies, according to the duo.
With the purchase of both locations confirmed and renovations underway, the doors will soon be open.
“We are looking to open both locations sometime in late August as we continue to navigate the paperwork process and liquor license transfers, obviously impacted by this pandemic,” the two shared on social media.
Manzella views the two Taphouse Kitchen locations as the first two of many Arizona-based projects. He emphasizes that the restaurants are “here for the guests” and the menus are keeping some fan favorites while also being updated with some delicious new items based on customer feedback his team has received. He’s especially excited for the weekend brunch options.
With customer and employee safety in mind during the COVID-19 pandemic, Manzella assures that the two Taphouse Kitchen locations will be using all of the cautions necessary to help reduce risk. This includes mandated masks, hand sanitizer stations, extensive cleaning procedures, spaced out seating for social distancing, and they’re evaluating a new cleaning technology to implement.
“We’re beyond ecstatic to own both Taphouse Kitchen locations and to be in Arizona,” Manzella shares. “This area is a new frontier for our restaurant group. We look forward to becoming part of the community and growing our brands right here in Phoenix and Scottsdale.”
To keep updated on the latest news about Taphouse Kitchen’s two locations re-opening, follow them on Facebook @taphousekitchen.
