By Molly Cerreta Smith
Photos By Oren Molovinsky
For decades, Chompie’s has been a mainstay in North 32nd and has become one of the area’s most popular and beloved go-to spots for everything from a cup of coffee or a great Bloody Mary to delicious food for dine-in or catering and droolworthy bakery items. Since the Paradise Valley Mall location closed shop in the early summer as demolition began, neighborhood residents have likely been missing their Chompie’s fix. But now, it’s back!
Recently, Chompie’s latest and largest concept yet opened its doors at 3212 East Cactus Road on the northeast corner of 32nd Street and Cactus Road. In true “life comes full circle” style, the location is just about a mile from the original Chompie’s that Lou and Lovey Borenstein opened in 1979 and where the family still resides.
“We have been working extremely hard to bring something really special to the neighborhood, which is our former stomping grounds,” says Mark Borenstein, co-founder and owner, and son of Lou and Lovey Borenstein. “We love seeing our regulars again and meeting new customers, too.”
Mark, along with his brother Neal and sister Wendy (as well as their spouses), have been an integral part in growing the brand. In 2019, Chompie’s partnered with JRI Hospitality to continue the Chompie’s legacy and further develop the brand to best serve customers throughout the Valley for the next generations. Jason Ingermanson, CEO and president of JRI, was instrumental in the development of Chompie’s sister concept, Mokas Roastery, which is highlighted at the new location.
“We’re elevating and expanding upon the reasons why diners have been coming to Chompie’s for decades, including the simplest things like an incredible cup of coffee,” says Ingermanson. “We’re thrilled to unveil Mokas Roastery as part of the Chompie’s brand and to enhance our diners’ experience here.”
The new Chompie’s is the crown jewel of the Chompie’s brand thus far. Designed by Sargenti Architects in collaboration with Sixty First Place Architects, the comprehensive restaurant encompasses a New York-style market featuring fresh-baked bagels, breads and pastries as well as merchandise; a barista bar where Chompie’s brews their own Mokas Roastery coffee and offers a complete line of cold brew, specialty espresso drinks, and frozen coffee drinks; and deli and bakery counters featuring a backdrop of iconic subway tiles and traditional brick, a nod to the family’s New York roots. The bakery at the new location also serves as the hub where the bulk of pastry, bakery, Kosher production for specific items and packaging for all Chompie’s fresh baked daily items are produced.
“We’re really excited about the early response to our comprehensive bakery at this location,” says Neal Borenstein, co-founder and owner, who spearheads the brand’s bakery division and expanded it greatly to include a wide array of gluten-free friendly and keto-friendly baked goods, including an online component that ships these high-demand bakery items all over the country. “From everyday items to having something amazing created for a special occasion, we can fill any need right here before your eyes.”
The main dining room boasts all the glamour and glitz of New York City with an inviting indoor/outdoor bar featuring flat screen TVs and an impressive bottle display symbolizing the buildings of New York and the iconic Times Square Ball. The bar and surrounding seating then give way to a large dining room featuring beautiful murals — created by artist Randall Hedden, who has created wall art for Chompie’s since its inception — that depict scenes of New York and Broadway as well as original Broadway posters and the New York skyline.
Private dining rooms nestled between the bar and Mokas Coffee Roastery offer guests an elegant yet casual and comfortable seating option. The expansive patio portraying New York’s Central Park — filled with trees, greenery, sparkling lights and an assortment of seating including dining tables, community tables, and lounge seating — invites guests to gather, relax and stay awhile.
For more info on the new local Chompie’s and all of its latest news, visit chompies.com.
