What was once a home in 1932, but now a famous Cave Creek restaurant and saloon, The Horny Toad is set to celebrate 40 years in business.
Purchased in 1976 by Glenn and Marian Price, The Horny Toad continues to grow and thrive as it prepares to celebrate its longevity as the oldest, original restaurant in Cave Creek.
Now their son Jeff Price is managing partner along with the managing staff: Tom Price, Pam Hurst, and Jim Leonard.
“The Horny Toad is the oldest, originally-owned restaurant in Cave Creek,” Price said. “Years ago, people rode their horses to our establishment and tied them right outside. From the beginning, and ongoing today, I have been blessed with a dedicated management team and the most committed wait staff around.”
The restaurant’s chef, Don Dantine, has been with The Horny Toad for more than 28 years, overseeing an experienced staff that is dedicated to making each visit one customers won’t forget. Approximately 35 employees now work for 234-seat restaurant.
The Early Years
The Horny Toad’s original building was actually a home in 1932. Prior to the Price’s purchase of the property, the establishment was known as Dirty Will’s Mustache Cup. Dirty Will was a supervisor at the Cave Creek dump.
“It was quite – and remains – an interesting place,” said Frank Imel, who has provided construction and maintenance for the complex since its purchase.
In The Horny Toad’s early days, patrons would have to wait three or four hours to get into Cave Creek restaurants, because there were so few places to go to, Imel said. And the Toad was the only restaurant with a full dining menu.
Over the years, the restaurant has made many changes. The original tiny kitchen was expanded dramatically to feature a barbecue cooking station, a large food prep area, more refrigeration, coolers and storage.
Roughly 15 years ago, a large, dog-friendly patio was added to the west side of the restaurant with more additions planned in the coming months.
Above the large patio is a one-of-a-kind handmade metal overhang that features welded horny toads and curved metal features that represent Indian sun images.
A lush cactus garden was put into place and metal wagon wheels now dot the gated areas surrounding the patio area along with other fun, iconic features.
The Shops
The current shopping complex behind the restaurant – known as The Horny Toad Shops – originally incorporated only 620 square feet.
The first shop, constructed in 1931, was a tack room and feed storage room. At the end of 1976, a pottery store and an Indian rug retailer came to life followed by bike rentals and unique retail.
After a recent land swap agreement with the Town of Cave Creek, The Horny Toad received a left turn lane off of Cave Creek Road, garnered more room for an additional patio and other commercial growth opportunities.
World Famous Food
The Horny Toad, which is located on approximately five acres in the center of the beautiful Sonoran desert in historic Cave Creek, offers world-famous signature dishes including made-from-scratch fried chicken, scrumptious barbecue chicken and homemade secret barbecue sauce, pork and beef ribs and mesquite-grilled porterhouse, top sirloin and rib eye steaks, prime rib and award-winning strawberry shortcake.
The Horny Toad has earned numerous awards for its food including Best Fried Chicken, Best Steakhouse, Best BBQ ribs and Best Dessert (strawberry shortcake).
Famous Attracts the Famous
The Toad has also been a famous film location for western movies and photo shoots. The rustic looking establishment, which is filled with beautiful wood, stained glass and historical memorabilia, is a favorite not only of locals and visitors, but also of the rich and famous.
Imel said the restaurant is a long time favorite of Paul Harvey, Emmitt Smith, Michael Jordan, George Benson, Charles Barkley, Hugh Downs, the Ultimate Warrior and Dick Van Dyke, among others.
People flock to the restaurant because of its consistent food quality, customer service and hard work, Price said.
“The management team is committed to this brand and all it has come to mean to the customers who grace this special place,” he said.
