151 Hospitality, a restaurant group co-founded and led by seasoned Phoenix restaurateurs Peter Hearn and Rick Phillips, will launch three dining concepts at The Esplanade (2425 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016) located in Phoenix’s esteemed Biltmore neighborhood, slated to open in early 2025.
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“We are excited to work together again and continue to be part of the legacy of the Biltmore and even more excited to be part of the new and improved developments at The Esplanade, ensuring the next 30 years of place-making and creating community,” said Phillips and Hearn, Founders of 151 Hospitality.
As part of The Esplanade’s $50 million renovation investment, the soon-to-open dining establishments will be transformed into culinary, cocktail, and entertainment venues keeping pace with the renewed growth in the Biltmore along the Camelback Corridor.
Introducing first in its line up is Camello, a luxurious and theatrical high energy chef-driven Mexican restaurant, named after its panoramic views of Camelback Mountain. Spanning across 6,000 square feet and accommodating 150 guests, this concept will feature a main dining room with live music, a dance floor, a showstopping bar and cocktail lounge, and two intimate private dining rooms that can be joined into one large space. Also featured will be an al fresco dining experience with a patio adorned with lush tropical greenery and a wrap-around indoor-outdoor bar, firepits and more. The well-curated menu will offer elevated, inventive colorful shared plates and large format entrees as well as a formidable tequila and cocktail program.
The MercBar will be re-concepted into 151 Tavern, an upscale New York tavern. The “fancy comfort food” menu presents a blend of American cuisine with sophistication and style and classic dishes such as a signature dry-aged burger, housemade pastas, artful sandwiches, prime rib, a sushi and raw seafood bar, and rotating specials. The quality-first cocktail program draws from classic influences, from Manhattans to Martinis, paying homage to the golden era of fine spirits and cocktails. 151 Tavern will also feature a robust wine program. This elevated modern tavern will include access to a private speakeasy bar and space for cozy private events and dinners for up to 14 guests.
The final concept will revive the beloved and highly acclaimed The Little Pickle Jewish Deli, now securing a permanent brick-and-mortar home following its successful six-month pop-up last year. The Little Pickle will reintroduce its breakfast fan-favorites and its no. 1 top seller—the pastrami sandwich. Also returning will be iconic New York-style bagels, house-smoked salmon, and the classic breakfast egg and cheese sandwich served on a Challah roll. Due to popular demand, catering will also be a big emphasis this time around.
The powerhouse hospitality team at the helm of 151 Hospitality are Owners-Founders Peter Hearn and Rick Phillips. Hearn brings over four decades of experience managing and operating multiple renowned restaurant and bar concepts in New York and Arizona, including his tenure at Fox Restaurant Concepts. He crossed paths with Phillips during their time at the original MercBar in New York City.
Phillips, a former publisher, festival producer (Arizona Barbecue Festival and Arizona Taco Festival) and restaurateur, has left an indelible mark on the Phoenix landscape with his top-tier media outlets such as Desert Living and ITEM Magazines, EaterAZ the first food “blog” in Phoenix, and restaurants, notably The Little Pickle, and Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse, featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Heading the culinary direction is Executive Chef Fidencio Alatriste, renowned for his culinary expertise and artistry at The Mission, The Mexicano, and Toro Latin Restaurant at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. He is overseeing the culinary programs across all 151 Hospitality concepts.
The interiors will be designed by Volenec Studio, a New York-based firm with projects in Singapore, Dubai and more, known for its award-winning hospitality work for Butterfly and Thief in New York and Stokehouse in London.
151 Hospitality is now hiring for all front–of-house and back-of-house positions including line cooks, bartenders, hosts and servers. To be among the first to learn about the opening date and when reservations open, visit www.151hospitality.com.
