The James Beard nominated brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro, along with their father Dennis Mastro and business partner Scott Troilo, announced the purchase of Durant’s Steakhouse, and are excited to celebrate Durant’s 75th anniversary with the beginning of the next chapter in this legendary restaurant’s story.
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Durant’s opened its doors in 1950 and has been operated by the same family ownership for its entirety. A Central Avenue staple for fine dining, the upscale and old-school steakhouse has been serving steak, seafood and martinis in its vintage red-velvet setting for more than 74-years. About the same amount of time guests have been entering the restaurant through the famous kitchen’s back door.
When asked what it means to take over, Mike Mastro said, “to loosely quote Patek Philippe, you never own a legend like Durant’s, you simply look after it for the next generation. My family and I are thrilled with the acquisition and intend to bring a renaissance to this iconic steakhouse and expand its legendary status for generations to come.”
“It has been the honor and pleasure of a lifetime to serve the finest steaks, perfect martinis, and heavenly desserts to our extended Durant’s Arizona ‘family’ for the past 75 years,” said Jack M. McElroy and Carol McElroy.
The original founders of Durant’s Fine Foods included Jack Durant, Jack R. McElroy, and Durant’s four-legged ‘buddies’ Humble, and Socrates. Little did they know that the small steakhouse they opened in Wayne’s Midway on Central Avenue in 1950 would become one of the most iconic restaurants in Arizona and the restaurant industry.
“Carol and I, Durant’s second generation, have been blessed through the years with outstanding, loyal, professional, longtime and cherished team members. Many of whom have become local legends in their own right. Now as Durant’s newest era begins It will be led by the extraordinary Mastro Family team of Jeff and Mike Mastro and their highly skilled team of restaurateurs. With their leadership, and with the support of the Durant’s community that has walked through the famous backdoor for the last 75 years, we are confident that Jack Durant’s “Finest, Eating, and Drinking, Establishment in the World,” will continue to be the place of celebration for the most important group in our hearts our guests, our friends, the Durant’s family, as The Legend Continues,” said McElroy.
James Beard nominated brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro, Dennis Mastro and partner Scott Troilo own and operate Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak 44, Ocean 44 in the Valley of the Sun and Steak 48 and Ocean 48 in other cities throughout the country, including Chicago, Houston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Del Mar, Beverly Hills, and Newport Beach.
“It’s a privilege and honor to acquire the restaurant and to preserve its history, while enhancing its future for generations to come,” said Jeff Mastro.
Durant’s will temporarily close for some renovations and improvements to the kitchen while preserving the look and feel of the famous dining room. With the addition of the James Beard nominated brother’s culinary and hospitality team, enhancements will be made to the menu as well as bringing the luxury personal service they are known for, while also maintaining what everyone has loved about Durant’s for the past 75 years.
