After months of anticipation, Clayton Companies is once again boosting South Scottsdale’s dining cred with the opening of Oliver’s Modern American. The new dinner restaurant and lounge is located at 3207 N. Hayden Road, next to sister restaurant, The Eleanor. Oliver’s will open in an iconic mid-century building that was saved, moved, and rebuilt. The grand opening is scheduled for later this spring.

READ MORE: Ranking Arizona: Top 10 golf courses for 2024

DEEPER DIVE: Ranking Arizona: Top 10 pizza restaurants for 2024

The first thing guests will notice is the distinctive triangular roofline of the 1960s Polynesian-style building designed by noted architect Ralph Haver’s firm. Once the country’s only Polynesian Dairy Queen, the building was located three miles away at McDowell Road and 68th Street. Local real estate developer Tom Frenkel stepped in when the building’s owners were readying its demolition in 2019.

Frenkel became aware of the effort to ‘Save the Queen’ and knew it would be the perfect addition to the mid-century retail plaza where it currently resides. He enlisted the help of ALINE Architecture and Social Design Studio to bring that vision to life.

ALINE oversaw the rebuilding of the 1,000 square-foot building, which now houses Oliver’s cocktail lounge, and expanded the space with a 3,400 square-foot main dining area behind the lounge.

Social Design Studio infused Oliver’s with an ambiance that is both high-end and approachable, honoring the building’s heritage and sense of place with a history wall showcasing photos and memorabilia from the original Scottsdale Polynesian Dairy Queen.

The exterior space features subtropical plantings and lava rock from the original patio, creating a retro oasis for al fresco dining.

“As we approach the grand opening of Oliver’s, we couldn’t be more excited to unveil a space that is modern and inviting, but also pays homage to its rich midcentury history,” explains Nicole Herman, lead Interior Designer and Founder of Social Design Studio. “We can’t wait for patrons to experience the unique blend of past and present that Oliver’s embodies.”

And while the building is a nod to the past, the dining experience is anything but. Head chef and partner, who spent a decade at La Grande Orange before joining Clayton Companies at The Eleanor, has developed a selection of modern takes on classic dishes like Moroccan Chicken Skewers, Coffee-Crusted New York Strip, Scallops (served with creamed corn, coconut, cashew, & serrano pepper), and Asparagus Whipped Feta. An extensive wine list and clever craft cocktails like the Ancho Margarita (cinnamon, grapefruit margarita) and Patio Views (gin, watermelon, coconut) round out the menu.

“Oliver’s is a very special addition to this retail plaza and to South Scottsdale,” says Frenkel. “It’s a piece of Scottsdale history that’s been completely reimagined and revived, and the enthusiasm from the community has been overwhelming already!”

Oliver’s is on track to hold a private soft opening in early May benefiting the Scottsdale Historical Society, with a grand opening later that month. Follow @oliversaz on Instagram for updates.