Facelifts may be a dime a dozen in Scottsdale, but Genuine Concepts have brought the trend to the bar scene.
The team behind The Vig, Little Woody and most recently, The King, are hoping to bring their experience to the property formerly known as Mabel’s on Main, and are transforming the Scottsdale Arts District space into a bustling barroom, reminiscent of those found in partner Tucker Woodbury’s hometown of Beverly, Mass.
Just off the heels of the of the transformation of Old Town’s The King, a once aptly named honky-tonk concept called The Western- turned thriving bar & arcade, the Genuine Concepts team is readying for the same kind of success with the upcoming opening of The Beverly, Aug. 27.
“What these guys have been able to do at underperforming Western, was nothing short of astonishing,” said Rich Heider, bar manager and mixology guru. “Their ability to take a struggling operation, re-concept and transform the space into something that resonates with the clientele in the area is pretty remarkable.”
Part of their success is recognizing the need for change in some of their establishments. Woodbury says, “Knowing when to throw in the bar towel was important and humbling. We’re fortunate enough to have had our share of successful places like The Vig and The Little Woody but we’re also smart enough to recognize when a concept like The Western isn’t working and reinvent it.
“You can’t let pride get in the way of running a business, or there won’t be a business to run,” Woodbury said. “If a particular concept isn’t working in a particular space, you have to ask yourself why, and take the steps to fix it. The best way to keep a space from closing is to ask the hard questions, and then modify the property accordingly.”
And that’s just what Genuine Concepts has done with The Beverly, which replaces the swanky, sophisticated speakeasy-style digs of Mabel’s, with a more casual and approachable classic barroom concept that appeals to a broader audience. Gone is tableside bottle service, and although still beautifully appointed, exclusivity has been replaced by a more inclusive, laid back feel, with an emphasis on classic cocktails and new and interesting small plate food offerings by Executive Chef Jorge Gomez .
“I’ve been in my fair share of bars in the Valley, and there’s truly nothing like The Beverly anywhere in the area,” Heider said. “Mabel’s had always been a gorgeous venue, and the subtle changes made by these guys has only enhanced what was already there.”
