Papa Murphy's - Death at 425 Degrees - Ahwatukee Location to Close

Ok Bob - what have you got for a new pizza concept?

Boss - I got a winner! A certified, gold plated winner!

I'm all ears Bob - what IS IT?

We create a pizza place where customers buy the pizza raw and have to cook it themselves!

Why would someone want to do that? Is it cheaper?

Nope - it's actually more expensive!

Well, does it taste better made at home?

Nope, amateurs cook it at home in ovens that can't get a high enough temperature!

Well, is it faster?

Nope, between watching it be made, taking it home and cooking it, it takes way longer!

So Bob, I'm confused - why would something like this be successful?

Boss - we tell 'em that if they don't buy it and cook it at home, they don't love their family.

Bob?

Boss?

You're fired.

The Little Cheese Shop that Couldn't

The Wedge and Bottle Cheese Shop in Ahwatukee has slipped under the waves and is no more. This place was actually great - and didn't deserve to end up in the Ahwatukee Bowl Swirler. Sandwiched between a pop-up vacuum repair place and a dog food store, you knew that death was going to visit sooner or later. It closes for good on June 30th. Too big to fail? Too good to fail? Too small to matter? It matters not in the Tuk....

Arbys - Thinly Sliced Death

The Arby's at Chandler and 42nd has ground to a thinly sliced halt and is no more. Signs down, building gutted within minutes of closing. Arby's was always one of those "once a year" places - and I guess I wasn't the only one. The funeral pyre created some curly smoke, but alas - this one is done. The Beast that is Ahwatukee claims another soul....

Fresh and Dead

While not necessarily a restaurant, the Fresh and Easy in the mall on 48 and Ray with the Goodwill has put on it's organic Birkenstocks for the last time. Had a good selection of pre-made dinners and sides that were good for the college crowd, but alas, when you give away $20 of coupons with every $10 purchase you may have a problem with your business model. This one has obtained nirvana and shifted to another state of consciousness. Ahwatukee claims another victim....

The King is Dead! Long Live - well, nobody...

Burger King on Chandler Blvd. In the Frys  grocery mall is dead and gone. Even fast food run by a king comes to Ahwatukee to die. Hard to believe the desolation that has become Chandler Blvd west of I-10. Will post when first pawn shop or bail bonds move into the Tuk. With two Goodwills, it can't be far off...