Seafood Restaurant In Scottsdale Closes After 2 Years

A seafood restaurant in scottsdale has closed.Photo byEvan WiseonUnsplash

The closure of every restaurant comes with its own story. Often, patrons never learn everything that transpired behind closed doors or are even given a reason as to why the restaurant shut down for good. However, that doesn’t stop the wondering. Sometimes, a restaurant that seemingly performed well, had favorable reviews, and was always busy, shuts down overnight with next to little warning. That is exactly what happened with one Scottsdale restaurant this past week. 

Rockefeller, located at 8260 Hayden Road (Suite A-100) offered no reason, or advance notice when it announced on its website (as well as review sites) that it had closed its doors. Most closure messages have some kind of sad undertones to it, give a reason as to why the business shut down, or, at the very least, thank the patrons for stopping by over the years. Rockefeller did none of this. 

The postpost simply said, “After two wonderful years of serving our community, Rockefeller in Scottsdale is closing its doors…” On OpenTable, a website dedicated to reviews and reservations, the post went a little further and said, “...we value your support during this transition…”

This would imply the hospitality group behind Rockefeller is temporarily closing down and revamping with a new concept. It is possible the increasing cost of seafood products, something Rockefeller utilized heavily, made running such an establishment in the current climate next to impossible, so the group opted instead for a re-branding and new restaurant concept. 

FandF Concepts, the hospitality group behind the restaurant, also runs Pubblico Italian Eatery and Carbon Mexican Eatery. If you have gift cards remaining for Rockefeller the various posts have directed you to the two sister restaurants in order to use what remains on your gift card. 

There are several factors indicating the restaurant will be a re-brand and re-concept update in the coming months. First, the restaurant did not close at the end of the month. When there’s a rental issue or end-of-lease situation, restaurants squeeze out what they can until the month is up. Second, the restaurant owners (social media managers) responded to guest reviews up to two days prior to the closure, telling the guests they hoped to see the reviewer again soon. Maintaining customer support isn’t as important for a brand that’s permanently closing. It’s still essential for a restaurant that will return with a different name. 

Either way, after two years, Rockefeller in Scottsdale is no more.