The Team Behind Restaurant Progress and Sottise Opening New Concept

Two local restaurateurs are getting ready to unveil details regarding a brand new concept called The Sidewinder , coming to Phoenix at 924 E. Roosevelt St.

TJ Culp and Esther Noh , the owners behind Restaurant Progress and Sottise , have confirmed that they are opening a new concept called The Sidewinder, with few details available to share, according to AZ Central . The new restaurant will move into the former home of Little Chef Diner at The Garfield , which was previously the original Welcome Diner space. There is no exact opening date for The Sidewinder, but it will likely be before the end of the year .

Little Chef Diner announced on social media last year that the eatery was closing so that owner and Chef Mike Beltran and his wife could resurrect their food truck, Culinary Theory. While the culinary venture was short-lived, opening in the Summer of 2022, it was featured on multiple news outlets, including a feature in Phoenix Magazine, as well as on the Food Network’s Chopped. Now, Culp and Noh will take over the space later this year with a brand new concept for Roosevelt.

“From the moment you stepped into our diner, you became more than just customers – you became part of our extended family,” Little Chef Diner announced on its Instagram last year. “It was an honor to serve you, to see your smiles, and to create lasting memories with each visit. The joy we witnessed as you savored our creations will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”

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