Brian in Mesa

Ed Debevic's diner to close Sunday, employees say
Angela Cara Pancrazio
The Arizona Republic
May. 7, 2003 03:15 PM

As with Route 66, which once carved a path through northern Arizona and became an emblem of Americana, Ed Debevic's, a 1950s-style Phoenix diner, is shutting down.

The restaurant, which has fed and entertained Valley residents for nearly two decades at 2102 E. Highland Ave., will serve its last burgers and shakes this Sunday at 4 p.m., employees said. Its owners, Chicago-based Bravo Restaurants, did not return phone calls, but an employee at the other Ed Debevic's, in Chicago, said that restaurant will remain open.

Debevic's opened its doors during the height of the "Me" generation in 1984, survived the low-cholesterol 1990s and introduced "Blue Moon" burgers and Turkey Club sandwiches (without the turkey) to a new generation in the 21st century.

But the boom years of growth in the Camelback Corridor were not kind to the pseudo-Eisenhower-era eatery.

The restaurant was overshadowed by a parking garage and is tucked behind a Linens N' Things store.

"Some restaurants that create a niche, like Ed Debevic's, stay in business a number of years because you're not going to find another one like it," said Steve Chucri of the Arizona Restaurant and Hospitality Association.

"Sometimes your demographics change around you," he said. "I think Ed's is a good story to tell. It stood the test of time, they managed to weather the storm. Restaurants operate on thin margins, so you're always wanting those people to come through the door."

But times change and the neighborhood changed, Chucri said.

"I know they certainly had a following," he said, "They'll be missed in the community."


Christine L. Romero contributed to this report.
Reach the reporter at angela.pancrazio@arizonarepublic.com


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sad to see it go.

It's always been a great place to take out of town guests to.

__________________
"If Chuck is Solo, Larkin is his Fett!" - Morgan

Dback Jon

This sucks - I used to love that place!

__________________


R.I.P Tim Minnick

The KING of Cards

WizardOfAz

We used to go there quite a bit -

Thanks for posting this Brian.

Brian in Mesa

No problem. Like myself, Jon, and you, I'm sure there are tons of us on the board that have memories of this place.

It really sucks that it's going out so soon. A lot of the people who used to go there won't have time to make one more visit before they shut down.

I wish they had announced they were closing more like 6 months ahead of time. Heck, business would have likely skyrocketed.

There are a ton of 5 and Diner's and Johnny Rockets out here now, but there is/was only one Ed's!

Someday, I'll have to make the trek to Chicago and go to that Ed's, the original.

__________________
"If Chuck is Solo, Larkin is his Fett!" - Morgan

Audrey19

Yes, thank you for posting it! It would've been nice if they gave at least a few weeks notice. I'm trying to get my family together to go tomorrow night. It will probably be crowded until Sunday though!

WizardOfAz

Last look:

Attached Images

 

KingofCards

I used to love that place as well.

__________________
"Let the rabbits wear glasses."

bratwurst

Sad indeed.

I went to Madison #1 for middle school, and one year we used the school right across the street from Ed's while they remodelled #1. We went to Ed's all the time, in fact, I got my first kiss after eating at Ed's one night after a school dance.

I won a hot fudge sundae eating contest there one Friday night too. I remember when that place used to be full of people every night.

__________________
40

WizardOfAz

Excellent!

bratwurst

What was your favorite sign inside Ed Debevic's?

Mine would be:

Right above the door on the inside of the restaurant:
"The Valet who took your car does not work here."

Also, "When in Mexico City, visit La Casa de Bevic"

Honorable Mention:
"Ed's is as American as peanut butter pie"

__________________
40

Brian in Mesa

That's the best in my opinion as well.

__________________
"If Chuck is Solo, Larkin is his Fett!" - Morgan

bratwurst

Yeah and it wasn't one of the "World's Smallest Hot Fudge Sundae $0.35" either!

__________________
40

Audrey19

When I was last there (a little more than a year ago) it was packed. Every time before that I remember it being full, and even having to wait a few times. I wonder why they don't just advertise a little more if they are losing customers.

CardAvenger

My wife is at Ed's auction today. I know she is spending all my money on signs and crap. I am actually excited to see what she brings home.

bratwurst- I talked to here a little bit ago, and she was just outbid on the "valet" sign.

I hope she doesn't bring home one of those giant cows or pigs they had in there. I could live with a giant cheeseburger, though!!!!

I will post more tomorrow, once I see what the wife brings home.

__________________
"Yea, well I knew him when he was Ralph and lived in the valley. Now he's Monk, and he thinks he's cool!"

Brian in Mesa

I wish I had known about the auction sooner, just read about it in the paper. UGH.

There are things you can order from the original Chicago Ed's online at least.

__________________
"If Chuck is Solo, Larkin is his Fett!" - Morgan