Grand Canyon Café, along Flagstaff's section of Historic Route 66, has been serving its famous chicken fried steak and other popular entrées for decades. Now, the iconic restaurant is changing hands — but fans shouldn't expect too much to change.
Fred and Tina Wong have run the café since 1980, and it's been in the Wong family since 1945. Now, as the Arizona Daily Sun reports, the Wongs are ready to retire, and this month, they're selling the restaurant to major players in Flagstaff's dining scene: Paul and Laura Moir, and Michael and Alissa Marquess.
The Moirs' names may be familiar to Arizona Highways readers: They're the owners of Criollo Latin Kitchen, which was featured in a recent issue of the magazine. They also own Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar, along with Proper Meats and Provisions.
The Marquesses, meanwhile, own and operate Mother Road Brewing Co., which has quickly established itself as one of Arizona's premier craft breweries.
The families say they plan to keep some of Grand Canyon Café's popular items, including the chicken fried steak, on the menu. They'll also update the restaurant's interior and bring in some menu items of their own. The neon sign outside the restaurant will stay, they say.
The Wongs, meanwhile, say they plan to spend more time on their farm in Camp Verde and with family in the Phoenix area.
To learn more about Grand Canyon Café, call the restaurant at 928-774-2252.