Phoenix's Desert Ridge Marketplace just got a massive dose of country flair with the recent opening of Foley Ranch Boots & BBQ, where the vibes of Big Sky country meet the culinary expertise of celebrity chef Brian Duffy. It's the new kid on the block, brought into existence by Clay Moizo and Don Talbot, who also brought us Phoenix breakfast staple Scramble and the Half Moon Sports Grills. Moizo boasts of an in-house giant smoker, which is the heart and soul of their BBQ menu, with pecan woods giving that deep, smoky flavor to the likes of pulled pork sandwiches and St. Louis ribs, according to ABC15.
The 8,000-square-foot space, tucked between BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse and ComicX underwent a facelift to echo true Western vibes and includes a custom bar top covered with 8,000 bottle caps and a foot-tapping wooden dance floor, but that's just the beginning. Talking about the idea behind Foley Ranch, Talbot shared with ABC15, "We just wanted to bring some of that Montana hospitality down here to the Valley." And what's a country spot without a bit of alcohol to wash down that BBQ? Their cocktail menu isn't shying away, featuring smoked gems like cherry fashion and smoked strawberry mule with smoked simple syrup; it's over at the bar with its eye-catching top that you are greeted first, setting the tone for the experience ahead.
This new venture marks a long-awaited dream coming to fruition for its owners. "This concept has been in the works for upwards of 13 years and Clay [Moizo] and I are thrilled to have finally brought this to life," Talbot said in a statement reported by AZ Big Media. The venue promises to not just be another eatery but a full-on experience with live music, DJs spinning line dance and country swing, and enough nightlife to keep patrons boot-scooting till the wee hours.
The folks over at Foley Ranch understand the balance between family-friendly and adults-only – the place flips to a 21+ joint after 10 p.m., but until then, it's all hands on deck for a family feast with high hopes of becoming a cornerstone for local gatherings featuring hushpuppies and bacon-wrapped jalapenos that'll have you salivating faster than a hound dog on a hunt. Adding a dash of fame to their food fare, celebrity chef Duffy, known for his stints on "Bar Rescue" and other high-profile culinary showdowns, puts his stamp on the robust menu, Duffy himself said, as per AZ Big Media, "This is an exciting new venture for Desert Ridge Marketplace." Foley Ranch Boots & BBQ can be found at 21001 N Tatum Blvd Unit 93, Phoenix, and is open for those ready to eat meat and move their feet six days a week.
