If you've been scouting downtown Phoenix for a plush donut and coffee experience that doesn't skimp on creativity, look no further. Pretty Decent Concepts, the burgeoning hospitality group known for their popular eateries Wren & Wolf and Chico Malo, as well as bars Trophy Room and Carry On, is adding another feather to its cap with the newly-opened Creampuff Donuts. Situated in the warehouse district, you can now indulge in what Teddy Myers, operating partner, describes as “chef-driven” delights.
As Teddy Myers described to Phoenix New Times, a typical weekend tradition just got an upgrade with this addition. Located on Buchanan and First streets, the spot is a response to the absence of "another level of doughnuts" that Myers discovered in his travels—luxuries not found, consistently, in Arizona or near downtown Phoenix. Creampuff Donuts is more than a simple sugary retreat, it's a testament to in-house craftsmanship with a menu conceived by chef Lucia Alferez and a beverage program helmed by Jax Donahue.
True to their aim for a "celebratory" vibe, the lineup includes six seasonally rotated cronuts and four brioche-style doughnuts. You can find creations ranging from s’mores to strawberry shortcake on their opening menu. Myers emphasized the brioche base to Phoenix New Times, saying that "it’s pillowy but a little more dense," which provides a sturdy canvas for their imaginative toppings and fillings. Their drinks are set to mirror their food's sophistication, eschewing "overly sweet bombs" for more balanced crafted coffees and sodas.
Creampuff wells up in the space once inhabited by NW Coffee, boasting an expansive, renovated warehouse that it shares with Christ's Church of the Valley. Conveniently, the church's one-day-a-week activity leaves plenty of room for guests to lounge in the common area. Myers pointed out the district as "an underserved market for coffee and doughnuts," and with the forthcoming Fairmont Phoenix hotel on the horizon, Creampuff's 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. operations could soon be the hub of an investment-rife neighborhood, as reported by Phoenix New Times.
But it's not just Creampuff generating buzz. Wren & Wolf, situated on the ground floor of Renaissance Square, has been turning heads with its bold interior since its soft-opening last December. As Teddy Myers told Downtown Phoenix Inc., the steakhouse prides itself on both local artistry and local cuisine. From butter-basted steaks to house-made pastas heightening the region's palate, the dining scene is set against murals and taxidermy that defy any stuffy steakhouse stereotype.
Aligning with the vision for Creampuff, Wren & Wolf also banks on extraordinary experiences without the hefty price tag. Guests can enjoy edgy, intimate dining areas, morning coffee, and in the evening, unique cocktails like a reimagined Ramos Gin Fizz. Myers's commitment to providing something beyond ordinary is shaping up as a cornerstone philosophy for their ventures, whether it's for an elevated spin on the classic donut or a less-than-ordinary steak dinner. It's about making diners feel special without breaking the bank—whether you're going for a $16 burger or a filet mignon at $39.
