The culinary landscape of Tempe is set to be enriched by a historic twist as the owners of the beloved Thai restaurant Glai Baan in Phoenix, Cat Bunnag and Dan Robinson, tap into the heritage of the former home of Arizona's fourth governor for their latest venture. The duo, who have shared their lives both personally and professionally for over two decades, are ushering in a new restaurant concept at the Governor Benjamin B. Moeur House and Hatton Hall, as per details shared with ABC15.
Tempe Mayor Corey Woods expressed his anticipation of the project in the ambiance-rich Downtown Tempe area, remarking, "I'm excited to see that feeling return to downtown Tempe, thanks to Cat, Dan, and their new restaurant," according to a press release sent to ABC15. The establishment is slated for a 2026 opening, with further details on the concept expected to crop up soon.
The Moeur House, a domicile steeped in the state's history, dates back to 1893 and became the residence of Dr. Benjamin B. Moeur in 1896. Post his tenure as governor and death in 1937, the edifice underwent a transformation to office space for the city council in the 1990s, with approximately $2 million invested in the property's restoration. 12news reports that Moeur was known as a quintessentially unique governor, remembered for his ever-present cigar and colorful language, juxtaposed with his humanitarian efforts.
Zachary Lechner, the Tempe Historic Preservation Officer, told ABC15, "This restaurant is an opportunity to invite people into Tempe’s history." The Moeur House and the adjacent Hatton Hall have been landmarks of Tempe's storied past, with the latter named after former councilwoman Patricia A. Hatton and added to the property in 1993. Both Bunnag and Robinson seem poised to intertwine the threads of culinary innovation with the tapestry of local lore.
