Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Through the kitchen entrance they’ve come for 75 years — celebrities, politicians, powerbrokers and everyday Phoenicians celebrating life’s milestones. Now, a new chapter begins as one of Arizona’s most venerable dining institutions passes to new stewards committed to honoring its storied past.
James Beard-nominated brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro, along with their father, Dennis Mastro, and business partner Scott Troilo, have purchased Durant’s, the Central Avenue landmark that has served steaks, seafood and martinis in its signature red velvet setting since 1950.
“To loosely quote Patek Philippe, you never own a legend like Durant’s; you simply look after it for the next generation,” Mike says. “My family and I are thrilled with the acquisition and intend to bring a renaissance to this iconic steakhouse and expand its legendary status for generations to come.”
For longtime patrons who might worry about changes to their beloved institution, Jeffrey offers reassurance.
“We’ll preserve the iconic kitchen entrance, of course, and the classic period look and feel of the legendary dining room and bar,” he explains. “This restaurant brand is a part of Arizona’s history, and it will look and feel as it always has — comfortable and familiar, yet upscale and timeless.”
The sale marks a significant transition for Durant’s, which had remained under the same family ownership since Jack Durant and Jack R. McElroy (along with Durant’s four-legged “buddies,” Humble and Socrates) opened their small steakhouse on Central Avenue in 1950.
“It has been the honor and pleasure of a lifetime to serve the finest steaks, perfect martinis and heavenly desserts to our extended Durant’s Arizona ‘family’ for the past 75 years,” say Jack M. and Carol McElroy, the second-generation owners who have stewarded the restaurant for decades.
The McElroys express confidence in the new ownership, noting the restaurant will be “led by the extraordinary Mastro family and its highly skilled team of restaurateurs.”
The Mastro brothers bring impressive credentials to their newest acquisition. They own and operate Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak 44 and Ocean 44 in the Valley, plus Steak 48 and Ocean 48 in cities including Chicago, Houston, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Beverly Hills.
“It’s a privilege and honor to acquire the restaurant and to preserve its history, while enhancing its future for generations to come,” Jeffrey says.
Durant’s will temporarily close for kitchen renovations while preserving the dining room’s iconic ambiance. When it reopens, diners can expect the same familiar atmosphere with subtle enhancements.
“Our intention with Durant’s is to enhance, not change,” Jeffrey emphasizes. “Our most impactful influence will be bringing the luxury, personal service we’re known for at Steak 44, Ocean 44, and Dominick’s Steakhouse to Durant’s dining room, along with elevating the food quality while honoring the classic menu.”
The acquisition has already yielded community benefits. In late February, the Mastro brothers — both Brophy Prep alumni — enlisted their alma mater to help deliver a truckload of Durant’s nonperishable food staples to St. Vincent de Paul.
“As my brother Mike and I and our family get ready for a renaissance of the legendary brand of Durant’s, we couldn’t be prouder to make a significant and life-changing donation to St. Vincent de Paul,” Jeffrey says. “We know this truckload of nonperishable food staples will go a long way in helping the people of Phoenix who need it the most.”
For generations of Phoenicians who have celebrated anniversaries, closed business deals or simply enjoyed a perfectly crafted martini at Durant’s, the restaurant’s future appears secure in the hands of restaurateurs who understand both tradition and excellence.
As the McElroys note, under the Mastros’ leadership and “with the support of the Durant’s community that has walked through the famous backdoor for the last 75 years,” they are confident that Jack Durant’s self-proclaimed “finest eating and drinking establishment in the world” will continue to be a place of celebration.
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