Crust Simply Italian Opening New Speakeasy with Next Site

The company is hosting a naming contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card
Crust Simply Italian Opening New Unnamed Speakeasy with Next Site
Photo: Official

Crust Simply Italian, the East Coast-style restaurant with three other locations, is getting ready to open a new unnamed speakeasy in its next location in Mesa at 240 East Main St.

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Previously, What Now Phoenix reported on the announcement of this site location, but few details were revealed. Now, the company’s fourth location will move into a new commercial and residential complex under construction called The Grid, according to Phoenix Business Journal. The new Crust Simply Italian will feature a new speakeasy concept that is in line with the company’s other speakeasies that are “birds of a feather” theme. While early reports had this location opening in mid-2023, the company is now aiming for a Fall 2023 opening.

“We are thrilled to open our fourth Crust concept in downtown Mesa,” Owner Michael Merendino said in a news release. “We look forward to welcoming families and friends to our restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal in a fun, friendly, and inviting atmosphere.”

Merendino opened Crust out of Scottsdale in 2017 as a way to serve the classic Italian comfort food he had growing up. The first-generation American spent a lot of his time in his father’s Long Island pizzeria and wanted to share his love of New York Italian with Arizona. Crust Simply Italian has since expanded to Chandler and Gilbert, home to the company’s other speakeasies, The Ostrich and The Blue Heron, respectively. While there is no name for the Mesa speakeasy at this point, the company is hosting a naming contest for a chance to win an invite to a friends-and-family opening and a $100 gift card.

When the new authentic Italian restaurant and adjacent speakeasy opens later this year, it will sit a few blocks from Pioneer Park and the Mesa Arts Center on a busy East Main Street. Within the restaurant, customers can expect New York-style pizza, authentic East Coast Italian classics, and occasional limited-time specials, such as a Seafood Frutti Di Mare. The restaurant will also offer great wines, local beers, and craft cocktails.

Crust Simply Italian Opening New Unnamed Speakeasy with Next Site
Photo: Official
Joey Reams

Joey Reams

Born in San Diego, Joey moved to San Francisco to study Music Journalism at San Francisco State University. There, he worked for several publications, including The Culture Trip and RIFF Magazine, and served as the News Editor at Golden Gate Xpress. Joey previously worked as the News Assignment Editor for Pasadena Now. When he’s not working, you can find him exploring new cities, finding delicious food, and having fun at concerts.
Joey Reams

Joey Reams

Born in San Diego, Joey moved to San Francisco to study Music Journalism at San Francisco State University. There, he worked for several publications, including The Culture Trip and RIFF Magazine, and served as the News Editor at Golden Gate Xpress. Joey previously worked as the News Assignment Editor for Pasadena Now. When he’s not working, you can find him exploring new cities, finding delicious food, and having fun at concerts.

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