Julian Wright, a Phoenix-based businessman with several restaurants in the city, plans to open two more next year.
Wright is synonymous with some of the area’s most well-known concepts, including Pedal Haus Brewery, Sake Haus, and Luckys Indoor Outdoor. While Pedal Haus Brewery recently announced its Mesa taproom, which was set to open this month, will be opening next month, this hasn’t stopped Wright from expanding his presence throughout the city. The entrepreneur is now working on a new cantina in Tempe and a tiki bar in Downtown Phoenix, according to Phoenix New Times. Both concepts are expected to open in early 2025.
The new cantina will be called Carmen Cantina in Tempe’s CenterPoint on Mill, moving into the former home of Anoche Cantina, located at 640 S. Mill Ave. This won’t be the first time Wright has worked in this space, as he opened his Canteen Modern Tequila Bar in downtown Tempe from 2010 to 2013. This project may sound familiar to some, as Wright announced this concept last month, but as Jaguar Cantina. Now, the ASU graduate is changing the name and sharing more information. Customers can expect coastal and tropical flavors via smaller plates, agave-based spirits, and at least six margarita styles.
The other concept, which has yet to be announced until recently, will be a new tiki bar called Tropic Thunder, making its debut just off Roosevelt Row at 1014 N. Second Street, one block away from Wright’s other concepts. Tropic Thunder will be a dive bar with tiki vibes, according to Phoenix New Times. Wright is partnering with Wesley James once again for this project. When it opens, customers can expect carved tiki totem poles, a neon tiger sign, pin-up girl posters that glow under a blacklight, and animal print stools, according to project renderings. Tropic Thunder will be an intimate neighborhood bar with under 50 seats for patrons.
