First & Last Opens in Downtown Phoenix

FIRST & LAST, NEW CHEF-DRIVEN RESTAURANT, OPENING THIS WEEK ON ROOSEVELT ROW
Robb and Ashley Hammond To Bring Ingredient-Focused Concept to Downtown Community 

PHOENIX – Feb. 9, 2022 – First & Last, an original restaurant concept created by Robb and Ashley Hammond, announces its opening this week on Roosevelt Row in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. Coming to the historic building on the corner of 3rd Ave. and Roosevelt, the new modern American restaurant will be a chef-driven concept built upon the married couple’s forty plus years of combined restaurant experience. With a warm and inviting interior, the restaurant will offer an approachable dining experience with a focus on fresh seasonal cuisine, along with an extensive wine and craft cocktail program. From the food to the design, First & Last will be a unique and casual neighborhood spot that locals will love to frequent. 

As partner and executive chef, Robb will lead First & Last’s culinary strategy, inspired by his travels and impressive career in Chicago and abroad. Growing up in the rural midwest, Robb learned the foundation of handcrafted food at an early age. Having spent a good deal of his life in Chicago working in the kitchens of James Beard and Michelin starred chefs, Robb was taught the commitment it takes to work at the highest possible level and strives to create remarkable experiences for his guests through food. The rotating menu will focus on fresh seasonal ingredients and vegetable-centric dishes prepared in a European cooking style.  

“My goal is to bring the best produce and products to plates each day, along with introducing a new dish to the menu weekly,” said Robb. “We’ve built a passionate and talented culinary team and I look forward to working with them and having complete creative freedom.”  

As partner and general manager, Ashley's role will be to run daily front-of-house operations and drive sales through excellence, high standards and guest satisfaction. Ashley got her first taste for restaurants at 16 years old as part of the opening staff for a local concept and has since worked her way up the ranks to manage multiple high profile restaurants in California and Arizona, including LGO concepts and Maple & Ash Scottsdale. 

“I’ve wanted to start a restaurant for as long as I can remember,” said Ashley. “When we found the perfect space in a neighborhood that we love, it almost was too good be true. It has great industrial bones and we couldn’t be more excited make it our own and contribute to the evolution of Downtown Phoenix.” 

Housed in the historic Gold Spot building that was built in 1925, which is also home to longtime tenants Lola Coffee and Pita Jungle, the more than 3,000 square foot space will feature indoor and outdoor seating for 150, an open kitchen, a chefs counter and intimate patio. The interior design created by local company, Designed by Been, is intended to make the guest feel like they’ve stumbled upon an oasis in the Phoenix desert, bringing the outside in with natural design materials, bohemian touches, desert plants and even a 10-foot tall indoor tree.  

Perched above the main dining room is a second-level dining room called “the basket,” which also will offer a unique space for private dining or event bookings accommodating groups up to 50. The entire restaurant can be rented out as well for larger private events. First & Last will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m., with happy hour offered daily from 4 to 6 p.m. 

First & Last is currently looking to hire team members for all front and back of house positions.  Interested parties can apply in person or by emailing careers@firstandlastphx.com. 

About First & Last: ocated in the heart of Downtown Phoenix on Roosevelt Row, First & Last is a chef-driven concept created and led by Robb and Ashley Hammond. It offers modern American cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, along with an extensive wine and cocktail program. First & Last is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m., with happy hour offered from 4 to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, visit firstandlastphx.com.