Owners of the Valley’s Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak 44 and Ocean 44 Get Ready to Write the
Next Chapter of the Durant’s Story

(PRESS RELEASE) The James Beard nominated brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro, along with their father Dennis Mastro and business partner Scott Troilo, are proud to announce the purchase of Durant’s Steakhouse, and are excited to celebrate Durant’s 75th anniversary with the beginning of the next chapter in this legendary restaurant’s story.

Durant’s opened its doors in 1950 and has been operated by the same family ownership for its entirety. A Central Avenue staple for fine dining, the upscale and old-school steakhouse has been serving steak, seafood and martinis in its vintage red-velvet setting for more than 74-years. About the same amount of time guests have been entering the restaurant through the famous kitchen’s back door.

When asked what it means to take over, Mike Mastro said, “to loosely quote Patek Philippe, you never own a legend like Durant’s, you simply look after it for the next generation. 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.”

“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," said Jack M. McElroy and Carol McElroy.

The original founders of Durant’s Fine Foods included Jack Durant, Jack R. McElroy, and Durant’s four-legged 'buddies' Humble, and Socrates. Little did they know that the small steakhouse they opened in Wayne’s Midway on Central Avenue in 1950 would become one of the most iconic restaurants in Arizona and the restaurant industry.

"Carol and I, Durant’s second generation, have been blessed through the years with outstanding, loyal, professional, longtime and cherished team members. Many of whom have become local legends in their own right. Now as Durant’s newest era begins It will be led by the extraordinary Mastro Family team of Jeff and Mike Mastro and their highly skilled team of restaurateurs. With their leadership, and with the support of the Durant’s community that has walked through the famous backdoor for the last 75 years, we are confident that Jack Durant’s “Finest, Eating, and Drinking, Establishment in the World,” will continue to be the place of celebration for the most important group in our hearts our guests, our friends, the Durant’s family, as The Legend Continues," said McElroy.

James Beard nominated brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro, Dennis Mastro and partner Scott Troilo own and operate Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak 44, Ocean 44 in the Valley of the Sun and Steak 48 and Ocean 48 in other cities throughout the country, including Chicago, Houston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Del Mar, Beverly Hills, and Newport Beach.

“It’s a privilege and honor to acquire the restaurant and to preserve its history, while enhancing its future for generations to come," said Jeff Mastro.

Durant’s will temporarily close for some renovations and improvements to the kitchen while preserving the look and feel of the famous dining room. With the addition of the James Beard nominated brother’s culinary and hospitality team, enhancements will be made to the menu as well as bringing the luxury personal service they are known for, while also maintaining what everyone has loved about Durant’s for the past 75 years.

For more information or to make a future reservation please visit www.durantsaz.com.

About Steak 44
Steak 44, located in Phoenix on 44th Street at Camelback, opened to stellar reviews in the spring of 2014 and is the latest steakhouse masterpiece by Dennis, Michael and Jeff Mastro, along with partner Scott Troilo, who also own the popular Dominick’s Steakhouse in the Scottsdale Quarter and Ocean 44 near the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square. Housed in an 8,400 square foot landmark, Steak 44 is an upscale urban oasis that boasts a vibrant bar, glass expo kitchen, intimate dining suites and many dining rooms featuring unique architectural detail, truly something for everyone to call their new favorite restaurant and hangout. Steak 44’s menu offers a twist on the classic steakhouse menu while reinforcing the idea of a new American steakhouse. Guests can enjoy several options of the best in prime steaks and chops in various portion sizes, along with an array of fresh seafood flown in daily, and a large assortment of chef inspired side dishes and appetizers.

About Ocean 44
Created by the founders of the Valley’s favorite family of steakhouses, Steak 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse, Ocean 44 is the brand new seafood creation by owners and brothers Mike and Jeff Mastro, along with their father Dennis and partner Scott Troilo. Designed by Testani Design Troupe with almost 12,000-square-feet, the restaurant opened earlier this month in Scottsdale at the former Harkin’s Camelview space on Goldwater Blvd., across from the new luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square. Ocean 44 features an elaborate glass expo kitchen with nearby seats, a large bar and two dining bars, flexible private dining rooms, the main dining floor and several other options. With an abundant and varied seafood menu Ocean 44 is seafood reinvented in a vibrant upscale atmosphere specializing in world class seafood and the great steaks they are known for at Steak 44. Ocean 44 offers its own unique coastal feel, a complete departure in environment and seafood options built on the same foundation of quality and luxury personal service. Ocean 44 dishes include butter and chardonnay steamed mussels, heirloom tomato crab stack, lobster bake, smoked salmon hash brown pizza, and a wide selection of wood-roasted oysters.

About Dominick’s Steakhouse
Dominick’s Steakhouse is an experience, a renewed Manhattan style American Steakhouse featuring world class steak, paired with unique and interesting side dishes and appetizers that go beyond the traditional steakhouse menu. Housed in a stunning and energetic atmosphere and located in the Scottsdale Quarter, Dominick’s Steakhouse is the creation of Dennis, Michael and Jeff Mastro, along with partner Scott Troilo, who also own the popular Steak 44, and Ocean 44 restaurants in Arizona. Often awarded Best Arizona Steakhouse by diners and critics alike, Dominick’s offers an elegant fine dining experience with exceptional personal service and a luxurious menu created by Chief Executive Chef Marc Lupino and features the best quality steaks including USDA Prime and American Wagyu and fresh seafood flown in daily. Dominick’s also features an extensive wine selection, as well as signature cocktails including its famous Manhattan. Guests have a wide range of dining experiences from the chic dining rooms to dining poolside on the restaurant’s rooftop dining room starlight. Dominick’s is regularly featured on local television, and in local and national magazines and newspapers and has grown to be a favorite in the Scottsdale Quarter. Dominick’s has also been awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for ranking in the top 10% worldwide for traveler feedback.

James Beard Nominated Brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro Acquire Phoenix Landmark Durant’s