New York has The Polo Bar, Los Angeles has
The Ivy, and Phoenix has Durant’s.
For 75 years, the downtown steakhouse was the place to be seen and to get the deal done over classic cocktails and a T-Bone. The iconic restaurant owned by Jack and Carol McElroy closed in early 2025, but in December 2025, the Mastro family brought the grand dame back to life.
“We’re from Phoenix and in the steak business,” explained Jeff Mastro, co-founder of Prime Steak Concepts. “We came here with our families and met Durant’s owners years ago, and kept in touch. We’ve always been interested in Durant’s, and eventually, it was good timing for them and for us. We’re thrilled to be the new owners and continue doing what Durant’s did in its heyday.”
While the other brands in the Prime Steak Concepts portfolio have a modern aesthetic, Durant’s fans can breathe easy; the classic, Rat Pack vibe is still instantly recognizable following the restaurant’s reopening. “You’re still going to see the red booths, red carpets, and enter through the kitchen,” said Mastro. “The reason we wanted to acquire this was to keep it Durant’s.”
According to Oliver Badgio, the company’s chief branding officer, this was a restoration, not a remodel. “We talked to a lot of people and paid attention to what they loved,” he said. “We’re bringing Durant’s back to its most polished and adding a few modern conveniences like upgraded lighting and sound.”
This was the first restaurant that Prime Steaks Concepts acquired, rather than creating, which came with its own unique set of challenges. “People have different memories of Durant’s and expectations of what it should be. It’s harder to take on an iconic, 75-year-old brand in some regards,” said Mastro.
The old-school steakhouse staples have all found a place on the new Durant’s menu. The team reviewed Durant’s historic menus to inform the mix. “Durant’s had a small menu when we took over,” said Mastro. “One of the big things we’re excited to bring back is the prime rib. Guests will also find a variety of different steaks, shrimp scampi, and crab cakes. We’re enhancing the porterhouse and introducing the caviar service that is popular at our other restaurants.” At the bar, tradition continues with classic martini service, great Manhattans, and a reintroduction of old favorites like the Paper Plane.
Mastro shares that they’re going to do something at Durant’s that they’ve never done before: a Friday Power Lunch. “In its heyday, Durant’s was the power lunch spot, so every Friday we’ll be serving up our full menu at midday.”
The kitchen will be helmed by Chef Felix Ruiz, who most recently served as executive chef at the company’s popular Ocean’s 44 restaurant. The menu centers on world-class steaks but also includes a massive lobster thermidor, other seafood, and an incredible veal parmigiana served with a flavorful vodka sauce. Orders are taken, executed, and delivered by a service team that makes patrons feel like royalty. The ratio of personnel to guests must be one of the highest in Arizona, is a part of why every visit to a Prime Steak Concepts restaurant feels like such a special occasion.
Throughout Durant’s storied history, the restaurant attracted an eclectic crowd from young people just starting their careers to regulars who frequented the restaurant for decades. In a downtown neighborhood that now has more locals thanks to luxury condos and bungalows, Mastro believes that Durant’s will continue to be the steakhouse for everyone.
“We’re honored to steward the Durant’s legacy for the next generation,” said Badgio. “It was quite the compliment when they reached out to Jeff and Mike because they thought they were the right family to keep Durant’s alive and continue to improve it.” He continues, “I hope our guests walk in and say, I’m in the right place. I love it here. This is exactly what I remember.”
written by: dena rochè
photographed by: luke irvin
𖡡 2611 north central avenue, phoenix, az 85004