Staff Reports | Business & Commerce
Crust Concepts, the family-owned hospitality group behind Crust Simply Italian, several speakeasy concepts and The Aviary catering venue, has opened a new culinary destination in downtown Mesa.
Found in The 233 building at 233 E. Main St., the project combines three concepts under one roof: Crust Simply Italian, Bombolino and The Nightingale. A grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Wednesday, Aug. 6, according to a press release.
Anchoring the development is the 7,300-square-foot Crust Simply Italian, which serves an East Coast-style Italian menu featuring family recipes, including New York-style and personal Rustica pizzas, handcrafted pastas and traditional Italian dishes.
The restaurant includes two outdoor patios with seating for 90 guests and a private dining room that accommodates up to 60 people. The space is designed to host a variety of gatherings, including family dinners, celebrations, live events and corporate functions.
Connected to the restaurant is Bombolino, an approximately 650-square-foot Italian-inspired coffee, doughnut and gelato shop. Guests can purchase locally made gelato, hot and cold coffee beverages, breakfast items served until 11 a.m., affogatos and Italian-style doughnuts throughout the day.
Bombolino is designed as a neighborhood gathering place for morning coffee, afternoon refreshments or dessert after dinner.
Hidden within the building is The Nightingale, a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge featuring handcrafted cocktails, small plates and an intimate setting for social gatherings and special occasions.
“We’ve dreamed about creating a place where guests can experience different sides of Italian hospitality all in one place,” Michael Merendino, owner of Crust Concepts, said. “Whether you’re joining us for dinner with family, grabbing an espresso and pastry, celebrating a special occasion or ending the evening with craft cocktails, we wanted every space to feel welcoming while offering its own unique setting. We can’t wait to become part of the Downtown Mesa community.”
The new venue marks Crust Concepts’ latest expansion in Arizona and adds new restaurant, café and nightlife offerings to a historic building in downtown Mesa. Together, the three concepts provide dining, coffee and cocktail experiences throughout the day and evening.
