Oliver’s Modern American set for new Scottsdale drinks, dinner destination
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Clayton Companies seek to boost south Scottsdale’s dining scene with the planned opening of Oliver’s Modern American.
The new dinner restaurant and lounge is at 3207 N. Hayden Road, which is next to sister restaurant The Eleanor. Oliver’s will open in a mid-century building that was saved, moved, and rebuilt. The grand opening is scheduled for later this spring, according to a press release.
Once the country’s only Polynesian Dairy Queen, the building was located three miles away at McDowell Road and 68th Street. Local real estate developer Tom Frenkel stepped in when the building’s owners were readying its demolition in 2019, representatives of Clayton Companies tell the Digital Free Press.
Mr. Frenkel became aware of the effort to ‘Save the Queen’ and says it would be the perfect addition to the mid-century retail plaza where it resides today. He enlisted the help of ALINE Architecture and Social Design Studio to bring that vision to life.
ALINE oversaw the rebuilding of the 1,000-square-foot building, which now houses Oliver’s cocktail lounge, and expanded the space with a 3,400 square-foot main dining area behind the lounge.
The exterior space features subtropical plantings and lava rock from the original patio, creating a retro oasis for al fresco dining.
“As we approach the grand opening of Oliver’s, we couldn’t be more excited to unveil a space that is modern and inviting, but also pays homage to its rich midcentury history,” explains Nicole Herman, lead interior designer and founder of Social Design Studio. “We can’t wait for patrons to experience the unique blend of past and present that Oliver’s embodies.”
The head chef and partner, who spent a decade at La Grande Orange before joining Clayton Companies at The Eleanor, has developed a selection of modern takes on classic dishes like Moroccan Chicken Skewers, Coffee-Crusted New York Strip, Scallops (served with creamed corn, coconut, cashew, & serrano pepper), and Asparagus Whipped Feta.
An extensive wine list and clever craft cocktails like the Ancho Margarita (cinnamon, grapefruit margarita) and Patio Views (gin, watermelon, coconut) round out the menu.
“Oliver’s is a very special addition to this retail plaza and to South Scottsdale,” Mr. Frenkel said. “It’s a piece of Scottsdale history that’s been completely reimagined and revived, and the enthusiasm from the community has been overwhelming already!”
