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The Republic
Julian Wright, founder of Fork and Dagger Hospitality, which includes Lucky’s Indoor Outdoor, Kahvi, Sake Haus, Devil’s Hideaway, Idle Hands and Pedal Haus Brewery, is opening a new concept in Tempe.
His latest project, Jaguar Cantina, located at the corner of Mill Avenue and Sixth Street in the space formerly occupied by Anoche Cantina, will be a tropical Mexican cocktail bar and restaurant.
Wright, who is opening a new Pedal Haus in Surprise this month, is no stranger to Mill Avenue, having previously managed Canteen Modern Tequila Bar there before Anoche took over in 2022. Wright told the Phoenix Business Journal that he drew inspiration for his current bar from his regular trips to Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula and the way restaurants there incorporated a jungle element into their decor.
Jaguar Cantina will serve on two patios with two outdoor bars and will offer a yet-to-be-announced menu as well as agave-based cocktails and margaritas. The restaurant will be open for lunch, happy hour and late night.
The Jaguar Cantina is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025.
Details: 640 S. Mill Ave., B110, Tempe.
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