Keegan's celebrates 20 years in business

Keegan’s Grill has a location in Ocotillo turning eight, one in Ahwatukee Foothills turning 14 and one on Camelback Road turning 20.

And owner, partner and executive chef Paul Burdick said he has employees at each location who have been there since day one.

“It isn’t about the money, it’s about the relationships they have with each other and with us as owners,” Burdick said. “We’ve become a family.”

To celebrate its 20th year in business, Keegan’s will offer specials, giveaways and a visit from some famous horses Nov. 13 through 20.

On the menu will be its “Anniversary Dinner Special,” boneless short ribs with red onion confit, country mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, for 20 percent off.

Burdick said Keegan’s chefs are very scratch-oriented, making their own stocks, soups, sauces and dressings.

“Our recipes are a little bit more labor intensive,” he said, but if corners are cut, it transmits to the taste. “There’s something lost in that very small nuance.”

From 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, the Budweiser Clydesdales will trot to Keegan’s for a celebration. The uniformed delivery team and Dalmation will visit the local Keegan’s riding the famous red beer wagon that’s hitched to the eight-horse team.

“People forget how big those horses are,” Burdick said. “Those are something you just don’t see around anymore.”

Also on Nov. 18 only, kids can eat for $2 off of the children’s menu. Giveaways include commemorative T-shirts, gift cards and free meals each day.

Keegan’s in Ahwatukee is located at 4723 E. Ray Road. For more information, call (480) 705-0505 or visit www.keegansgrill.com.

Sweet Tomatoes donates to St. Vincent de Paul

Sweet Tomatoes will be hosting a fundraiser at its eight Phoenix locations on Nov. 17 and will donate 10 percent of total sales made that day to St. Vincent de Paul.

In addition to the Nov. 17 fundraiser, the restaurant is taking over the St. Vincent de Paul Family Dining Room in Phoenix to provide a warm meal for more than 500 men, women and children. Sweet Tomatoes will provide a full meal, including the restaurant’s most popular menu item and a traditional favorite, Chicken Pot Pie Stew, along with salad and muffins on Monday, Nov. 16 as part of the nonprofit’s Family Evening Meal program that provides families in need with nightly meals.

Sweet Tomatoes in Ahwatukee is located at 4723 E. Ray Road. For more information, call (480) 705-8774 or visit www.sweettomatoes.com.