AUTHENTIC FAMILY RECIPES
East Coast Italian
CRUST CONCEPTS
Great Places to Gather
Crust Concepts brings together a passion for authentic and deep-rooted family Italian recipes with a love of handcrafted cocktails and a devotion to “hospitality, always.” Enjoy the welcoming neighborhood charm of each Crust Simply Italian with an intimate speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked inside or below ground. Eat comfort food in Crust Pizzerias, where you can almost hear the subway trains, and soar at The Aviary, an elegant catering space for special events and occasions.
NEW YORK PIZZA PLACE
Crust Pizzeria
Get traditional New York pies and a classic pizzeria menu where hand-tossed 20″ pizzas and a lineup of specialty wings are a testament to authentic East Coast flavor. Enjoy patio dining and selections from our full bar, featuring carefully curated wines and local craft beers. These pizzerias serve up real East Coast flavors in a New York minute.
SCOTTSDALE SPEAKEASY
The Goose
Celebrate the artistry of cocktail creation in a big city-style speakeasy. Pair meticulously handcrafted custom cocktails and whiskey flights with a mouthwatering selection of shareable plates, designed to complement and elevate your experience. With a beautiful and intimate interior, this hidden gem makes for a perfect beginning or ending to any evening.
HOME OF THE RUSTICA
Crust Simply Italian
Rooted in the warmth of family traditions and cherished recipes passed down through generations, our East Coast Italian dishes bring the true taste of home to your table. Savor rich, comforting pastas, crisp farm-fresh salads, classic Italian favorites, and authentic New York-style pizzas—each one made from the finest, freshest ingredients. Whether you’re relaxing on the patio or sipping a handcrafted cocktail at the bar, it’s all about great food and even better company.
GILBERT EVENT VENUE
The Aviary
Gilbert’s premier destination for unforgettable events, wedding receptions, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations. This elegant venue pairs timeless style with custom-crafted menus and warm hospitality, offering the perfect balance of charm, sophistication, and flexibility. Whatever you envision, The Aviary brings it to life and helps make lifetime memories.
GILBERT SPEAKEASY
The Blue Heron
This refined hideaway invites you to savor handcrafted cocktails, each one a carefully curated blend of art and spirit. With big city sophistication, an outside fireplace and large patio, The Blue Heron sets the stage for intimate conversations, friendly gatherings, and large parties.
CHANDLER SPEAKEASY
The Ostrich
Hidden beneath the historic San Marcos Hotel, The Ostrich is a speakeasy-style bar that revives the clandestine Prohibition-era charm of Chandler, Arizona. Once a home for ostrich feathers bound for Hollywood fashion, it now serves expertly crafted cocktails, from timeless classics to innovative creations. With a vintage ambiance, curated appetizers, and masterful mixology, The Ostrich offers a unique and memorable escape.
MICHAEL MERENDINO
A Family’s Culinary Legacy
A first-generation Italian-American, Michael was born and raised in Long Island, New York, where his family’s rich culinary traditions deeply influenced him. His mother, from Abruzzi, Italy, and his father, from Toretta, Sicily, owned Francesca’s pizzeria in Great Neck, Long Island. Michael developed his appreciation for authentic Italian cuisine and the joy of breaking bread with loved ones in this environment. The rest is history.
PHOTO GALLERY
Indulge in the Experience
PRESS COVERAGE
Bake News
VIEW ALL STORIES
Here are the New Dining Options Coming to The Trailhead in Peoria
Peoria’s Trailhead Development Opens with a Safeway, Fine Dining Options
