GSQ is Here!

Goodyear's new downtown, GSQ, is here! Hear all about what is coming to GSQ including the restaurants and businesses that will be opening soon and also the vision for what else is to come. Plus, learn the history behind the property and why a proposed mall was never developed on the site. 

Transcript

Open: 0:03

Coming up on this episode of Growing Goodyear.

George Getz: 0:06

Prior to this, Goodyear never had a real downtown. It had some office buildings where their offices were, but not a real feel of a downtown. And that's what we're trying to create here is a great downtown for the ninth fastest growing city in the country.

Host Jordan Byrd: 0:23

Welcome into the Growing Goodyear podcast, from the city of Goodyear. I'm Jordan Byrd.

Host Tammy Vo: 0:27

And hi everyone, it's Tammy Vo.

Host Jordan Byrd: 0:29

And Tammy, it is getting very exciting here in Goodyear and around the GSQ area, the new downtown area that will be full of restaurants, shops, retail, just a ton of activities for our residents. And that's what this entire episode of the Growing Goodyear podcast is going to be is to share some of these businesses and restaurants and these developments that are very soon to be opening. And then also shed a little bit more light on what the total picture will look like when GSQ is fully built out.

Host Tammy Vo: 1:01

Yeah, we always talked about it being a great time to be in Goodyear. And this is truly a unique once in a lifetime opportunity to be in Goodyear to be here for the building and the creation of a city's downtown. Like how often can you say I lived in a city when the downtown was built. And I got to see it all with my eyes. So we're going through that now, Jordan, and I think it's so special now, especially for people who've lived in Goodyear for many years that this is something that has been a long time coming. I mean, we've gone back to the 80s, when we had committees getting together talking about, hey, we need to create a city center, what is it going to look like that was the 80s. Now fast forward to this year, how long it's taken. And it has been a labor of love. And finally here, it's a reality.

Host Jordan Byrd: 1:47

Well, and just think about how different Goodyear was in the 80s or even in the 90s the population difference compared to what it was back then to what it is now with Goodyear being one of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the United States. And, you know, I just find that it's so unique because you're so absolutely correct. How many times now in the 21st century, can residence or a city say we're building a brand new downtown. Normally nowadays, you're revitalizing a downtown that has been a part of the community for decades, if not 100 plus years. And so Goodyear is in such a unique position to build this brand new area that is going to be bringing in people not only all over from Goodyear, but the West Valley and even the entire valley to some of the fabulous attractions that are going to be right here in the your own backyard.

Host Tammy Vo: 2:37

And it's such an exciting time. Jordan, as we look forward, what is this going to look like? But we can't look forward without looking back just a little bit to understand how we got here. I mean, if you lived in Goodyear for a while, you know, the conversations over the years about the mall being created over there near McDowell and Bullard and what happened to that and how do we end up in a place now that's transformed into a downtown. And after hearing this episode, you will really understand we hope and appreciate what our city's future is going to be.

Host Jordan Byrd: 3:08

But we also know what our residents want. They want to know when these places are going to be opening. They want to know when they can partake in Shake Shack and Copper and Sage and High Tide Seafood.

Host Tammy Vo: 3:18

Don't forget the wine bar Jordan.

Host Jordan Byrd: 3:20

I'm not shocked at all that Tammy is coming in with a wine bar. But stay with us throughout this episode. Because towards the back end of this, we're gonna give you some dates and timelines for when some of these new businesses, these new restaurants are going to start opening because if you have been anywhere close to 150th drive and McDowell recently, you can see the progress that is being made, and that a lot of these businesses are becoming closer and closer to actually opening their doors. But to add a little insight into the history that you touched on Tammy, what is GSQ, where it's going, what it's going to look like, what residents can expect. We are now being joined by Co-CEO of Globe Corporation George Getz. George, thank you so much for joining us here on the Growing Goodyear podcast.

George Getz: 4:05

Glad to be a part of this today.

Host Jordan Byrd: 4:06

Well, it really is an exciting time right now in Goodyear because GSQ is starting to take shape. You know, it's been talked about and you've seen the progress if you've been anywhere around McDowell and 150th drive. But now it really is starting to take shape. And I got to imagine you guys are just as excited as we are.

George Getz: 4:24

Finally, after a lot of years. We've owned the property since 1970. So we've owned the property for a long time. It's been farm for a long, long time. And with the growth that's happening in Goodyear, we just feel we're at a perfect time right now to really kick this thing off. Our partnership with the city has never been better, stronger. We love how the city operates. Their pro growth, what their vision is for their downtown. And we want to be a big part of that. And we're being a big part of it with what we've developed already. And what we have planned for in the future. So the future is bright for Goodyear, and I know the residents are going to be really excited.

Host Tammy Vo: 5:04

And George, you talk about now is kind of the right time for you in terms of being part of this and really creating this project. Why now? And what does it mean for you to be part of the future of the ninth fastest growing city in the nation?

George Getz: 5:17

Well, you know, this has been coming together really since the early 2000s. So we started developing and looking at the entire property that we owned out there, which was 640 acres. It was a section of land a mile square. And interestingly, we started working with Macerich back in 2004, 2005. And they wanted to look at developing a regional mall at our site in Goodyear, with the growth and the incomes out in Goodyear in the West Valley. They said our site would be a perfect sight to build a regional mall so we really started working with them in developing the commercial core of it to the north, we developed some multifamily and some houses up on the Indian School alignment and so we sold out of all the residential pieces. And then with Westcor, we wanted to do a regional shopping mall and a power center. And of course, we did the power center with them. The market at Estrella Falls, which is Pebble Creek and McDowell. And so they were ready to kick off the mall in 2006-07. And then of course, the great financial crisis hit and looking back, it was probably a good thing that they didn't start the mall because today, you know, unless they're an established mall and in a very urban downtown setting, the outside regional malls just haven't gone as well as as they have, say at the Biltmore, Scottsdale Fashion Square things like that. And so, we got started with Harkins because they wanted to be there. So, we designed it so that Harkins could plug into a regional mall at some point in the future if that were to happen. And of course, that never happened. So Harkins still sits out there kind of as an island on their own.

Host Tammy Vo: 7:08

By the way, one of the top performing Harkins in the nation I found out.

George Getz: 7:13

The, the number one Harkins. So, thank you to all the residents and people that live in the west valley that go to that Harkins theater, and we're happy that they're there, because they bring a lot, but they're there on their own. And I think they would love to have more energy synergy around them to help drive more traffic. So that's what we're trying to do is replace the old mall, which everybody knows where it is, and everybody was expecting Neiman Marcus to show up, but it's gonna change. And that's just because the nature of retail has changed and the nature of regional malls have changed.

Host Jordan Byrd: 7:50

And another plus is as opposed to the traditional mall that this site may have once been tagged for in the past. It's a walkable area as well, which is the vision of this total GSQ area. So if you live in the area, or if you park nearby and want to shop and eat at a restaurant and then go see a movie at Harkins, the idea is you can do all of this in this beautiful walkable space, right?

George Getz: 8:16

That's what both the city and us envision in doing this, we're going to have wide paths, everything is going to be easy access walking across, you know, sidewalks, very pedestrian friendly, so that all the residences in that area and nearby can ride their bike or they can take their dog for a walk and access all the retail and restaurants and civic nature that we have already started with GSQ. So this is the downtown for Goodyear. And you know, prior to this, Goodyear never had a real downtown, it had some office buildings where their offices were, but not a real feel of a downtown. And that's what we're trying to create here is a great downtown for the ninth fastest growing city in the country.

Host Tammy Vo: 8:59

Let's talk about some of the restaurants that we can expect to open here and just oh gosh, a matter of a couple of months. People are really excited about this. What about you? What are you excited about what's?

George Getz: 9:09

Well, I'm excited to get them open to obviously it's been a long time coming. We built City Hall. And then we did the office building and the parking garage, and basically civic park in front. But there was no retail there was no restaurants, not a lot of night energy. And we knew it was coming. It was just a matter of time to get those started and to make people believe that we're actually creating this downtown. And so we have a number of restaurants and some retail that's, that's going in and so every one is different. Every one is interesting, fairly local. We're not going with any big national names other than Shake Shack, which we announced, which will be down on 150 Street and McDowell on the corner there. But the other restaurants that we're doing right off the square there. We're in three building sets right now, the most northern building. We're doing a Spitz Mediterranean which is fast casual, it's going to be really fun, we're doing kind of a mural on one of the walls, which is going to be very cool.

Host Tammy Vo: 10:07

Very cool, very local feel to it, downtown feel.

George Getz: 10:11

Downtown feel, yeah, good Instagram pictures and things like that, in that same building, the first operation that will open up, we're actually doing a F 45, we have a franchisee who's going to be opening up an F 45 on the end, which will have kind of a patio, so he'll have both fitness indoor and fitness outdoor for F 45. And in that same building, we have a fairly large nail salon, going in Miyu Nails is going to go in there. And then one of my favorites is the Yard milkshake bar, which is going to be incredible, it's going to be really fun. They do large milkshakes with all kinds of cakes and cookies and stuff inside, they'll have ice cream and all kinds of sweets. So it'll be a great place to go in that space. So look out for that one, because that's gonna be a

Host Jordan Byrd: 10:58

So you talked about some of these places like good one. Spitz. And you know, The Stillery is coming and Copper and Sage. What is it about these specific restaurants, businesses that attracted you guys, or maybe attracted these businesses to GSQ? Is there a specific type of restaurant or retail, that you're looking to be a part of GSQ?

George Getz: 11:19

You know, we'll certainly we want to appeal to the community. So the community first, we think that let's start off with The Stillery, this is going to be live country music, for the mayor maybe some rock and roll, he's got a rock and roll guy, but primarily country music every night, and they have the garage doors that will open up. And with that live music, it'll bleed out into Civic Square into the park. So even people that don't want to go in, they can still sit outside in the park and listen to music, it's going to be really fun. There's nothing like it in the West Valley. So it's going to be packed, they're going to do really well we're excited to have them. It's got a ground floor with the band dance floor bar restaurant, and then they have a whole mezzanine area up on top too. So you can look down on the dance floor and look down on the band has got a real Nashville kind of feel to it.

Host Tammy Vo: 12:09

That is really just the first of its kind in Goodyear. I mean, I think about what's in the city so far. And this is really a turning point for the city in terms of nightlife.

George Getz: 12:18

Yeah, it's gonna be nightlife, you know, we built the parking garage, because we feel that while there's surface parking there, the garage is right across the street. So there'll be plenty of parking. But it's really going to bring a lot of energy both during the day and at night. So we're excited to have them of course, Copper and Sage is a gastropub. Joey has a great West Side Valley concepts, and he's excited to open up there, I think it's going to be a great complement to the rest of the foodservice that we have slated, and then the wine bar in the middle. So you know, all these are going to be opening up this fall. So between August, September, and October, all of those restaurants and retail will open up, you know, and get started. So we're going to see some activity there pretty quick.

Host Tammy Vo: 13:00

And this isn't just, I mean, that's the west side of 150th drive. But on the east side, well, a lot of work being done.

George Getz: 13:07

Before you jump over there, I still got a couple of announcements. Okay, let's now stick but just south of the entrance coming in off of 150th Street and Goodyear Way. We also have High Tide, which is an incredible seafood restaurant, oyster bar, fresh fish. And then next to them, we've got Overeasy, which is a great breakfast place. So we don't really have breakfast in the lineup. So Overeasy is perfect to go there. So if you want to have a breakfast meeting, if you want to just grab some eggs on the way to work or whatever it is Overeasy will be there as well. So those two restaurants will be on the building that's under construction on the south side of Goodyear way, and then Shake Shack down on the corner. So we still have a couple more buildings that we're working on tenants and, and getting them built. But overall, it's going to be a great lineup of food and retail, and I think it's gonna, you're gonna really start to feel the downtown nature of it when we get these places open.

Host Tammy Vo: 14:01

Okay, now, can we jump to east of 150?

George Getz: 14:03

Okay.

Host Tammy Vo: 14:04

I'm excited about this, because sometimes people don't start believing until they see it. But there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes right now with Globe in terms of trying to acquire the right kinds of businesses to go there. So tell us more about that. But what's kind of the work that's been done in the vision in terms of that.

George Getz: 14:23

So as you know, with Macerich, who bought Westcor, when we were going to do the mall, they had a planning agreement with the city. And unfortunately, just because of the way things went, they couldn't go forward with the planning agreement. And so when we sold the property to Westcor and Macerich, we had the ability to buy the land back. And so this was during COVID. And a lot of people probably wouldn't have either been in a position or had the vision to try to think about what they could do with this land. But we knew what we were doing across the street at GSQ. And we had owned it before. And so we just felt like you know what we were the right people to move forward with the city. Over the last really three years, we've been working with a new group to partner with to come in because of its size 105 acres. You know, there's a lot of uses that are going to think about going in there. And of course, we had to go through the whole process with the city as far as rezoning it because it was going to be a regional mall. And that has different restrictions and classifications. And so what we're talking about now is doing more of an open air streetscape, restaurants, retail, possibly a hotel, convention center, and making it again, very walkable, but doing it in blocks, versus an indoor outdoor mall, like you'll see it at San Tan, or Chandler, or Fashion Square, that kind of thing. So we're very excited about what the future is there. The city's very excited about it. I think we'll have a variety of uses in there. And not just some restaurants and a movie theater, I think it'll be more than that. And I think that will also help create kind of this downtown Goodyear feel, which the city is excited about. We're excited about it. Everybody's excited. So keep your fingers crossed, we're getting closer, and we'd love to make some more announcements. But those will be in the future. So you can have me on another time. And we'll make those announcements as as we see fit. But it's like a duck on the water, you know, very smooth looking at the top and underneath the legs are gone like crazy. flurry of activity. We're doing all the legwork underneath the water. But we're going right across the pond here.

Host Tammy Vo: 16:32

We talk about discussions that globe is having with some of these potential restaurants and stores. What is their reaction when you talk about hey, what do you think about coming to Goodyear? What's the reaction to that?

George Getz: 16:46

Well, in the past, it's been a little bit mixed until they open. And then when they open they're like this is the best store opening we've ever had. Our sales are higher than any other store we've ever had. Whether it's Harkins, when we did a Oregano's, when we did Cheddars, when we did BJs you go right down the list, everybody that's opened up, they've opened up to higher sales than they've ever had. And so we've got a track record now of proving that when they start to do their own market information, they're all starting to come back saying you're exactly right. We can have better sales than we thought we were going to have. And so that's why we've been having more success. And we will continue to have more and more success, because of the demand and the desire for better restaurants, better retail, better everything in Goodyear. And it's we're gonna bring it to them and a lot of different forms and fashions.

Host Jordan Byrd: 17:36

It's kind of unusual in the 21st century to have a city the size of Goodyear to be able to build a downtown, you know, most downtown's are the historical part of a city or a town. And so for you guys to be involved in this and such a large project. I mean, we're talking triple digits in the acreage of this property. How is that relationship? And is that something that normally you guys have experienced in the past? Or is that something that's common in development to have kind of this hand in hand relationship with the city government?

George Getz: 18:06

You know, in the past, typically not typically, you're dealt with at downtown with multiple owners. You're trying to create districts and and get everybody on the same page. It's just between us in the city right now. You know, so it's, it's unusual. It's daunting at times to think about, I've got a blank sheet of paper here. And then you try to create something. You know, as you said, most of the downtown's like either Old Town Scottsdale or Chandler Gilbert, or some of these other cities, they've already had this downtown, and they're basically rejuvenating their downtown, bringing in new uses from you know, what was old. We're starting from scratch. So it's, it's interesting, it takes a lot more vision, it takes real good planning, and it takes support from the city, you know, and in the city wants a downtown so badly. We want to create a downtown for them so badly. And so the partnership, as I said, has never been stronger. We work closely with the council, we work closely with the city manager, and all the departments, we have an open open hand we show them everything that we want to do. And they'll respond back saying we liked this, could you maybe tweaked this? Or we want Goodyear Way to look a little bit wider, we want it more landscaped or whatever it is. And we go back and try to make some changes. And so it is almost like a partnership. This process has gone very smoothly. And I think it's just because we both have a shared vision and a shared goal of what we want this to become.

Host Tammy Vo: 19:36

One thing I did want to talk to you about is the idea of having a variety of housing in this downtown area. I think Goodyear is going through an interesting transition time where we're growing so fast that we do see a lot of multifamily housing apartments popping up in different patches of the city. So I think if you've been there for a long time, you're kind of trying to understand where we're going with this but from a development perspective when you're building a downtown, tell us more about, you know, what impact, you know, having that housing different types of housing has on the future downtown. And also, as you do kind of negotiations behind the scenes with all the restaurants in the stores that people want, what are they looking for in terms of people who are living in the in the neighborhood.

George Getz: 20:21

So it's a real interesting kind of case study on the whole property because it is truly mixed use all the way from residential to retail, to civic, you know, parking garages in so you have to take everything into consideration when you're developing out a big plan development. So as you know, from the north, where Pebble Creek is working our way south we transition from single family housing, north of Indian School and north of the canal, down to single family, the on the property that we owned. And then as we got closer to kind of the urban center, that's when the density started to grow. So you want density in this urban feeling that you have, you don't have single family homes in downtown Phoenix, you have you know, high rises, you have multifamily that's high rises, or condos that are high rises. And so you know, the city wants more vertical, they want more of an urban feel, rather than a open sprawl, low density feel to it. So it's a combination of blending houses, with houses, slowly building up to maybe townhomes are built to rent all the way up to three and four story multifamily that are going to be closer in part of an urban core. So what you've seen out there and what's been developed so far, there's only really a couple of more multifamily sites left out of the entire 150 acres that's remaining, just because most of that's happened already on the perimeter. But as we start to create this downtown and this urban feel, you'll start to see more vertical, whether it's hotels, whether you see multifamily, or I'd love to see some higher rise condos down there, I think that would go over really well with the city, I think there's a lot of people that would love to live in, you know, a three or four story condo tower in a downtown urban setting in Goodyear where they can walk to the movies, walk to entertainment, walk to restaurants, and shopping and that kind of thing. So, you know, again, it's all part of this urban development that we're trying to create. In a vibrant downtown. That's what you want is a vibrant downtown.

Host Jordan Byrd: 22:31

And when you talk about all of these pieces kind of working together to make that vibrant downtown a reality. Not only does the multifamily housing provide additional options for residents of Goodyear and more opportunity to have a selection of housing. But also it's my understanding that when it comes to attracting the businesses to come to GSQ. They're also looking at that as well, right? They're looking at the density of an area, how many people live within a certain radius of it that is it going to make sense for me to put my business out there? Is there going to be enough customers, that kind of works hand in hand as well, right?

George Getz: 23:06

That's exactly it, you need to have the density. And you don't get that by one acre housing or duplexes. And so I know there's a lot of people that are upset with the number of multifamily units that are in Goodyear. And I think, as a developer, the developers are saying, This is what the demand is. And so we're just trying to address the demand. We're not trying to create something that is not there. And so it's a combination of everything. It's a combination of single family homes that you can buy, build to rent products, which are basically homes that you can rent, we sold a piece to be living and they've done a great job of building out their build the rent product, right by Civic Square, and then it'll be you know, multifamily, and more on the denser side, you know, three or four storeys with great amenities. I mean, the multifamily projects today are not like the multifamily projects 20 years ago. And you know, they have clubhouses and pools and recreational facilities and some of them have many backyards are incredible. So you know, it's important to have a blend of everything as far as your community goes. And all we're trying to do is bring all these different aspects into one community. If you want to downtown and you want urban, you're going to find even in Old Town Scottsdale, you're not going to find a single family development there. It's all going to be more urban, more dense, more vertical, if you will. And I think that's the vision of the city. And, you know, I think that's shared by us as well.

Host Tammy Vo: 24:36

George, tell us about Globe Corp. You're a family owned business and you have a long history in Goodyear. Just tell us more about the company that you've built over the years and your presence in Goodyear. Why Goodyear?

George Getz: 24:50

Well our company started in 1901. So we're 125 almost 125 years old now. Yeah. So my great grandfather started our company in 1901 in Chicago, he was in the coal business, became a partner bought out as partners owned it himself. And that's when we became technically Globe Coal Company back in the day. And then it's later switched to Globe Corporation. My grandfather operated the company through the 20s, and 30s and 40s, he was more interested in operating companies. So we manufactured a variety of different products back in the industrial revolution, if you will. And then when my dad took over the company, he was interested in banking. And so that's what really moved us to Arizona, we lived in Chicago, and he had the opportunity to buy the controlling interest in the Arizona Bank out here, which at the time, was the third largest bank in Arizona in 1970. And that's when we moved out from Illinois. And in addition to buying an interest in that bank, He also bought real estate, because he was interested in real estate. And then he and my grandfather, on this nice little farm out in Goodyear, Arizona, and said, you know, over time in the path of growth, this is going to be a great property, oh, what a patient. And so I'm the lucky one, because after sitting on it for almost 50 years, I'm the one that gets to craft the vision of what it becomes next and, and how we develop it out well.

Host Jordan Byrd: 26:14

And I think that's really important to note, because it's not like a nameless, faceless corporation that's coming in and trying to develop this land, it really seems like there is an invested interest not only with globe Corp, but your own family on what this piece of land turns into.

George Getz: 26:31

For sure, you know, it's an important piece of property that we own, we care a lot about the Goodyear community and what it becomes and how it's developed and making sure that we do it, you know, in the best fashion. And it's a pride and joy for us, actually, and I'm excited about what we've done so far. And I think the next five to seven years, you're going to see a complete transformation of this, you know, nice farm into a real downtown for the city of Goodyear. So we're excited. I hope you all are excited, it's coming, I promise you. I know there have been a lot of promises in the past about malls and different stores that were coming. But we want to deliver the city, a great asset with great tenants and a place where people are going to be very proud to go to and shop at.

Host Jordan Byrd: 27:15

So I got to ask you, before we let you go, we get a lot of questions from residents. What does GSQ mean? And what is the origin of the name behind it?

George Getz: 27:26

Well, it you know, naming anything is almost impossible, whether it's a child or a dog or whatever it is. And naming a large Downtown Project is is difficult as well. And so we kicked around names we played with all different kinds of things, we all decided that the shorter the better, right? Something you can identify with pretty quickly. So GSQ could be Goodyear Square, like a downtown for Goodyear. Goodyear and Globe Corp is G squared, you know two G's put together. So there's a couple of connotations that you could take away from GSQ as far as how we came up with the name, but suffice it to say it's sticking, the rest of the project that we're going to do on the east side of 150 Street is all going to be GSQ. So while we think of GSQ, now as just being Civic Square, and around the city hall and the office building, the entire project, we're going to call it GSQ, we really want to focus on that name and make sure that name sticks. And everybody is well aware of it. And everybody in Arizona is going to hear about GSQ.

Host Tammy Vo: 28:30

We're so grateful for the city's partnership with Globe. And we appreciate you guys and your leadership and just really see this as a gift that you have brought to Goodyear and one that is going to impact every single person in the city. So we we just thank you on behalf of the city for for the partnership.

George Getz: 28:46

Well, it's our pleasure, as I said, it's been a great partnership. And this is something that residents are going to be really excited about. So I know it's taken a long time. I've been hearing about it for a lot of years, promise me the best is yet to come and what we have planned for and the tenants that are coming are going to be better than the tenants you would have had if we had developed a regional mall. So I think the end product will be a better product for everybody and Goodyear. Thank you for having me. This has been fun and we look forward to sharing more successes as they continue to roll out.

Unknown: 29:18

Well, you can hear in that interview with George just the excitement that the Globe Corporation and the city of Goodyear has about what is coming to GSQ in this new downtown venture that is going to benefit all of our residents and just provide such a great community space but it's not just Globe Corp. It's not just the city of Goodyear. Let's hear now from some of the actual business owners who are opening up shops retail restaurants in GSQ. Copper and Sage owner Joey Lucidi.

Joey Lucidi: 29:48

We're very proud of of being that gastropub with a southern influence, but we've got fusions all over the place. So you're gonna have really cool things like Nashville hot chicken and mussels and different steaks. We've also got some simple items, we've got a classic Smashburger we've got a crazy chicken sandwich, but the menus very approachable. And we're able to get people with different times of their life, whether it be Tuesday night and you want great bar food, or whether you want it to be your anniversary and your special night out. Our cocktail menu really separates us a lot in the West Valley, we've put more time and effort into our cocktail menu than we ever have with Copper and Sage. We want to be drink and food forward. And so we've we've curated a pretty amazing cocktail list. I'm excited because I think the city of Goodyear doesn't really know what to expect with this. And they're going to be very pleasantly surprised. I believe GSQ could be one of the coolest places in the entire valley.

Jaskarn Singh: 30:49

wraps, the street car wraps, the fries, everything is just a different style than what you get at your normal restaurants. So we're gonna have a nice patio in front, some people could sit outside, especially during the fall, winter, spring season, it's gonna be just a nice very lounge area where you can enjoy your meal and drink you know, when we were looking at different places. So it was driving around, going to different locations. And then GSQ was like my third or fourth stop. And I went there, I called my broker I was like, this is a spot I want, we're really excited to be a part of it. That place is growing, it's the new downtown of Goodyear. It's just an opportunity that I think it's going to be great. You're gonna see some nice art in there, some great music, some good drinks, and some really, really good food.

Host Jordan Byrd: 31:40

Overeasy Culinary Director Justin Woodard.

Justin Woodard: 31:43

Every restaurant has a vibe has a culture has a feel, whether that's from the aesthetics of the restaurant, whether it's, you know, the menu, I think we've done a really good job of trying to conquer all those things, right? We want to have the highest quality food possible. But then we pair it with really fun drinks. And you know, the color schemes, you know, a lot of thought goes into it. We just wanted to create that more laid back experience on the weekends, right? So you're coming in, you have your drinks, you have your entree, and then before that, hey, we'll have some tachos, maybe a pound of bacon for the table, you know, just sort of something we thought would be fun and unique. You know, West Valley is where all the growth is happening right now. We're very excited to go to Goodyear, we can't wait to be there. It's going to be fun. We want to be right in the center of all that action. So we're stoked.

Unknown: 32:26

Tammy hearing that I just get so excited because of the options and the variety that is coming to the city of Goodyear and GSQ. Because, you know, it's no secret that our residents love restaurants they love when new things come to the city and the variety and the selection I mean, you're gonna have country dancing at The Stillery and a gastropub that Copper and Sage and seafood at High Tide and delicious breakfast at Overeasy, I mean just options that currently haven't been in the city of Goodyear. Now it's almost going to be an embarrassment of riches. Well, and also it's just going to be an area where

Host Tammy Vo: 32:58

I think we're going to be the envy I really do of the West Valley. And I'm looking right now Jordan at our August version of InFocus magazine, which is the city's monthly publication. And it's all about GSQ. I mean, it has actual opening, expected dates and a summary of all the expected, you know, restaurants and shops that are coming. But I'm looking at these renderings of some of these restaurants where they really have that concept of you know, open patios, like big open doors, looking out onto the two acre there's going to be so much to do, regardless of what you're park of our downtown. I mean, this is when you go to other downtown's in the country. These are the kinds of spaces that these create memories for people when you can actually go in your own city experience this type of layout of a downtown and say, Hey, I'm proud to live here. interested in. So whether you're looking for a Saturday with the family, and it's breakfast at Overeasy, then you cross the street and go to Harkins to watch a movie, or if you're looking for a date night or a special occasion, you're gonna have plenty of options with that as well. So really, it's just hitting all of the checkmarks for what our residents have been asking for, for so long. And now, I mean, I almost get goosebumps, Tammy, because it's now starting to become a reality. There is so much more to come. And of course, you heard it from George Getz. We haven't even heard or seen it all yet. And I'm just so excited to hear what all these announcements are. And if you are too, there's a lot more to come. And there's a lot of places you can go to get information as it happens. Of course, we always post the announcements on the city's social media pages. You can also go to our website, which is goodyearaz.gov/downtown, where you can see all the new openings there as well as the InFocus, which has all the details of where GSQ stands at this point.

Host Jordan Byrd: 34:52

Well and I just keep thinking about how some of these businesses and new restaurants and GSQ are going to work in correlation with what is already exists. Staying here at Goodyear Civic Square Park. So, you know, we're not that far away from holiday season. So when the ice rink is out on the park and Santa Claus is there, and as a family, you can come and have dinner at one of these places, or go to the event and then have a nightcap at one of these places like it's just going to be, it's gonna be a place where you're not just dropping in to eat a quick meal and get out. You can if you want, there's going to be that opportunity to really make it a trip make it an experience right here in Goodyear.

Host Tammy Vo: 35:29

Yeah, we're so lucky that we get to be part of this Goodyear downtown in the making, we hope that you are too.

Host Jordan Byrd: 35:35

So just remember, if you want any further information about GSQ and what is to come check out the August issue of InFocus. Magazine. There is so much great information in there, including some of those timelines for when some of these restaurants and businesses are expecting to be open, and you can stay up to date on all of it by going to Goodyear az.gov/downtown Well, Tammy, I'm excited. This was a fun podcast, I'm really looking forward to our residents getting the chance to experience these places for themselves. And just, it's an exciting time in Goodyear right now.

Host Tammy Vo: 36:07

it is a great time to be in Goodyear.

Close: 36:10

That concludes this episode of Growing Goodyear. Make sure to leave us a review and subscribe on your favorite streaming or podcast player app. If you have any questions or comments, email us at communications at Goodyear az.gov And don't forget to follow us on the city of Goodyear's social media pages.