Business

A new catering company, Lester's Catering Program, will open a cafe in the spot downtown that was previously occupied by Pasta Bar but has been vacant for the past four months.

Dozens of panelists, including Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, gathered at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School Friday for Phoenix’s White House Urban Economic Forum, focusing on how to promote urban entrepreneurship.

The smell of roasted garlic and slow-cooked pork from SuperFarm SuperTruck fill the nostrils and watering mouths of Food Truck Friday patrons. The food truck serves delectable dishes such as barbeque chicken and the farm-favorite bacon fritter.

Cartel Coffee Lab's move to a new location may only take the business a few doors south of their current space, but the move will mark a large shift in business as the coffee shop looks to expand its offerings with the addition of alcohol.

The Strand restaurant in CityScape on First Street near Washington Street has a new interior following a 10-day renovation. The new interior is meant to cater to a diverse crowd, owner Ernie Vega said.

Fair Trade Cafe's Civic Space Park location served up its first alcoholic drinks Friday thanks to its newly acquired liquor license, which will allow both the cafe and park to provide guests with adult beverages.

A favorite food truck often seen at the Phoenix Public Market will open an additional and permanent location downtown at the end of the month.

Burgermania, run by Greg Colella, is gourmet-burger food truck that makes an appearance at downtown events including First Fridays and Food Truck Fridays. It offers more 10 kinds of burgers, and customers can even make their own.

For some businesses, ASU downtown has been instrumental in their growth and success. But for owner of Sens Asian Tapas and Sake Bar, ASU has not helped his business, and parking issues posed another problem.

The owner of Tuck Shop, a popular restaurant in the Coronado neighborhood, is opening a complementary eatery next door called Astor House.