A groovy local breakfast, brunch and lunch chain, Morning Squeeze, has made its way into the downtown Phoenix food scene with the opening of its new location which features local art.
Morning Squeeze originally started in Old Town Scottsdale in 2013 and in 2018, opened its Tempe location. On Sept. 17, Morning Squeeze unveiled its downtown location, located on 1 N 1st St.
The restaurant specializes in classic breakfast favorites like biscuits and gravy, eggs benedict, chicken and waffles and modern brunch dishes like its blackened salmon salad with cocktails and coffee drinks, the restaurant said in a press release.
All locations have dog-friendly patios as well as a “Tail Wagger” menu just for dogs.
The downtown location was designed with the fast paced urban environment in mind, marketing director Shea Neill told Downtown Devil. It was designed to include numerous outlets and USB ports available for customers to use. There is also a grab and go case for those who don’t have time to sit down and have a meal, she said.
Hostess Hannah Colmenero said she “really like(s) the vibe of the downtown location.”
“It represents downtown,” added Alicia Pastor, another employee.
But it still has key signature themes in common with other locations so long time customers know where they are, Neill said. Morning Squeeze locations focus on hospitality, good food and a welcoming atmosphere. It also includes its signature “Lovin’ touchin’ squeezin’” neon sign like its Tempe location, she said.
For those who dine in, the restaurant is filled with vibrant murals and fixtures painted by local artist Jayarr Steiner, contributing to the “groovy, fun, funky” atmosphere Neill described.
Working with Steiner, who has also previously designed kids’ menus and stickers for the restaurant, was huge and an important part of the companies’ mission to connect with the community, Neill said.
Steiner’s brand “You Are Amazing” fits with what the company stands for she said.
The new location also features happy hour, popular with its Sun Devil following, and previously only available at its Tempe location, as well as “the cheapest mimosa flights around,” Neill said. “We’re definitely hoping that ASU downtown loves us just as much as ASU in Tempe does.”
Neil said students are encouraged to come enjoy breakfast, plug into an outlet and do some homework.
Downtown General Manager Ruth Paredes said, “As cheesy as it sounds, we’re all about family. It’s one of the mission statements: ‘family.’ It stands for ‘Forget about me, I love you.’”
Morning Squeeze is open daily from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., with a Breakfast Happy Hour daily special Monday through Friday from 8 – 11 a.m.
Contact the reporter nerossi@asu.edu.
