Oliver’s Modern American, an upcoming sister restaurant to The Eleanor, is preparing to open in South Scottsdale at 3205 Hayden Rd.
The new restaurant will move into a vacant 1960s Polynesian-style building, initially designed by the firm of architect Ralph Haver, according to a press release. Although the site has sat vacant for years, it was once known as the country’s only Polynesian Dairy Queen starting in the 1960s. The building was set to be demolished in 2019, but real estate developer Tom Frenkel intervened to preserve this architectural history. Now, he plans to open Oliver’s Modern American on May 24.
“Oliver’s is a very special addition to this retail plaza and to South Scottsdale,” Frenkel said in a press release. “It’s a piece of Scottsdale history that’s been completely reimagined and revived, and the enthusiasm from the community has been overwhelming already!”
Oliver’s Modern American menu puts a contemporary twist on classic dishes. Head Chef Kent Macaulay, who previously worked at La Grande Orange, crafts innovative and comforting dishes. The menu includes Moroccan chicken skewers, a coffee-crusted New York strip, and scallops with creamed corn, coconut, cashew, and serrano pepper. The beverage program complements the menu with a selection of wines and creative cocktails, such as a cinnamon-infused Ancho Margarita and the refreshing Patio Views featuring gin, watermelon, and coconut flavors.
The project, led by ALINE Architecture and Social Design Studio, preserved the building’s iconic triangular roofline and expanded its space. The original 1,000-sq.-ft. building now serves as Oliver’s cocktail lounge, with an additional 3,400 square feet of modern dining space added to accommodate guests. Social Design Studio has masterfully blended high-end and accessible elements within the decor, maintaining the building’s historical integrity. A history wall adorned with photos and memorabilia from its Dairy Queen days adds a nostalgic touch, while the outdoor area features lush subtropical plantings and original lava rocks from the site.
“As we approach the grand opening of Oliver’s, we couldn’t be more excited to unveil a space that is modern and inviting but also pays homage to its rich mid-century history,” says Nicole Herman, lead interior designer and founder of Social Design Studio, in a press release. “We can’t wait for patrons to experience the unique blend of past and present that Oliver’s embodies.”
