Some of my favorite stories about Tempe revolve around the businesses that have continued to thrive, while the city evolves around them. House of Tricks is one of these Tempe treasures.
In September 1987, newlyweds Bob and Robin Trick opened a restaurant in a cottage in the heart of Tempe, across the street from the house where Robin had lived during her college years at ASU. Today, the neighborhood has transformed into a bustling urban cocktail of retail, office and loft buildings, with the cozy House of Tricks restaurant still thriving and celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
It was against the advice of friends and colleagues when Bob and Robin first rented this small, run-down house on Seventh Street. Built in 1920, and hidden off the beaten path from popular Mill Avenue where higher rents would have left no funds with which to grow the business, it may have seemed a doubtful prospect for what the couple envisioned as a comfortable setting for a creative culinary experience. Yet, it was probably the single best business decision the Tricks ever made.
In 1987, House of Tricks had just 12 tables plus three outdoor picnic benches. Then, the Tricks transformed a small parking lot into a beautiful front yard and patio and they added outdoor seating under the canopy of shady trees. This led to a major turning point for the restaurant. More and more people began discovering the little, out-of-the-way place, strolling over from the ASU campus, ASU Gammage or Mill Avenue.
In 1994, the house next door became available, and Bob and Robin purchased it as well as thebuilding where the restaurant began. The second house was renovated to provide extra dining rooms, office space and a temperature-controlled wine cellar. Subsequently, an outside bar and additional patios were constructed between the two houses.
Over time, as Tempe continually changed, House of Tricks became the perfect place to get away for relaxed meetings and private romantic dinners. Robin credits customers and staff with Tricks’ staying power.
"Our staff is our greatest resource," says Robin. "They work together like a family, and our customers feel they’re part of that.
"We listen to our customers when they tell us what they want to eat and drink, what type of music they want, and chairs they’d like to sit in. It really is all about what keeps our customers happy."
Community involvement has also been a priority for the Tricks. The restaurant has hosted many charitable events benefiting numerous local organizations, including Empty Bowls, Children’s Cancer Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Childsplay, Tempe Elementary School District and many more.
Today, award-winning restaurant House of Tricks is still housed in the two charming cottages.
"On any given day or night, looking around, we see familiar faces, people who have been part of Tempe, ASU and the surrounding communities, coming together," says Robin. "We’re so glad they feel at home here."
By Stephanie Nowack
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0828tr-nowack0830-on.html
