TEMPE, AZ — After nearly three years, Cotton & Copper in South Tempe is closing -- another causality of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, the owners are not leaving South Tempe and have plans to open something new in Cotton & Copper's space.
"Our plan was to prepare food that focused on local farms with foraged ingredients, craft cocktails on par with our peers at the best places in town, & employ an amazing team of friends & staff," read a note shared Wednesday night to Cotton & Copper's social media accounts.
"If 2020 taught us anything, it's that things don't always go as planned."
Sean Traynor and chef Tamara Stanger opened Cotton & Copper in 2019, near Warner and Rural roads in South Tempe. Before that, Stanger was the head chef at Helio Basin Brewery, which closed in 2019. Tombstone Brewing moved into the Helio space.
"We knew what we were getting into when we established the ethos of Cotton & Copper, we also knew we'd need to operate consistently
at full capacity in our small space to make the numbers work. And we were honored and grateful to be able to do that," the note said.
"The last year has been a true struggle, the persistence of COVID has made it painfully obvious we won't be in the clear anytime soon."
So, after this weekend, Cotton & Copper will close, the note said.
HERE IS WHAT'S NEXT
Another project is apparently in the works.
Traynor and Stanger plan to open an all-day cafe and bar in the space with craft beer and "chef's take on cafe cuisine," according to the post. No other details, such as a name or opening timeframe were released.
ABC15 reached out to Traynor and Stranger via their Instagram page late Wednesday.
"For now..."thank you" doesn't do it. It's been a hell of a ride. To all of the staff and patrons who have become like family, we are beyond grateful."
