Chef Stephen Jones has closed The Larder + The Delta at Desoto Central Market in order to reopen it as an independent restaurant in a larger space.
"It was one of those things, it's now or never," Jones said in a phone interview with ABC15 on Tuesday, a day after the Arizona Republic first reported the closure.
The restaurant closed on Sunday.
Jones opened The Larder + The Delta at Desoto two years ago, a community space that allows chefs to hone their crafts and test out concepts in smaller, more controlled spaces. He also helped with Walrus & Pearl and DCM Burger.
However, the end goal was always to let The Larder + The Delta stand on its own. Now is the time to do it, he said.
"It's exciting and scary," he said. "It's fun. I can't wait to do what I want to do."
The move will allow him to expand his menus with a larger kitchen, and cater to larger groups and for larger events.
Jones wants to stay in downtown Phoenix and is in the process of looking for a new space.
He wants to be open by the end of the year, but with securing a space, securing permits and contractors, the timing could be delayed until early 2018.
Until then, Jones said he will host pop-ups, menu previews and themed dinners in the interim. While the restaurant may physically moving, the food isn't going anywhere.
