Danelle Plaza’s local small business narrative goes back nearly sixty years. Its journey has played host to a truly eclectic range of services, retailers, recreational and entertainment venues, each with its own story, while also forming unique collective chapters through time as the plaza’s identity morphed with the arrival and departure of different tenants. Today, the plaza’s business community is a reflection of this heritage, supporting one of the most independent, offbeat, puzzling, nuanced, intriguing, unique, niche, regional, neighborhood driven local commercial scenes in the Valley, rooted in Tempe with a story like no other.
Danelle Plaza nurtures a local energy that is becoming an increasingly scarce commodity in Tempe, reflecting a diverse collection of small businesses underlying its unique character. For reasons covered in the Plaza History section, the plaza is divided up as an archipelago of independent owners – with distant islands such as Q&Brew and larger, integrated ones such as the Hu Building with its more arts and music geared tenants, adding to the eclectic nature of the business scene as it stands today. And, while Danelle is a diverse assemblage of very independently minded owners, most of them share a deep connection with Tempe. Many either grew up in here, went to ASU or had a family business and wanted to stay here and continue being part of Tempe, while others immigrated to the United States or arrived from out of town, choosing Tempe as their new home and contributing their own rich cultural roots to the community. Danelle Plaza gave them all a place to do that, be a part of Tempe. Altogether, this rooted small business community offers a strong connection to our local identity, helping make Tempe a unique and engaging place. If given the opportunity, take a moment to ask any of the owners about the origin of their business and their connections to Tempe, each one offers an interesting window into our community.
Danelle Plaza nurtures a local energy that is becoming an increasingly scarce commodity in Tempe, reflecting a diverse collection of small businesses underlying its unique character. For reasons covered in the Plaza History section, the plaza is divided up as an archipelago of independent owners – with distant islands such as Q&Brew and larger, integrated ones such as the Hu Building with its more arts and music geared tenants, adding to the eclectic nature of the business scene as it stands today. And, while the plaza is a diverse assemblage of very independently minded owners, most of them share a deep connection with Tempe. Many either grew up in here, went to ASU or had a family business and wanted to stay here and continue to be part of Tempe, while others immigrated to the United States or arrived from out of town, choosing Tempe as their new home and contributing their own rich cultural roots to the community. Danelle Plaza gave them all a place to do that, be a part of Tempe. Altogether, this rooted small business community offers a strong connection to our local identity, helping make Tempe a unique and engaging place. If given the opportunity, take a moment to ask any of the owners about the origin of their business and their connections to Tempe, each one offers an interesting window into our community.
Of course, this is only the latest chapter in nearly six decades of entrepreneurial heritage at Danelle Plaza. From bygone local institutions such as Capistrano’s Italian Delicatessen and the ARC resale store and social service initiative to strip clubs and casinos, the plaza has seen quite an interesting array of business and industry through the years – each its own unique experiment and enterprise, while equally reflecting evolving trends in culture, technology and style, both mainstream and alternative. Some enterprises lasted less than a few months while others would grow beyond the plaza due to their success. Some would remind us of meatballs served for special family dinners, while others would help establish legal precedence for limits on local government’s zoning power, seemingly appropriate to Danelle Plaza’s pervasive independent streak. Each story connects us with Tempe’s own journey, reflecting our community’s growth and evolution. Moreover, Danelle Plaza humbly reminds us that diverse neighborhood centers across the city make important contributions to the long-term economic, social and cultural growth of the city within their own unique character and identity.
Of course, this is only the latest chapter in nearly six decades of entrepreneurial heritage at Danelle Plaza. From bygone local institutions such as Capistrano’s Italian Delicatessen and the ARC resale store and social service initiative to strip clubs and casinos, the plaza has seen quite an interesting array of business and industry through the years – each its own unique experiment and enterprise, while equally reflecting evolving trends in culture, technology and style, both mainstream and alternative. Some enterprises lasted less than a few months while others would grow beyond the plaza due to their success. Some would remind us of meatballs served for special family dinners, while others would help establish legal precedence for limits on local government’s zoning power, seemingly appropriate to Danelle Plaza’s pervasive independent streak. Each story connects us with Tempe’s own journey, reflecting our community’s growth and evolution. Moreover, Danelle Plaza humbly reminds us that diverse neighborhood centers across the city make important contributions to the long-term economic, social and cultural growth of the city within their own unique character and identity.
COVID has presented a challenging year for small business – food service and music venues in particular. Just wanted to reference Jamale and Samir Mirza of Byblos Mediterranean Restaurant that closed in 2020 after 36 years at Danelle Plaza. The Mirzas came from a rich family culinary heritage spanning the Middle East, Africa and France before their own family emigrated to the United States and ultimately selecting Tempe, Arizona as their new home. Samir was always eager to point out several photos of former mayor Harry Mitchell at the restaurant, a local fan of Byblos. Amongst an amazing menu (including the iconic lamb shank), their tomato soup was the essence of the Byblos experience – a reminder of how important the little, familiar things are at making you feel connected and how it is often the hardest thing to get right. But, it is also a reminder in a glossy age of social media, heart and heritage can never be replaced. Moreover, wanted to personally thank the Mirza family sincerely for their kindness, patience, graciousness and support in regard to project interviews and discussions while enjoying their amazing food. Byblos will be missed.
COVID has presented a challenging year for small business – food service and music venues in particular. Just wanted to reference Jamale and Samir Mirza of Byblos Mediterranean Restaurant that closed in 2020 after 36 years at Danelle Plaza. The Mirzas came from a rich family culinary heritage spanning the Middle East, Africa and France before their own family emigrated to the United States and ultimately selecting Tempe, Arizona as their new home. Samir was always eager to point out several photos of former mayor Harry Mitchell at the restaurant, a local fan of Byblos. Amongst an amazing menu (including the iconic lamb shank), their tomato soup was the essence of the Byblos experience – a reminder of how important the little, familiar things are at making you feel connected and how it is often the hardest thing to get right. But, it is also a reminder in a glossy age of social media, heart and heritage can never be replaced. Moreover, wanted to personally thank the Mirza family sincerely for their kindness, patience, graciousness and support in regard to project interviews and discussions while enjoying their amazing food. Byblos will be missed.
Interested in sharing your own memories and photos about Danelle Plaza’s small business heritage? We look forward to hearing from you!:
contact@thedanelleproject.org
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