-- This downtown Phoenix venue is owned and operated by dog-loving, wine-consuming Patty Gii and Keith Shanks. As the sole proprietors, running a business and juggling a hectic schedule is no easy task. In fact, Patty and Keith have never been more passionate and inspired.
Patty Gii, with a BA in graphic design, is the artistic influence behind this duo. Patty has a passion for great wine & food, in addition to 20 years of rescuing Rottie-fur-babies; hence the name of her two restaurants, Rott n’ Grapes Uptown & RoRo.
Though Keith Shanks, Patty’s husband, is a geeky finance & accounting guy by education, he is also a U.S. Naval Officer veteran who was deeply engulfed in operational military strategy for 15 years, and during the last 16 years has been a part of 7 start-ups; two of which are the vision that Gii and Shanks built around Rott n’ Grapes. Patty and Keith are both the driving force in running both Phoenix locations and have built a solid trustworthy team for sustainability.
In spite of hectic schedules during the last nine months, Patty and Keith have strategized the best way to create the right identity in the robust Roosevelt Row Art District – including exhibiting more creative culture. Through collaboration with freelance artists operating in and around greater Phoenix, Patty and Keith are in the process of launching two programs that celebrate local artwork and bring more awareness to the theatrical artists/filmmakers from our very own state of Arizona. There are also opportunities for visiting visual artists on the walls of Rott n’ Grapes.
On July 27th, Rott n’ Grapes RoRo will launch a Short Film Movie Series by showcasing six artists/filmmakers/producers/writers/directors from Arizona. The Short Film Series will continue twice a month bringing recognition to many local artists. “What better way to bring a more creative format to the Art District? Every so often, short films are highlighted on an annual or quarterly basis, if that. There is so much creativity in the valley, but no regularity to showcase these creative expressions,” says Shanks. Rott n’ Grapes RoRo has equipped a special viewing venue in the basement lounge to view and celebrate works by these talented artists. “What better way to enjoy a night out than by dining at RoRo, then catching a great short film movie series by local filmmakers that you can meet and speak with afterward? It’s very cool and something no one else is doing,” says Gii. Local artists are encouraged to visit Rott n’ Grapes website and submit their short film movies for review. The goal is to highlight as many artists as possible so they may gain recognition for their creative work.
The Onyx is a swanky speakeasy-style basement lounge and is open regularly Friday and Saturday evenings after 7:00 and delivers comedy every other Wednesday in the same basement, hosted by professional comedian, Gene Moore. Trivia competitions, with prizes to 1st and 2nd place winners, take place every week at both Uptown and RoRo locations.
In addition to a 4.8-star rating (on Google) for great food and service, Rott n’ Grapes has been awarded “Best New Restaurant”, “Most Amazing Restaurant Interior” and “Most Fun Lunch Spot” by Phoenix Foothills Magazine. The multi-use space at RoRo provides for intimate or casual dining experiences and caters to various event types. Buyout packages are available to reserve either RoRo or Uptown venues. Also, catering services are available for private and commercial parties and business lunches.
Standby for future announcements from Patty and Keith. A second new program is coming in August that will continue to focus on the talent of our local valley artists.
Rott n’ Grapes RoRo
1001 N 3rd Ave Ste 1, Phoenix, AZ 85003
https://goo.gl/maps/9igyi4GJVd32
Ph: (602) 346-0068
Facebook: @RottnGrapesRoRo
Email Keith & Patty: [email protected]
Release ID: 88900802