This April marks a significant milestone for Brody’s Italian, as the restaurant celebrates its first anniversary in the Valley of the Sun. What began as a rebrand of an established local favorite has quickly transformed into a thriving culinary destination, thanks to the vision and dedication of owner Jason Brody.
Jason’s journey in the hospitality industry began at the age of 15 when he started working at Nick’s Italian – the only restaurant he’d ever worked at. Over the course of 20 years, Brody succeeded in various positions at all three Nick’s Italian locations, learning the ins and outs of the business.
The Brody family regularly dined at the original Nick’s location in Grayhawk, and Nick always told Jason, ‘When you turn 15, you can come work for me.’ True to his word, Nick brought him on as an employee as soon as he was old enough, and that first job sparked a lifelong passion for the restaurant industry.
In October 2022, after two decades of experience and a deep personal connection to the restaurant, Jason took the plunge and purchased Nick’s Italian. In April 2024, he rebranded the restaurant to Brody’s Italian, ushering in a new chapter for the iconic eatery located on the border of Scottsdale and Phoenix.
“The one-year anniversary is just the beginning,” Jason said. “It’s like winning a playoff series in baseball. It’s a meaningful achievement, but the end goal is still far ahead.”
Jason remains focused on the long game, intent on continuing to build and improve his restaurant. Brody’s Italian has already made a mark with its innovative menu, which includes crowd-pleasers like non-breaded chicken parmesan, a unique take on the classic dish that Jason personally recommends to first-time guests. Diners can also find seafood dishes, homemade pastas, pizza, desserts, and a curated list of craft cocktails.
For Jason, the food is just one part of the equation. His commitment to community is equally as important, and this is a value he learned from his late father, Jamie Brody.
“My dad always taught me to take care of the people who take care of you,” Jason said.
The restaurant is committed to philanthropy, with Jason championing causes that were close to his father’s heart. This sense of giving back is integral to the culture at Brody’s Italian, which strives to make a positive impact both through its food and its outreach efforts.
With ambitions for future growth and more innovative concepts on the horizon, this Italian eatery is poised for continued success. Learn more at brodysitalian.com.
