Residents of the Valley are about to welcome a vibrant new addition to their dining scene with the launch of George & Gather, a restaurant dedicated to serving original, scratch-made meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Set to open its doors in early 2025, the eatery will prioritize health-conscious, seed-oil-free dishes crafted from organic ingredients, appealing to both food lovers and wellness enthusiasts.
The spacious 7,700-square-foot venue, located at 336 S. Washington St., has been thoughtfully renovated from its former life as an auto repair shop into a modern, art-deco space that can accommodate 80 diners indoors and an additional 36 on the covered patio. With a design that features rich walnut wood, stylish tilework, and classic brass fixtures, George & Gather aims to create an inviting atmosphere for all.
The eatery is the first-ever restaurant for longtime Chandler residents, Amber and Mike Kovarik, who previously worked in the real estate and food service industries. The couple envisions George & Gather (whose name comes as a nod to George Washington) as more than just a restaurant; they aim to cultivate a community hub.
“Food is my love language and I’m so excited to bring a vibey hangout spot serving food made with clean ingredients to the city I’ve lived and worked in for almost 20 years. I believe our community is craving a place like this,” Amber said. “When Mike spotted this rundown former auto repair shop, we knew with a lot of hard work and thoughtful restoration, it had potential to transform into a spectacular community gathering place.”
In addition to a diverse menu featuring chia seed pudding, carrot cake pancakes, hearty grass-fed burgers, and signature hand-tossed sourdough pizzas made with a 130-year-old starter, George & Gather will offer outdoor games, music, and a grab-and-go market with retail wines and local merchandise.
The restaurant will open for counter-order breakfast daily at 7 a.m., with sit-down lunch starting at 11 a.m. and dinner service extending until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends.
With two private spaces for special events and a vision to enhance the downtown Chandler dining landscape, George & Gather promises to be a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike. For more information, visit georgeandgather.com.
