Matt Pool on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, His Last Meal on Earth, and What Most People Don't Know About Coffee


Matt's --Butter Burger.jpg
Buchanan
Matt's Butter Burger, made with Niman Ranch beef
What's your guiding principle at Matt's?: That if we never compromise or take short cuts on quality ingredients and work as hard as we can at providing great and warm customer service, customers will continue to like us.

Why did you choose downtown for a location?: I love downtowns. I live downtown. Nothing against the suburbs, but they're just not for me.

Did it feel like a risky move at the time?: I didn't feel like it was that risky, but others sure did. Lots of people would tell me what a horrible location it was and wonder how anyone would find us. Once we became busy, and there were people outside waiting to eat, lots of people would tell me what a great location we had! I guess it's just a matter of perspective.

Has downtown changed since you opened?: The neighborhood has changed a ton. There are many more restaurants and businesses than before. Having ASU downtown has been a game-changer for the whole area. Our menu hasn't changed at all; our execution of it continues to improve all the time.

How much did you know about running a restaurant when you opened Matt's?: I've worked in restaurants or hotels since I was 14, so I had a bunch of experience, but I've no doubt had to learn tons along the way. Working in a restaurant and owning and operating your own restaurant are two very different things.

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Matt's Big Breakfast

825 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ

Category: Restaurant

16 user reviews
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Giant Coffee

1437 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ

Category: Restaurant

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2 comments
JohnQ.Public
JohnQ.Public topcommenter

Good for them!  It is great to hear about local success stories that are doing really good things really well and then receiving national publicity for it.  It also goes to show that there is always room for one more [FILL IN THE BLANK] as long as the owners have 110% committment to providing a superior product and customer service experience.  Great story.

PegnBob Briggs
PegnBob Briggs

Matt and Ernie...two o the nicest people in the world and they have the best breakfast in town.

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