City of Scottsdale

“Successful downtowns provide a wide range of experiences in a walkable environment,” explains Kevin Burke, AICP, senior director of economic development and tourism at the City of Scottsdale. “The strongest downtowns combine restaurants, hotels, housing, offices, galleries, retail, public spaces and events in a compact, easy-to-navigate setting that creates a sense of place and draws activity throughout the day and into the night.”

Referring to a name well-known in the tourism industry, Burke says, “Old Town Scottsdale is a good example of that model.” Noting it is “one of our most important economic assets because it functions as both a traditional downtown employment center and an appealing visitor destination,” he points to its strong brand identity, visitor demand, cultural depth and a concentration of businesses that “together create the region’s most walkable and distinctive urban district.”

Success owes to private investment and public stewardship reinforcing one another, driving activity and creating long-term value. “When people want to be in a place, businesses want to locate there, property owners reinvest, and the City has a strong base on which we continue to build,” Burke explains.

He notes the interest in Old Town Scottsdale is not new. “Scottsdale made a deliberate choice decades ago to cultivate a walkable, visitor-oriented downtown rooted in a distinctive Western identity. That strategy worked,” he says. “Today, Old Town Scottsdale is a premier destination in Metro Phoenix because it offers an authentic experience that is fundamentally different from the conventional commercial development pattern.

“That foundation still matters,” Burke continues, noting that Old Town is not trying to become a destination; it already is one. “’The West’s Most Western Town’ is more than a slogan,” he says. “It reflects a brand position and sense of place that Scottsdale has cultivated for generations. Many communities are now working to create walkable, experience-driven districts, but Old Town has the advantage of history, identity, market recognition and decades of loyal patronage.”

Burke reports the City is committed to investing more than $42 million in Old Town this year, including the construction of two new parking structures and more than $7 million for roadway rehabilitation and pedestrian improvements. This is in keeping with its commitment to maintaining high standards in the public realm “and especially in Old Town,” says Burke. In fact, ahead of summer this year, the City began reconstruction of nine Old Town crosswalks, which Burke notes will improve pedestrian safety and make Old Town more accessible. “And this summer, we will undertake a ‘deep cleaning’ of all downtown sidewalks — scraping gum and pressure washing so that Old Town looks its best going into the Fall high season.”

Noting that his job is to help Old Town continue to evolve without losing what makes it distinctive and emphasizing that the City did not create Old Town’s vitality by itself, Burke credits Old Town’s strength to the businesses, property owners, residents, visitors, artists, entrepreneurs and investors who continue to choose Scottsdale.

Many of those stakeholders opened up to In Business Magazine with their stories about the Old Town business scene.

Businesses Making It Happen

“Old Town Scottsdale is arguably one of the best locations in the state for nightlife and entertainment,” says Jake Kory, managing partner at Boondocks Patio & Grill. “It has become not only nationally known for its welcoming environment and its top-notch hospitality, dining and entertainment, but I believe is now internationally known — more and more international visitors are now visiting Old Town.”

Stating, “We’re committed to investing into Scottsdale because of the commitment of our community to do the same,” he shares his experience as a restaurateur with Boondocks, which opened in Old Town in the spring of 2014, and Pistoleros Parrilla, a Sonoran steakhouse which opened more recently just down the street from Boondocks.

“Boondocks Patio & Grill opened in March 2014 and over the last 12 years we take pride that we are a staple in the area. Thankfully Boondocks has a staff that makes it successful and has allowed us to invest in Old Town,” Kory says, citing investment into Pistoleros Parrilla that “resulted in an amazing restaurant curated by Chef Marco Garcia” and investment also into the improvements of the building, water line, sewer line, trash refuse, surrounding sidewalks and landscaping that has upgraded Stetson Street. “Private development in Old Town is essential to improve dated buildings and infrastructure,” he says, noting, “We are currently working through the process of approval with the City of Scottsdale to invest again into Old Town. Same as with Pistoleros Parrilla, we are currently working on improving another building and adding a business that will complement the area.”

Kory credits the economic vibrancy of Old Town to multiple factors, commenting, “By chance or by design, they all work together to elevate the area’s economic growth.”

First is the City of Scottsdale’s investment into the area — investments into basic infrastructure, safety, revitalization and events. And then, second, are the events. “Having the San Francisco Giants located in the area for spring training is an amazing attraction to build off of. Parada Del Sol, Arts Festivals, Scottsdale Film Festival, music festivals like Dreamy Draw and Scottsdazzle help keep the energy of the Old Town area new and exciting. The Old Town area is so condensed with so many options for entertainment, dining and hospitality that the area has become the default second host to Arabian Horse Show, Barrett Jackson and Waste Management Open, Bentley Polo Tournament and numerous other events around the area,” he says.

He believes that, once people are attracted and visit the area, the final driving force is the business owners investing and the thousands of hard-working people that work in the area creating and keeping the environment that customers like and want.

“Speaking specifically for Boondocks Patio & Grill and Pistoleros Parrilla, I think the stage had been set in Old Town Scottsdale by many people and a lot of difficult work before us. Even though Boondocks has been part of Old Town for more than 12 years, our business had a greater opportunity for success because of the work, investment, and vision of the people who helped build Old Town Scottsdale long before we arrived.

“It’s very easy to have tunnel vision and only look at your own business or your own building and only think about that, but being in business in Old Town is bigger than one address or one sign on the wall. Old Town is a tight-knit community — a residential and business community that does best by working together, communicating and participating even though it may be frustrating at times. After more than a decade operating in Old Town, we look at our businesses having more responsibility to the residents, police, fire and the city because, collectively, we contribute something that is bigger than any one business. We are a small part that makes our neighborhood of Old Town internationally known, vibrant, livable and appealing. If we do that well and participate in the bigger picture, then by default we benefit.”

For Kimberly Pak, co-owner with husband Eugene of The Merchantile of Scottsdale, an important factor in Old Town’s growth is its ability to evolve while still maintaining character and authenticity. “I also think the city’s willingness to invest in small businesses, tourism, events, and beautification has played a major role in helping create an environment where businesses can thrive.”

The Paks opened their first Old Town Scottsdale location in 2019 after growing from outdoor markets and pop-up events, and have since continued expanding their footprint in Scottsdale with multiple storefronts and concepts within the area. “The Merchantile was built around supporting small businesses and creating community. Our stores operate as curated marketplaces featuring local vendors, makers, artists, and entrepreneurs, many of whom are women-owned and Arizona-based businesses.”

They focus heavily on creating experiences through workshops, events, coffee, music, seasonal activations and family-friendly gatherings that encourage people to spend time in Old Town and support neighboring businesses as well, she explains, sharing, “I believe businesses today thrive most when they become part of the community experience, not just a storefront.”

Explaining why she and her husband are committed to investing dollars into Scottsdale, Pak shares, “As a first generation American whose parents immigrated from Mexico, building The Merchantile has been incredibly meaningful to me personally. I started as a vendor with a dream and slowly grew into opening multiple storefronts, hosting large-scale community markets and, now, creating spaces that support hundreds of small businesses.

“We continue investing in Scottsdale because we genuinely believe in the future of Old Town and the direction it’s heading. We see tremendous value in creating spaces that prioritize community, creativity, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

“Our goal is not only to grow our own business, but to help create opportunities for others to grow alongside us,” Pak continues. “I believe the future of downtown areas will center around experience-driven businesses, collaboration and spaces that feel personal and community-oriented rather than transactional. That’s something we’re deeply passionate about contributing to in Scottsdale.”

Ronen Aviram, general manager of Hotel Valley Ho, recalls, “When I first interviewed in May 2005 to join the team reopening the property during its rehabilitation and preservation, I immediately felt a connection to both the project and the hotel itself. I was drawn to the hotel’s history, its incredible location, and the vision for what it could become.” It was a new concept, and there was a lot of excitement around what the project could mean for the area. “Looking back now, it’s remarkable to see how much the industry has evolved. Today, nearly every major hospitality company has a soft-branded boutique hotel in its portfolio. Back then, however, we were helping define what that concept could look like.”

At that time, he explains, boutique luxury hotels weren’t nearly as common as they are today. “In fact, the idea of creating an independent luxury hotel with a distinct personality and sense of place was still relatively new. It took a tremendous amount of vision, hard work, and investment to make it successful. Without the backing of a large corporate brand, every decision mattered. You needed a team that could think creatively, embrace innovation, deliver exceptional service, and build a brand that guests would connect with and remember.

“Like any ambitious project, we faced our share of challenges, but there was a genuine sense of collaboration and shared purpose. Everyone was committed to creating something extraordinary, and that energy was felt throughout the organization.”

Located on the western edge of Old Town Scottsdale, the hotel has become a gathering place for residents and travelers alike. Aviram notes the significance of it being a locally owned property, which allows management to create unique experiences that reflect the character of Scottsdale while delivering its established high level of hospitality.

The hotel recently launched a three-phase room renovation, and Aviram notes this investment is unique in that it wasn’t driven by wear and tear. “It was driven by a desire to make an already successful product even better,” he says, explaining the renovation was approached with four priorities in mind: enhancing the guest experience, supporting the team members, preserving the property’s mid-century modern heritage, and ensuring Hotel Valley Ho remains a distinctive destination for years to come.

“This marks the first true comprehensive renovation of our guest rooms since reopening. We began by refreshing the color palette and then reimagined the spaces through a more guest-focused lens. To help bring that vision to life, we partnered with a local design firm that has worked alongside the Valley Ho team for decades and understands the property’s character as well as anyone.”

Says Aviram, “Our team takes great pride in representing not only Hotel Valley Ho, but Scottsdale as a whole. Creating meaningful experiences and contributing positively to the community has always been at the heart of what we do.”

Proximity to “the beautiful canal” is part of Old Town’s uniqueness cited by Sima Verzino, co-owner of Marcellino Ristorante, along with an inviting appeal fostered by “smaller structures; no tall, imposing buildings that seem to crowd.”

Recalling, “We were ready to move our restaurant to a new location and felt very strongly about the Southbridge development,” she says, “[Our] opening in 2010 brought innumerable people to us that were not aware of the neighborhood other than Scottsdale Fashion Square. Our immediate success appeared to have been a catalyst in the growth that instilled others to seek and open businesses here. We felt great about that!”

Verzino shares, “We have been committed since day one of our move into our Old Town Scottsdale location. Countless awards and accolades continue to grace us, giving us prestigious acclaim. Marcellino’s gift to create innovative, authentic Italian cuisine; our live music program; elegant European service; and inviting ambiance appear to be the highlights of our success and we will be forever grateful for it all. We would hope our success story is a driving force in bringing more independent businesses to Old Town.”

Emily Collins, president at Hi Noon Hospitality, refers to another unique site within the broader “Old Town” area as she explains, “The park-side location was especially important to us. There’s a European quality to looking out onto a public square, slowing down, and letting a meal unfold at its own pace. The location also has an escape quality. Guests can step away from the hustle of everyday life for a couple of hours, and it feels like a small getaway in the middle of the city. Pinyon‘s identity is rooted in being ‘On the Park.’ We wanted a setting that encourages guests to slow down the way they would on a coastal afternoon in the Mediterranean. We were also drawn by our belief in the City of Scottsdale’s long-term commitment to Old Town’s continued growth, making it a place worth investing in for the long term.”

While crediting the park’s redesign for having encouraged more events, including farmers markets, concerts and community gatherings, that have brought additional energy and activity to the area, Collins also believes vibrancy depends on having businesses that have been part of the community fabric for decades. “Longtime institutions like AZ 88, our neighbor on the park, help give the district its character,” she says.

She describes the restaurant’s relationship with Old Town Scottsdale as reciprocal. “We benefit from being part of a district where guests already plan to spend an evening, and we contribute by giving them another reason to choose Old Town as their destination. Many guests come to Pinyon for dinner and then visit a gallery, attend an event, or stop at a neighboring bar afterward. That’s the district working as a connected ecosystem.” In fact, she says, “We’re actively exploring partnerships with neighboring businesses because we believe the strongest version of Old Town is one where businesses know each other, collaborate, and help elevate the district together.”

Of Hi Noon’s own long-term commitment to Old Town Scottsdale, Collins says, “Beyond serving great meals, we’re invested in the overall experience through our two-story buildout, thoughtful architecture and design, park-facing patio, dedicated staff, and strong relationships with local vendors. We believe that when the district is healthy and thriving, every business benefits, including ours. Supporting the broader community is part of supporting our own success.”

For The REMI, general manager Beth Brainard says, “What attracted us most was the opportunity to be part of a district that already had strong momentum, while also helping shape its next chapter through a more dynamic, experience-driven approach to hospitality.”

The REMI opened just a year ago, not actually in Old Town but mere steps away in the heart of the city’s Entertainment District. But the Old Town proximity was important. “The REMI Scottsdale both benefits from and contributes to the momentum happening in Old Town Scottsdale. The surrounding district creates strong demand for hospitality experiences, while our property helps bring additional energy, visitation, and economic activity into the area through dining, nightlife, rooftop programming, and experiential events,” Brainard explains.

She believes a major driver in Old Town Scottsdale’s economic vibrancy is its continued evolution into a true lifestyle destination. Noting significant investment across hospitality, dining, entertainment, residential development and experiential retail — all of which are contributing to increased visitation, longer stays and stronger year-round activity — Brainard says, “What makes Scottsdale especially compelling is that it appeals to multiple audiences, from business travelers and group events to leisure guests, staycation visitors and local residents. The city has also done an exceptional job balancing growth while maintaining the character and energy that make Old Town distinctive. That combination of accessibility, programming, walkability, and experience-driven development continues to fuel economic momentum across the district.”

She also sees collaboration as an important part of Scottsdale’s hospitality ecosystem, noting that the success of one business often benefits the broader district and pointing to a shared understanding that creating memorable guest experiences strengthens Scottsdale’s reputation as a premier destination overall.

“Our commitment to Scottsdale comes from a belief in the long-term growth and evolution of the market,” Brainard says, citing Scottsdale’s continued attraction for investment, tourism, business travel and new residents, along with its equally important ability to continually reinvent and elevate the guest experience. “We see significant opportunity to continue contributing to that evolution through thoughtful programming, hospitality innovation, and creating experiences that feel uniquely tied to the energy and lifestyle of Old Town Scottsdale.

“Looking ahead, we believe the future of Scottsdale’s downtown area will continue to center around experiential hospitality, where hotels become more than places to stay and instead serve as social, cultural, dining, and entertainment hubs that help drive activity throughout the district year-round.”

Ken Kozial, owner of Entertainment Solutions, Inc., has been part of the memorable events frequently cited above. “Working in conjunction with the Scottsdale Tourism Development Commission, Scottsdale Tourism & Events Department, Scottsdale Arts, Experience Scottsdale and other city departments, we have created and/or executed several Old Town ‘Signature Events,’” he says, naming among them Scottsdazzle, Western Week, Parada del Sol Parade & Trails’ End Festival and Canal Convergence. “As an Old Town resident and business owner, I feel pride in the community that I live, work and have contributed to.”

Koziol’s connection to Old Town runs deep. He founded the company in 1991 in an “extra bedroom” of a classic Scottsdale ranch home near Camelback and Granite Reef roads and has had various office locations in Old Town. “For the past 10-plus years, we have focused a good portion of our event portfolio in Old Town Scottsdale, and we believe that we have contributed significantly to the current ‘vibrancy’ Old Town Scottsdale is currently experiencing,” he says.

Observing that, not too long ago, “Downtown” Scottsdale was “kind of dying on the vine,” Koziol sees it thriving today “due to such things as a forward-thinking city government and fiscal management; great people (both local and tourists); a diverse mix of businesses/merchants; vibrant restaurants and entertainment venues; special and unique blend of classic ’50s/’60s low-slung architecture blended with some newer offerings; arts and cultural events; City Tourism marketing efforts; and recent Old Town branding & beautification efforts.” And he adds, “Oh, and the weather is pretty darn good, too — most of the time!”

Sharing, “We have been blessed with our success for the past 35 years, and I hope that will continue for the next 35 years — especially in Old Town Scottsdale!” Koziol says, “My two sons have joined Entertainment Solutions, Inc. and they are very passionate about Scottsdale. I’m confident that when the time comes, they will continue to run the business and contribute to and support the community for many years into the future.”

Scottsdale Arts puts on one of the most significant events in Old Town. “Scottsdale Arts’ Canal Convergence is a free, annual, light-based public art event that began at the Scottsdale Waterfront in Old Town Scottsdale in 2012, making 2026 the 15th year. As Scottsdale has grown and evolved over the years, so too has the event, growing from two days to 10 nights and eventually taking over the entire Scottsdale Waterfront as the event site, and adding satellite artwork locations at the Scottsdale Fashion Square and in Old Town,” explains Jennifer Gill, deputy director of Canal Convergence.

Gill acknowledges that many elements contribute to a city’s economic vitality but believes one of the key factors driving economic success in Scottsdale is the city’s long-standing commitment to being an arts and culture destination. “From the early days when Scottsdale was first incorporated as a city, the community appreciated the arts and saw their value,” she says. “This eventually led to a robust public art collection throughout the city, one of the nation’s longest-running weekly art walks on Main Street in Old Town, events like Canal Convergence that invite artists from all over the world to unforgettable art experiences, and much more. This appreciation and support for the arts in Scottsdale result in a unique and enriching travel experience for visitors and an improved quality of life for residents, ultimately supporting a vibrant economy.”

She points to Canal Convergence, in particular, playing a significant role in sustaining Scottsdale’s reputation as an arts and culture destination. “The multi-award-winning event offers an immersive art experience available for only 10 nights, during which artists from around the world use a range of cutting-edge technologies to create interactive light-based sculptures. Each year is different from the year before, creating a truly unique event that draws out-of-town attendees who schedule their vacation dates to coincide with it year after year,” she says. “So not only does the Canal Convergence support Scottsdale art and culture-centric identity, as an event it draws thousands of visitors and locals to Old Town Scottsdale in November, creating a substantial economic impact each year.”

Significant Trends and Strategies 

Burke describes Old Town Scottsdale as Scottsdale’s cultural heart and one of the region’s most recognizable destinations. Crediting its economic strength to the mix of residents, visitors, entrepreneurs, artists, restaurateurs, hoteliers, retailers and property owners all contributing to the same ecosystem, he says the continued interest from residents, visitors, businesses and investors follows from that strength. “Old Town captures a high-value market because it combines hospitality, dining, retail, arts, culture, nightlife, events, and public spaces in one walkable district. Businesses want to be where people already choose to be, and Old Town Scottsdale remains the region’s clearest example of a place where authenticity, private investment and destination appeal reinforce one another.”

He believes Scottsdale has built a reputation for tough, but fair, planning and development services. Pointing to zoning standards in Old Town that provide for a mix of uses and ensure that new construction is of high-quality and compatible with existing development, he says, “There are numerous private development projects under construction at this time. Notable among them are the recent completion of the 212-room AC Marriott Hotel, and the George Oliver redevelopment of Arbor Old Town, which will deliver more than 300,000 square feet of Class A office space to the market later this year.”

Planning for the future also includes building and maintaining high-quality public infrastructure, supporting mobility and access, achieving the highest standards for public safety, creating and facilitating events, and marketing the destination in coordination with such partners as Experience Scottsdale, Scottsdale Arts and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.

“This year, the City brought our Old Town marketing efforts in-house,” Burke says, explaining that an interdepartmental team of economic development, tourism, communications and technology professionals has taken responsibility for marketing, advertising and public relations work that was previously outsourced. “This team, in collaboration with downtown stakeholders and our destination marketing partners at Experience Scottsdale, has produced an Annual Marketing Plan for Old Town. In Fiscal Year 26-27, the City will dedicate $2.5 million to this effort, primarily direct advertising expenditure, signaling how important Old Town is to the City’s economy.”