This new restaurant will bring gold-dusted wings to downtown Phoenix. Here's what to know

As sports return to downtown Phoenix's stadiums, fans will soon have a new downtown Phoenix restaurant to try.

The Ainsworth is opening this spring across from the Phoenix Suns Arena. The restaurant will take over the space the previously occupied by the Hard Rock Cafe. 

The Ainsworth is a national brand that started in New York City. Scott and Melissa McIntire, who co-own brunch spot The Lola in Glendale, are partners with East Coast  Saloons, owners of The Ainsworth. Together, they'll bring the upscale sports bar to Phoenix.

The restaurant will serve a hybrid menu of Lola brunch classics such as the popular brunch boards along with Ainsworth specialties including 24-karat gold chicken wings covered in edible gold dust and a mac and cheese-topped burger.

Here's what drew the owners to downtown Phoenix

McIntire says he's been interested in the downtown restaurant space since 2019 when the Hard Rock Cafe announced it wouldn't renew its lease. The pandemic, along with the building getting new ownership, slowed the process slightly, but McIntrie says he's excited to see the restaurant coming to life.

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"We have two stores at Westgate so we are kind of driven on entertainment districts," he says. "That is such prime real estate downtown."

McIntire co-owns The Lola and is a partner in McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon in the Westgate Entertainment District, so he's used to welcoming sports fans catching a game at State Farm Stadium and Gila River Arena.

At the new downtown restaurant, the focus will shift from football and hockey to basketball and baseball, but The Ainsworth will be ready with two full walls of TV screens. The interior of the restaurant will include opulent finishes such as a marble bar and statement chandelier.  

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What's on the menu at The Ainsworth?

Those looking to add a touch of luxury to their food can try The Ainsworth's signature 24-karat gold chicken wings. The shiny snacks were created by Jonathan Cheban, otherwise known as Foodgod, who found fame on "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." 

To wash down those golden wings, The Ainsworth will offer 16 beers on tap and more in bottles along with a built-in wine cabinet housing a collection of between 20 and 30 wines. Signature cocktails from The Lola will join cocktails served at The Ainsworth's other locations as well.

The new downtown dining destination is scheduled to soft-open in May with a grand opening planned for late May or early June. 

Until then, the building is undergoing renovations and McIntire is hiring 30 staff members for front and back of house. Those interested can visit the restaurant April 6-7 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. for open interviews or email jobs@theainsworthphx.com.

Details: The Ainsworth, 3 S. Second St., Phoenix. theainsworth.com/phoenix. 

Reach the reporter at tirion.morris@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @tirionmorris, on Facebook at Tirion Rose and on Instagram at tirionrose. 

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