New grill scores big with TVs, service and hometown pride.
“We saw the need in Prescott for a sports bar of this size and magnitude where customers and staff are treated right,” said General Manager Damian Hartze, who co-founded the business with longtime friend and owner Scott Agee. “We heard that staffing was hard in Prescott, but that hasn’t been the case, as our staff has been amazing.”
The 400-plus guests who packed the bar and grill on opening day have continued to pour in, filling the spacious restaurant, bar and expansive patio. Outfitted with heaters, misters and windbreaks, the patio stays comfortable year-round – and is pet friendly.
Manager Shanda Munroe, affectionately known as Shanda Panda, said the hometown vibe has struck a chord. “Prescott needed this. We make you feel like you belong,” she said. “We’re happy to be a hometown sports bar where people are going to come in smiling and leave smiling.”
With a menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and a wide selection of beers on tap, bottled and canned, The Fat Frog caters to all tastes. A “tadpole menu” offers kid-friendly options, and the kitchen plans to add patty melts and fish and chips, in addition to daily specials.
Along with popular food items, Hartze emphasizes customer service. “Some businesses have forgotten customer service and that’s not right,” he said. “Our employees bought into it. If there’s something the customer doesn’t like, we’ll make it right.”
That means remaking meals at no charge, training staff on every menu item and staying flexible to meet customers’ needs.
The Fat Frog also is embracing the local community, sponsoring the Arizona Wranglers and contributing to area service clubs, animal rescues and car shows.
“We haven’t turned anybody away, because it’s important to be part of the community,” Hartze said.
The sports bar is located in Frontier Village, which is owned by the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe. “The tribe has been amazing to work with.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
The Fat Frog is located at 1721 AZ-69, Prescott, AZ 86301. Parking can fill quickly, but additional spots are available in the upper lot with stair access. For more information, call 602-775-1107.
Photo by Stan Bindell: Damian Hartze, general manager of The Fat Frog Sports Grill, says it is important to him that the locally owned sports bar is part of the community.
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