Chaffin’s Diner, a historic mid-century diner and fixture at 902 East Broadway Boulevard, has been sold to the Phoenix restauranteurs responsible for Welcome Diner and Welcome Chicken + Donuts.
The Phoenix New Times released the news on Tuesday, announcing that Chaffin’s as we know it will close December 15. While this means saying goodbye to the unbelievably large breakfast burritos smothered in homestyle gravy, new chef and owner Michael Babcock and Sloane McFarland offer promising comfort food substitutes.
Expect equally large buttermilk biscuit sandwiches, piled with meat and cheese, rich poutine coated in a thick Southern gravy, Cajun-style red beans and rice with Andouille sausage, and specialty burgers.
According to the article, “Tucson residents can look forward to the modern Southern fare Valley residents have come to love at the downtown Phoenix diner, and Babcock says he’ll expand on the menu at the new restaurant.”
If your thoughts keep drifting back to Welcome Chicken + Donuts, you’re not alone. The menu at Babcock and McFarland’s second shop is about as indulgent as it gets, offering fried chicken tossed in Asian-inspired sauces paired with a rotating donut menu that currently includes Chocolate Rose Pistachio, Lemon Maple and Chipotle Limon. Keep your fingers crossed that a few of those delicacies make their way down I-10.
The landmark building has hosted Chaffin’s Diner for 15 years, but originally opened in 1954 as Sambo’s Pancake House. In the last few years there have been controversies concerning the diner’s owner, but as 3 Story Magazine pointed out, the building itself is a true blue American diner. Needless to say, we are pleased to hear that the new owners plan to keep those roots in tact.
No word yet on a timeline, but stay tuned for updates.
