Jared Smith is a big car guy.
“I love waking up early on Saturdays, washing my car, and driving it to enjoy a good car club show,” says Smith. “However, I do not love that these events are usually in abandoned parking lots. Such gorgeous cars and camaraderie should have a proper place to be celebrated.”
Enter Russell Youngs, his long-time business partner in a media company, who was very involved in the Majerle Sports Grill locations across Arizona.
“Russell came to me with the idea of opening our own sports bar during the pandemic, and as conversations deepened, we imagined a space that welcomed car enthusiasts and sports fans alike,” says Smith. “We took more than 18 months to develop a concept that catered to both groups, as well as a third in women.”
While ladies certainly enjoy sports and cars in large numbers, Smith knows firsthand that many men often have partners or wives who prefer a good meal with a glass of wine over a casual sports bar experience.
“With Trophy Bar, which we opened this summer, we think we found a way to make everyone happy,” says Smith.
The space, located at 2551 W. Queen Creek Road in Chandler, is reminiscent of what a professional athlete’s garage or man cave might look like with high-end car- and sports-themed art installations in every direction. However, it does not feel like anything one might find at a chain restaurant or bar. There are mahogany stained woods and bold gold fixtures and navy accents inside that make everything feel very rich, almost as if at a country club. Coming soon? A well-misted patio.
There are also more than 30 televisions playing a combination of sports, car races, and even car-themed films and cheeky sayings related to both sports and cars displayed on walls to add a touch of whimsy.
“The menu is a nice blend of gastropub items like chicken wings, street tacos, and piled-high burgers combined with gluten-free dishes and stunning salads. We also feature a brick oven for authentic Neapolitan pizzas,” says Smith.
There are, of course, several beers available, but also an impressive list of wines, including Meomi, Charles Krug, Landmark, and Canyon Road. Trophy Bar also has a signature cocktail menu with nine types of margaritas, four types of mules, two types of martinis, and more.
“Finally, we are very proud to have Jeff Majerle, Dan Majerle’s brother who ran the Chandler Majerle’s for years, as our general manager,” Smith says.