Erica and Kyle Walters have always shared the common goal of opening several restaurants, based around a concept they’ve created.
The couple, who have been married for eight years and have two children, met while working in the restaurant industry.
“After efficiently running other restaurants for years that were not ours, and being inhibited from doing things our way, or wanting to change things that were not necessarily ours to change, we just knew there would eventually be a time where we’d open our own restaurant,” Erica says.
The couple achieved their goal in August 2019 when they opened their first location of The Parlay Kitchen + Cocktails at 1245 S. Price Road, Chandler.
The restaurant, which is open for lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends, is an American Gastropub that serves a blend of traditional and modern cuisine created from handcrafted recipes.
“Kyle scouted locations for years before the stars aligned just right for us, and the opportunity for Price Road presented itself,” Erica says. “We kind of just knew that it was the right time and that we had a recipe for what it was going to take. We always maintained realistic expectations, and both had the ability to work in every and any area of the restaurant.”
After their restaurant made it through the pandemic and began to thrive again, the couple decided to open a second location in March 2023 at 9220 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale.
Erica and Kyle are now working hard to open their third location, tentatively scheduled to open this month, at 4850 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler.
Interestingly, the couple opened this location together as Fat Willy’s in 2012 and worked there for several years together.
“It’s particularly special and sentimental to us for many reasons, so to say we’re excited is an understatement!” Erica says.
Most of the dishes at The Parlay Kitchen + Cocktails are made from scratch and, as Erica notes, feature their own take on elevating classic comfort food.
Some of the tasty choices that are currently especially popular with diners include the Spicy Charred Edamame, Ahi Salad, Short Ribs Over Risotto, Poblano Salmon, and the Crispy Chicken Platter, made with trimmed chicken tenders breaded in the house recipe flour.
“I am told often that our chicken tenders are amazing, and as a mom with two kids who eat them often, I am told that our tenders are the best,” Erica says. “Our spinach and artichoke dip is made from scratch and is another one of my favorites, along with our brisket burgers. There is definitely something for everyone.”
The Parlay also features an extensive wine list, several draft beers, and a variety of crafty and fun delicious cocktails and mocktails at affordable prices.
Looking back, Erica says she and Kyle are definitely happy with their decision to open their own restaurant.
“I am very thankful for Kyle and what we’ve been able to build together. We are a great team at the end of the day,” Erica says.
The couple is also delighted by the positive response they have received from the community about their third location.
“It seems that the neighborhood is excited! We know that we will be a great fit for that spot, and we’re excited to bring The Parlay Kitchen + Cocktails to South Chandler to provide more friends and family with our awesome environment and atmosphere.”
“We kind of just knew ... that we had a recipe for what it was going to take."