Chef Christopher Collins is known around the Valley for his popular restaurants. The fourth-generation restaurateur’s Common Ground Culinary brings polished, time-tested hospitality to the restaurant and catering space with brands like Grassroots Kitchen & Tap, Wally’s American Gastropub, Sweet Provisions ice cream parlor, The Collins Small Batch Kitchen and The Macintosh, Neighborly Public House, The Collins, and his latest, Collins Bros Chophouse.
Collins Bros Chophouse opened in July at Hayden Road and Via de Ventura, in the locale that previously housed his former concept, Twisted Grove.
The menu features items such as House-Made Pappardelle, Sweet Heat Baby Back Ribs, Fried Chicken Supper, Shucked Oysters, and Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna.
Here, he talks about his latest venture, his personal favorite selections, and what’s next.
Collins Bros. Chophouse has a unique menu for the area … can you briefly describe the overall concept?
As we have evolved as a company and the neighborhood around us has evolved, we started to feel like we needed a change. We hope this is a progression of some of the best things about Twisted Grove but now more tailored to what the area is looking for. Collins Bros. Chophouse, in particular, focuses on pristine cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and decadent sides.
You closed Twisted Grove to open this new concept …
Twisted Grove was our second restaurant and at the time, it felt like the right concept for that spot. I realized a chophouse was what this neighborhood needed about a year and a half ago and we have been working towards menu and building planning ever since!
What can diners expect?
Like all our restaurants, we serve classic American cuisine. We kept a lot of the favorites from Twisted Grove, but I think our additions will quickly become new favorites for our guests.
This is your first restaurant with the ‘Butcher’s Shop.’ Can you explain what that is?
It’s great cuts of super high-quality meats at approachable prices.
What sets you apart from other restaurants?
We are a collection of neighborhood restaurants that focuses on delivering the highest quality food and outstanding service where everyone feels like part of the family. A la carte proteins, an expanded wine list, and the beautiful renovations hopefully make people feel like it’s upscale but still approachable.
Do you have a personal favorite dish on the menu?
Anything on the Butcher’s Shop list, the Veal Parmesan, our rotisserie chickens (if you are in the restaurant, be on the lookout for the amazing rotisserie!), and our ‘Maryland-style’ crab cakes … to name a few.
What’s next for Chef Christopher Collins?
We have some very exciting things in the works for Fall 2022! Stay tuned!
CollinsBrosAZ.com or @collinsbroschophouse on social media.
