If the name Justin Evans sounds familiar, it's because he's spent 15 years in the food and beverage industry and has been in bar ownership for the last four. He owns the popular spot The Wandering Tortoise, as well as Hops on Birch—and now, along with owner/operator Tony Fatica and owner/partner Ryan Kemmet, Justin Evans is the owner/operator of Chandler's newest hot spot, The Sleepy Whale, located at 290 S. Arizona Ave.
"We offer beers, meads and coffee that are not heavily distributed or distributed at all in Phoenix and/or Arizona," Justin says. "We’ve met a lot of amazing people and built a lot of relationships in our business. This translates to the great selection we’re able to offer. We do not serve food, but always allow outside food to be brought into the tap room. We have many amazing restaurants around us that even deliver to us—Ghett' yo' Taco, Mingle and Graze and Civic Market, to name a few!"
To go from concept to opening day took 15 months, and though The Sleepy Whale only opened in early May, it is already drawing a strong following.
This "beer bar and bottle shop" offers a modern, laidback atmosphere, with picnic tables and stools dotting the interior and a large patio with plenty of shade and a wall with the word "Chandler" across it outdoors.
Current hours are 11 a.m.-2 a.m. There is an Industry Happy Hour 10 p.m.-2 a.m. on Sundays and Mondays.
"I believe Downtown Chandler is already an amazing area offering great bars and restaurant concepts. I believe we add to this with the unique beer selection, service and ambience in an unpretentious setting. We all love what we do and love the community that surrounds it!"
—Justin