Owners Bob and Robin Trick of the iconic House of Tricks restaurant in Tempe, Arizona, have announced their plans to retire in June 2022. The critically acclaimed restaurant has been a Valley favorite for more than 34 years, earning many awards and generating an enthusiastic following.
Known for its fine dining as well as its lush patios, House of Tricks has been the site of significant family and professional events, including marriage proposals, weddings, business meetings and fundraisers. The casual yet professional setting has been a favorite of guests valley-wide, including ASU faculty and staff, neighbors from the Tempe community, local and national politicians, businesspeople, spring training fans and gourmet enthusiasts.
The property was sold Wednesday, December 15th; however, the restaurant will remain open for dinner and happy hour by leasing it back from the purchaser, 101 East 6th Street LP, through June 2022. While the Tricks are firm on their retirement plans, future possibilities for the restaurant itself are wide open. For now, they are entertaining all options, and more information will be made available as specific plans are finalized.
The Tricks have considered retirement for the past few years and are now ready for some new adventures. Although the final decision has been difficult, they are extremely thankful to the community and are proud to have been a part of such a successful Tempe business.
The Tricks’ role in Tempe’s restaurant scene began nearly 50 years ago while working at Bandersnatch Pub where they met. Bob and Robin left Bandersnatch to start their own restaurant in one of the older downtown bungalows and grew it into a renowned and successful establishment. The core mission of House of Tricks has always been to create a dining experience that goes beyond the meal. “We so appreciate all who contributed to House of Tricks’ success and unique culture,” says Robin. “We have been supported throughout the years by amazing employees, family, friends, customers, business and community associates. We are eternally grateful for all of them and have plans for festivities and special events over the next six months. We want this to be a transition of gratitude and celebration.”
The Tricks remain committed to keeping their dedicated staff together, continuing to serve their loyal clientele throughout the spring season. Their staff has an extraordinary record of longevity, many of whom have been at House of Tricks for over 10 years, some more than 20 years—statistics which are unheard of in the restaurant industry.
The longtime Tempe couple are looking forward to new adventures and activities that have taken a back seat to the restaurant over the years. Robin’s passion has always been in the arts. A few years ago, she started creating again, mostly with textiles – weaving, hand stitching and fiber collage. “I plan on continuing my long-lost studies in art history, focusing on textile arts and the role women have played throughout time and across cultures,” says Robin. Bob’s outside interests have been on the sidelines as he worked to keep two century-old houses functioning as a busy restaurant. He is looking forward to spending more time fly-fishing and doing projects around their house and at their cabin in Payson. The couple also look forward to spending more time with family and friends, especially their son who recently moved to San Francisco.
