Sentimental, nostalgic, and painful.


ChipBeck

GT Owner
Staff member
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Feb 13, 2006
5,769
Scottsdale, Arizona
Gentlemen,

Funny, my son Charley is not sentimental at all. Perhaps that will change when he gets older. I seem to have an overdose of that quality and as I age it causes more pain than pleasure. Most of our long-term members have gathered with me here in Arizona at Don and Charlie's. A landmark Scottsdale restaurant that has been operating for 38 years. I was a 25-year-old kid and general manager of Bud Beck Pontiac-GMC Trucks when I met Don. He was 36 years old and had come in to buy a new Pontiac Bonneville. A couple days later I stopped by his restaurant for dinner, had a great experience, and have been a regular ever since. I have no idea how many Ford GT Forum events we've had there over the last 15 years but it's been a bunch. Every time I drove a Ford GT to D&C's the valet parking crew would have me leave it right by the front door. For those who haven't been there the restaurant contains 2 million dollars worth of sports memorabilia, most of the staff has worked there for decades, and the food is incredible. Everyone there treats me like family. Now, nearly 4 decades later, my good friend Don is 74 and wants to retire. A hotel chain has made him a great offer and the restaurant will be torn down to make way for a high-rise hotel. In one week, on April 10, Peggy and I will have dinner there for the last time and then the doors will close for good. I'm an old man now and I don't like change, especially this one. Not quite sure where we'll hold our AZ Ford GT events in the future. What I can say is that I'm really going to miss that place. God bless my friend Don, it's been 38 great years.

Chip
Don Carson 1_edited-1.jpgDon Carson 2_edited-1.jpg
 
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fjpikul

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Jan 4, 2006
11,475
Belleville, IL
Wow, too bad. Progress. They are doing the same thing in Chicago at the Viagra triangle.
 

Iconic GT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Dec 30, 2017
699
New Braunfels, Texas
Chip Dana and I throughly enjoyed perusing the walls, engaging with the staff, the great drinks and meals along with meeting many new Forum members this year. It’s hard fathom 4 decades..... Hope you and Peggy have a super memorable meal!
 

Joe Dozzo

Well-known member
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
May 22, 2006
763
Canon City, CO
Hello Chip,

I feel your pain... We had a wonderful dinner there back at the Rallye-before-the Rallye in Newport.

But on the flip side, I'm also very happy for your friend Don - he's going to be able to cash out from a long time venture with a good chunk of change in his pocket.

All the best,

Joe
 

Special K

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Aug 23, 2016
1,775
Franklinton, LA
What a shame! It’s unfortunate that so much of America’s culture is lost to commercialization. In New Orleans we have a saying for every time we lose a local treasure: (In my best New Orleans yat accent) Ain’t dere no mooore...
And of course we’ll make a song about it!

 
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Apollo

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Aug 5, 2006
2,499
Pahrump, NV
Chip, I think you shared this special part of your life with with a fair number of us, and knowing more about the story really hits home. I guess the consolation is knowing this has provided Don, his family, and his employees a living, and now it will allow him to enjoy the fruits of his labor in whatever direction he chooses. It has also filled great people with good times and memories over the years.
 
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PeteK

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Apr 18, 2014
2,267
Kalama, Free part of WA State
Chip, well said and from the heart. I'll feel the same way if the Irish pub in my neighborhood closes while I'm still alive. And I'll plagiarize your note shamelessly!
 

93extxdps

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Jul 17, 2007
215
Texas
I remember a great dinner there a few years ago.
We shared our first makers mark with Bony.

Never forget🇺🇸
 

Vince H

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Jul 23, 2012
2,417
Southern California
My family and I loved Tuchetti's. Would frequent there every time we would visit my parents. Sorry to see your friend closing his awesome restaurants Chip.

Vince H
 

Awsum GT

GT Owner '18
Mark IV Lifetime
Sep 17, 2005
3,985
Carmel & Cntrl Ca
Enjoyed many great dinners there as well... sad to see them leave.
 

Specracer

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Nov 28, 2005
7,081
MA
Oh boo, Chip because of you, we have been there many times over the years. Each time was quite enjoyable. The company never hurt in that enjoyment.
 

john gourley

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Apr 27, 2006
418
I hate to lose great restaurants. We’ve had some amazing nights there. Send them our best.
 

ChipBeck

GT Owner
Staff member
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Feb 13, 2006
5,769
Scottsdale, Arizona
I hate to lose great restaurants. We’ve had some amazing nights there. Send them our best.

Gentlemen,

Tonight is the last night. Peg and I will be there. Ugh.

Chip
 

THamonGT

GT
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Enjoy your evening buddy and raise a glass to all of us who have been there many times! We’re all being pushed into new times screaming and kicking! Your patriotism and loyalty to this restaurant is awesome!
 
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Ed Sims

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Apr 7, 2006
7,850
NorCal
I am sad they are closing, & I wish in all my trips to the Phoenix area that I would've gone there.

Ed