Title
Liquor License - First Watch #1213 - District 1
Description
Request for a liquor license. Arizona State License Application 379292.
License Information
Summary
Applicant
Joanne Feinstein, Agent
License Type
Series 12 - Restaurant
Location
2949 W. Agua Fria Freeway
Zoning Classification: C-2
Council District: 1
This request is for a new liquor license for a restaurant. This location was previously licensed for liquor sales and does not have an interim permit. This business is currently being remodeled with plans to open in June 2026.
The 60-day limit for processing this application is May 3, 2026.
Pursuant to A.R.S. 4-203, a spirituous liquor license shall be issued only after satisfactory showing of the capability, qualifications and reliability of the applicant and that the public convenience and the best interest of the community will be substantially served by the issuance. If an application is filed for the issuance of a license for a location, that on the date the application is filed has a valid license of the same series issued at that location, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the public convenience and best interest of the community at that location was established at the time the location was previously licensed. The presumption shall not apply once the licensed location has not been in use for more than 180 days.
Other Active Liquor License Interest in Arizona
This information is not provided due to the multiple ownership interests held by the applicant in the State of Arizona.
Public Opinion
No protest or support letters were received within the 20-day public comment period.
Applicant’s Statement
The applicant submitted the following statement in support of this application. Spelling, grammar and punctuation in the statement are shown exactly as written by the applicant on the City Questionnaire.
I have the capability, reliability and qualifications to hold a liquor license because:
“I have the capability, reliability and qualifications to hold a liquor license because: First Watch currently operates 36 restaurants in Arizona, all of which hold an active liquor license and none of which have experienced any liquor license violations. First Watch also operates hundreds of restaurants across the country that hold a liquor license. I have been in the restaurant business for over 30 years, including 20 years with First Watch, and am experienced in all areas of restaurant operations.”
The public convenience requires and the best interest of the community will be substantially served by the issuance of the liquor license because:
“First Watch #1213 is taking over and remodeling a building that was formerly a restaurant. The location is in an outdoor shopping/entertainment area with other restaurants, retail and a movie theater multiplex. The area is growing, and the community is in need of a casual breakfast/brunch/lunch restaurant to serve their needs for a comfortable and casual place to meet, enjoy a meal, share a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and connect with each other.”
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this application noting the applicant must resolve any pending City of Phoenix building and zoning requirements, and be in compliance with the City of Phoenix Code and Ordinances.
Attachments
Attachment A - First Watch #1213 - Data
Attachment B - First Watch #1213 - Map
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the City Clerk Department.