Popular Filipino Restaurant Shutters Phoenix Location

PHOENIX, AZ — One of the Phoenix area's most beloved Filipino restaurants just closed its doors and immediately started opening new ones.

Tambayan Filipino Food ended its run at its original Phoenix location on May 25 after the restaurant's lease expired. But owners Joann and Denver Tagorda made clear in an Instagram announcement that the closure is less an ending than a pivot.

A Mesa location has already soft-opened, a Glendale spot near Diamond Casino is expected to follow within months, and a new Phoenix location is in the works for Bethany Home Road and 27th Avenue, next to the future Lam's Market.

The couple described the moment simply: not a goodbye, but growth.

The Tagordas emigrated from the Philippines to the U.S. in the early-to-mid 2000s, met and married in Illinois, and settled in Phoenix in 2010. What they found was a Valley dining scene with a noticeable gap: authentic Filipino food was hard to come by.

Tambayan became their answer. Named after the Filipino word for a gathering place or hangout spot, the restaurant built its menu around the bold, comforting dishes Joann grew up cooking and eating.

Beef tapa, pork isaw and chicken barbecue anchor the menu alongside other traditional staples drawn from family recipes passed down through generations.

Joann described the restaurant's origin as a lifelong dream to share the flavors of her upbringing with the broader community.

The new Mesa location, at 1832 W. Broadway Road, Suite 111, opened this past week.

The Tagordas noted that some menu items may still be limited as the kitchen gets up to speed, and asked for patience as the full experience comes together in the new space. Takeout and delivery will be available alongside dine-in service.

"Come hungry, bring your family and friends, and let’s continue making memories together," the Tagordas said.