At the edge of the Grand Canyon, where presidents, celebrities and world travelers have gathered for more than a century, Chef Bill Gallagher is keeping culinary history alive. Since opening in 1905, the El Tovar Hotel has welcomed a long list of notable guests including Theodore Roosevelt and Paul McCartney. Today, Gallagher honors that legacy while continuing to evolve the dining experience. Gallagher arrived in 1994 as a seasonal dishwasher. He later returned as a cook while also working … [Read more...] about Savoring History through the El Tovar Dining Experience
FBN Spotlight
A Tough Nut, A Growing Business
Since the first pecan crop was planted in 1927, the proliferation of pecan trees in Camp Verde has generated a pecan festival, a stretch of highway called Pecan Lane and a love for this nutritious nut. Pecan trees cover an estimated 200 acres in Camp Verde and according to Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Director Christian Green, Camp Verde produces roughly 300,000 pounds of pecans annually. “From my research, I’ve found that for every pound of pecans (in-shell) there are approximately … [Read more...] about A Tough Nut, A Growing Business
JoeJoeBob’s Elevates Lunchtime
His mom named him Joseph Robert Rodger, a child with three first names. Now, sometimes known as JoeJoeBob, he tacked that nickname onto his Flagstaff sandwich shop. JoeJoeBob’s opened in May 2024 in the Fort Valley Shopping Center on North Humphreys Street. “People called me JoeJoe or JoeBob,” Rodger said. “Phyllis [Hogan] of Winter Sun started calling me JoeJoeBob. So, I figured for the [restaurant] concept it’s just kind of fun and playful.” But don’t conclude that Rodger is unserious about … [Read more...] about JoeJoeBob’s Elevates Lunchtime
Sedona Kitchen Boutique Wins Global Award, Elevates Experiential Shopping
Ever since The Artist’s Kitchen Shop in Tlaquepaque won a global award, a lot of excitement has been whipped up for owner Kathy Louderback. The Artist’s Kitchen Shop has been honored with the Excellence in Retailing Award for the United States in the International Housewares Association 2024-25 Global Innovation Awards. “This prestigious award honors the best homeware retailers worldwide,” said Louderback. “This has been so exciting for us.” Walking into the shop is like entering an artist’s … [Read more...] about Sedona Kitchen Boutique Wins Global Award, Elevates Experiential Shopping
Reclaiming Trust, Rebuilding Legacy
More than 27,000 people from all over Arizona and beyond visited the Museum of Indigenous People in Prescott last year. Executive Director Manuel Lucero remembers when the arts center, previously the Smoki Museum, had very few visitors. It was a time when many were offended by the institution practices of selling inauthentic jewelry and hiring non-Native dancers to perform in Native American ceremonies. Lucero, who is Cherokee and Irish, has made ensuring authenticity a priority. One of many … [Read more...] about Reclaiming Trust, Rebuilding Legacy
Chronicling a Free-Running River
The rustling waters of the Verde River, though quiet at certain stretches, carry ripples of history, supply life to millions of riparian creatures, irrigate pastures and vineyards, and entertain river runners with its ruffles of rapids. Known as one of the last free-running rivers in the Southwest, the Verde has managed to survive when other runnels have been soaked up by the sun, droughts, dams and extractions, withering away to dust and leaving only memories. To honor the legacy of the … [Read more...] about Chronicling a Free-Running River
From Roller Coasters to Canyon Rails
From amusement parks to national parks, Xanterra Travel Collection’s Regional Director of Sales and Marketing Jim Stellmack’s career has taken him all over the nation, sometimes living in remote areas surrounded by nature where most people only get to visit. “My first job was working for Knott’s Berry Farm where I worked a variety of positions in human resources, health services, security and risk management, sales specialist, several management positions and was the operations manager,” he … [Read more...] about From Roller Coasters to Canyon Rails
Arizona Snowbowl Reports a Deep Start to Winter
Arizona Snowbowl was scheduled to open for the winter season Friday, Nov. 21, but Mother Nature had other plans. A storm system that began Sunday, Nov. 16, delivered nearly four feet of new snow and by Thursday morning, Nov. 20, ski resort officials decided to open a day ahead of schedule. Word quickly spread and by afternoon, skiers and boarders were joyfully swooshing in the season. The next day, hundreds of winter sports enthusiasts joined in the formal opening celebration at the base of the … [Read more...] about Arizona Snowbowl Reports a Deep Start to Winter
Wild Moments in Focus
Carol DiQuilio has only lived in Clarkdale a little over a year, but the word is out on her nature photography, as the subjects in the captivating photos seem to jump out at passersby in local shops. The nature photographer has been perfecting her craft for 60 years. With the decision to downsize, she moved from Texas to Clarkdale. Her Arizona adventures have included camping at Deadhorse State Park in Cottonwood while searching for her new home and traveling to Patagonia in Southern Arizona to … [Read more...] about Wild Moments in Focus
Commercial Builder Mike Loven Retires, Imprinting His Values and Craftsmanship on Arizona
In a career that started with Sonic Drive-Ins and most recently includes advanced medical facilities and one of the top projects in the Southwest, Mike Loven is retiring. Loven Contracting’s succession plan began eight years ago. Two years ago, Loven stepped out of the lead role after 40 years guiding the company’s direction and growth. With a new vision of time spent with grandchildren and his Yuma farm, he leaves behind a legacy of high ethical standards, quality construction, valued … [Read more...] about Commercial Builder Mike Loven Retires, Imprinting His Values and Craftsmanship on Arizona