The seasoned chef enjoys the quieter pace and thriving following.
Born in Maryland, Raab ran three successful restaurants for 10 years before moving to the West. Upon landing in Sedona, he served as chef at René at Tlaquepaque for two years.
“Andy did me a big favor coming to work here at René,” said Mercer Mohr of Mercer’s Kitchen Group. “It was a big sigh of relief for me. He has a good business background, understands costs and made some good business suggestions. He was on top of things, a leader and the staff enjoyed working with him. He was so jovial and made the job fun. We miss him and his pastries are amazing.”
Recently, Raab purchased the Bullpen Grill and Watering Hole restaurant in Camp Verde. “I came close to buying one in Prescott and then I saw that the Bullpen Grill and Watering Hole was for sale. As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I knew I wanted it. I could see the potential and I knew that I could grow the business in the Camp Verde area.”
Chef Raab has developed a menu that has locals coming back for more. New England Clam Chowder, Pecan Crusted Catfish and Chicken Fried Steak are just a few of his offerings. He also serves three types of Wagyu beef burgers.
“Wagyu is an Australian beef that has wonderful flavor and a nice marbling,” he said. “We use it for our beef cheeks as well as our burgers and the flavor and texture are amazing. It’s something you can’t get with choice beef.”
“All my life I’ve eaten my burgers plain with nothing but cheese. I believe this way you can really taste the meat and not the toppings. The meat at The Bullpen Grill & Watering Hole is so tasty and fresh. I’ve had their chicken fried steak, too and that’s really good,” said customer Tim Nordeen, a construction estimator.
“The Bullpen is a true gem in Camp Verde!” said Town of Camp Verde Economic Development Specialist Crisi Clark. “Fantastic food, outstanding customer service and live music create the perfect dining experience. It’s hard to pick a favorite dish when everything from the Crawfish Tails to the Bullpen Burger is delightful.”
Raab’s wife, Alexia, works in the restaurant when not homeschooling their two children, ages 7 and 9. “We are teaching them the value of hard work,” he said. “They love making desserts and sometimes even help with other menu items.”
Raab clears his mind by taking to the trails of Sedona, running an average of 40-50 miles a week.
The Bullpen Grill & Watering Hole is located at 564 S. Main Street in Camp Verde. For more information, visit www.bullpengrill.com.
Hobby I’d Like to Pursue
Archery. I want to learn how to bow hunt.
My Guilty Pleasure
Chocolate chip cookies. Put a bag in front of me and they’re gone.
The Actor Who Should Play Me
Bruce Willis. People think I look like him.
Where I Hope to Visit
I would love to go back to Tokyo. Japan was amazing. I would love to bring my family there.
How I Relax
By running, every morning. VVBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Customers rave about the meals prepared by chef and Bullpen Grill owner Andrew Raab.
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