Joe's Farm Grill opens its doors

Dianna M. Náñez

Catherine J. Jun/The Arizona Republic

Residents who attended the Tuesday opening of Joe's Farm Grill broke bread with owner Joe Johnston and his family as they celebrated the first business day of their newest food endeavor.

Within a couple of hours of opening, Johnston said roughly 150 people had enjoyed an item off their American food menu. There were rave reviews on the menu that includes fresh-grilled farm burgers and crispy sweet potato fries, said Johnston, whose personal favorite is the Portobello mushroom sandwich.

Gilbert resident Steve Hernandez brought his son Matt, 26, daughter-in-law Lindsey, 25, and granddaughter Dylin, 2, for lunchtime barbecue and pork sandwiches.

The family, who are regulars of Joe's Real BBQ in downtown Gilbert, said they were waiting for the grill to open.

"If people like Joe's BBQ then they'll like this, too," Lindsey said.

The grill's picnic atmosphere was perfect for families with small children, added Lindsey.

"Dylin likes to run around," she said. "So she can have fun and no one looks at us funny."

Johnston said maintaining the family-friendly environment was important since the restaurant was remodeled from the home he grew up in.

"My mom, dad, brother, wife and I live in the (Agritopia) community," Johnston said. "So we can all still meet here for a family meal."

Johnston's mother, Virginia, and father, Jim, said they loved the fact that they were dining under the same trees that were there when they bought the home in the early '60s.

"We feel God's really blessed us," Virginia said. "We'll be coming out regularly. It's so beautiful outside to just sit and enjoy a meal."

The Rev. Bob Blayton, of Gilbert's Wonderful Mercy Church, said the reason Joe's would be successful is because of its beautiful setting, fresh and flavorful organic food and reasonable prices.

Johnston said his dream for the Farm Grill restaurant is that it becomes a neighborhood institution like Joe's BBQ.

"I'd be happy if people thought of it as a place they're proud to take visiting friends or family," Johnston said.

The restaurant, at 3000 E. Ray Road, is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call the eatery at (480) 563-4745.