46 DECEMBER 2022 By Rachael Bouley After the success of their Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup chain, Phoenix brothers Aaron and Jared Pool are excited to open their new venture this winter. The duo has been in business together for nearly a decade and are preparing to open their latest establishment: a beer hall in Park Central called The Green Woodpecker. “Living in that area, we felt like there was a lack of places to sit outside and enjoy a beer in a nice space,” Aaron said. “Woodpecker is different from a traditional beer hall in that we will do some fun things with our limited food menu.” The brothers, already known for their southwest-style cuisine, will offer al pastor tacos daily with fresh yellow corn tortillas from a local partner. Vegan maitake mushroom tacos and complimentary chips and salsa will also be part of Woodpecker’s spin on traditional bar food like pretzels and peanuts. The business will continue to be a family affair, something the siblings are excited about as they’ve successfully worked together since opening the first Gadzooks location in 2013. “The beer menu is being crafted by our brother Drew, who is one of the owners of Wren House Brewing Company in Phoenix,” Aaron said. “He’s a beer geek, and the menu will continually rotate on what he deems beer in its best style.” Refreshing drinks aren’t the only thing that locals can look forward to at The Green Woodpecker. The hall will feature carrot cake and other desserts from Mama Linda’s Bakeshop, which is owned by their mother. The combination of beer and carrot cake is a touching tribute to the brothers’ source of inspiration for their restaurant business dreams. “Mama Linda’s is always an inspiring place,” Aaron explained. “It goes back to the start of it all at Gadzooks. Mama Linda’s is an incubator of ideas we want to do with food. We can test recipes there and talk about dishes. It is also a place we want to be, where she is the neighborhood bakeshop. That’s the vibe we would like Woodpecker to be.” Although there aren’t plans for a grand opening just yet, the Pools look forward to a soft opening before eventually inviting the midtown neighborhoods to come to see what they are all about. “The best part about being in business with family is accountability and dependability,” Aaron said. “We know everyone is going to show up and do great work. Our parents’ work ethic was a fundamental principle for us.” Woodpecker will mark their eighth business, with five Gadzooks already open and one more on the way. They also have Poolboy Taco Shop in the works. It’s all made possible by the never-ending support of their family, friends and the community. thegreenwoodpecker.com New beer hall marks eighth eatery for Phoenix brothers Jared Pool Aaron Pool Independent Living ■ Assisted Living ■ Memory Care Community 3233 E. Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85018 Information Center 2720 E. Camelback Road, Suite 280 Phoenix, AZ 85016 2720 E. Camelback Road, Suite 280 O F F I C E 480-573-3700 LIFE@ClarendaleArcadia.com ClarendaleArcadia.com - Set amid a backdrop of panoramic mountain views along the Camelback Corridor, Clarendale Arcadia Senior Residences place you at the center of it all. Expect five-star ambience, services and hospitality—including gourmet restaurant dining and entertaining social events around every turn. This innovative, unmatched community is opening soon! It’s where you want to be. Arrange your personal experience and ask membership when you join now. Exceptional Experiences Contact Roni@Arcadianews.com today to find out how you can save up to 46% on your ad investment! up to 46% on your ad investment! up to 46% Reach 45,000 potential patients or clients... The Arcadia News Health & Wellness Guide is the perfect way to promote your practice or business to the affluent, educated and health-minded readers of the Arcadia News . A Directory of local providers JANUARY 2023 DEADLINE: FRIDAY 12/16 A Directory of local providers