24 FEBRUARY 2025 By Sherry Sklar Wally Collins is the kind of person who makes you feel a little brighter just by being in the room. His impressive career has spanned restaurant consulting, ownership, art, and, most recently, publishing as a new author. Wally’s first book, Where’s My Phone, My Glasses, My Keys, My Remote? The Subtle Joy of Aging shares insights and humor about embracing life’s later years. But what stands out most is his unshakable belief in finding delight in every corner of living. “Life is joy,” he said, his words carrying the clarity of hard-won wisdom. “Sure, things happen, but you can take those negative experiences and let them help you understand happiness because of that experience.” After serving as an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam conflict, Wally transitioned to a civilian career with Western Airlines. During this time, he met Don Callender, the owner of Marie Callender’s Restaurants. In a four-hour meeting, Callender convinced Wally to leave the airline industry and follow his heart into the restaurant business. This pivotal decision launched a 42-year career as a successful restaurant owner, with ventures spanning Nevada, Florida and Arizona. In 2002, after working as a consultant and helping develop Alice Cooperstown in Phoenix, Wally opened Wally’s American Pub ‘n Grille. Located in the Camelback Village Center, it has become a cherished establishment over the past 22 years. When asked about the “secret sauce” that makes Wally’s such a mainstay, the namesake shared, “the main thing, as far as the restaurant goes, is just staying consistent – being true to what I started and making it a welcoming place for friends and families to come and enjoy themselves.” Wally’s son Matt – who now runs the restaurant – shares his father’s belief that happiness is something we can create, even in the face of life’s challenges. “We have become a neighborhood institution and are starting to see the kids who grew up with us returning with their families,” he said. “This is the fun part for us, being a multi-generational gathering place. How many restaurants can say that?” Matt is dedicated to carrying on the path Wally began decades ago. He highlights the importance of working with local partners, such as Willie Ituli Produce, Shamrock Foods, Noble Bread, and Pie Snob. “We have built these strong relationships over the years,” he and Wally agreed. “We are the epitome of ‘buy local.’ Using Valley purveyors and supporting small businesses has been key to our success, and our guests appreciate that.” After decades in the restaurant business, Wally decided it was time to step away. Now, he spends most days immersed in creative pursuits. Wally paints, writes, or sculpts almost every day. His artwork decorates the walls of his son’s (Matt and Chef Chris Collins of Common Ground Culinary) restaurants, and he hosts an annual art sale on the restaurant’s patio. This philosophy of staying engaged and finding purpose also prompted Wally to write his first book. The amusing title belies a wry look at his experience with aging and emphasizes the importance of staying engaged and active. “I wanted to convey that it is essential to keep moving forward in life. We must keep challenging ourselves because when you become stagnant, you lose your motivation,” he said. Wally participates in book signings and discussions, often hearing from audience members who resonate with his insights and observations. His next book, a comparative biography, explores the shared traits and experiences of Picasso and Hemingway. A devoted aficionado, he even won the renowned Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, an event held annually in Key West, where the iconic writer once lived. Matt also embraces his creative side by designing silver and turquoise jewelry in his home studio. He said it’s a pastime he truly enjoys and one that keeps him active. The Collins family’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and connection, a legacy that continues to inspire and serve the Arcadia community they love. wallyspub.com Neighborhood pub brings multi-generational Arcadians together Matt and Wally Collins. PHOTOS COURTESY OF WALLY COLLINS WHAT: Readers are invited to meet Wally and pick up a signed copy of his book Where’s My Phone, My Glasses, My Keys, My Remote? The Subtle Joy of Aging . WHERE: Wally’s American Pub’ n Grille, 5029 N. 44th St., Phoenix. WHEN: February 21 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. MEET THE AUTHOR career with Western Airlines. During this time, he met Don Callender, the owner of Marie Callender’s Restaurants. In a say that?” Matt is dedicated to carrying on the path Wally began decades ago. He highlights the importance of working with local partners, such as Willie Ituli Produce, Shamrock Foods, Noble Bread, and REAL ESTATE REAL GUIDANCE relentlessly lo cal™ real estate experts • Combined Real Estate Experience of 36+ Years • Concierge Style Service • Arizona Natives • Bespoke Marketing Program DALLAS PEAGLER, REALTOR® 602.821.9494 | Dallas@TheBrokery.com BREENA WESTFALL, REALTOR® 480.266.8313 | Breena@TheBrokery.com M

MINNOW SMALL BITES BIG VIBES MINNOW SMALL BITES BIG VIBES MINNOW SMALL BITES BIG VIBES SWIMMING TO 32ND ST & CAMPBELL SPRING 2025 hospitality eatminnow.com @eatminnow MINNOW SMALL BITES BIG VIBES SMALL BITES BIG VIBES MINNOW MINNOW SMALL BITES BIG VIBES