A new culinary concept is headed to Arcadia later this year as In Good Spirits Hospitality and Queen Creek Olive Mill join forces to debut The Olive Farmer, an Italian-inspired restaurant, market, and bar opening in the former Santo Arcadia space near 44th Street and Osborn.
The concept brings together two well-known names in Arizona’s food scene, combining the hospitality expertise of In Good Spirits with the ingredient-driven philosophy that has made Queen Creek Olive Mill a beloved destination. Led by two-time James Beard semifinalist Bernie Kantak alongside Perry Rea, guests can expect mornings filled with locally roasted coffee, house-made pastries, and breakfast offerings.
The menu transitions throughout the day, featuring Italian-style sandwiches with imported meats and cheeses, artisanal pizzas, and grab-and-go selections. In the evenings, the restaurant plans to expand its offerings with house-made pastas and elevated takes on Italian classics. Dessert will center around a specialty affogato and gelato program intended to capture what the team describes as indulgent simplicity.
A key feature of the concept will be its dedicated “Flour Lab,” where bronze-extruded pastas, slow-fermented dough, focaccia, pastries, and breads will be crafted in-house. The program will be guided by Agostino Trentacoste, a Palermo-born pizzaiolo and certified flour technician whose expertise adds another layer of authenticity to the experience.
The Olive Farmer will also house a Queen Creek Olive Mill market featuring the company’s award-winning olive oils, sauces, imported goods, and its natural skincare line, Olivespa. Shoppers can browse products, pick up fresh pasta and oven-ready meals, and pair them with selections from the bottle shop, creating an experience centered around craftsmanship and sustainability.
“I’m excited to partner with a group that shares our passion for quality,” Queen Creek Olive Mill owner Perry Rea said. “We’re creating a concept that is seed oil-free and driven by local ingredients.”
The beverage experience will continue in ISSIMA, the concept’s back bar, where Italian-inspired cocktails will spotlight oils, vinegars, citrus, vermouths, aperitivos, and amaros in inventive ways.
“This space gives us endless room to explore,” Andrew Fritz, co-owner and operator of In Good Spirits Hospitality, said. “We’re excited to bring a new take on the Italian market experience to Arcadia.” Learn more by visiting theolivefarmeraz.com.
