A new restaurant is opening in the historic Haver Building in Scottsdale. What to expect

The owners of The Eleanor in south Scottsdale are opening a new restaurant in a Polynesian-style building designed by Ralph Haver's firm in the 1960s.

The mid-century modern building, which became the first Polynesian-style Dairy Queen in the world when the chain took over the building in the 1980s, has been vacant for years.

When real estate developer Tom Frenkel of Clayton Companies learned that the owners planned to demolish the building in 2019, he purchased it and moved the A-frame from its original location on McDowell Road to Hayden Road. He hired ALINE Architecture and Social Design Studio to help redevelop it into a new restaurant — Oliver's Modern American.

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"As we approach the grand opening of Oliver's, we couldn't be more excited to unveil a space that is modern and inviting, but also pays homage to its rich mid-century history," said Nicole Herman, lead Interior Designer and Founder of Social Design Studio.

The restaurant and lounge include both the original 1,000-square-foot building, which is now a cocktail lounge, and a newly added 3,400-square-foot space that will serve as the main dining area. They plan to decorate with historical photos and memorabilia from the Dairy Queen era.

“Oliver’s is a very special addition to this retail plaza and to south Scottsdale,” Frenkel said in a press release. “It’s a piece of Scottsdale history that’s been completely reimagined and revived, and the enthusiasm from the community has been overwhelming already!”

What's on the menu at Oliver's?

Chef Kent Macaulay, whose experience includes a decade at La Grande Orange before joining Clayton Companies, designed Oliver's menu to feature globally-inspired dishes like Moroccan chicken skewers; coffee-crusted New York strip; jerk chicken served with fried plantains and pineapple chili salad; scallops served with creamed corn, coconut, cashew and serrano pepper and an asparagus whipped feta. Dishes range from $30-50.

The drink menu includes craft cocktails like an ancho margarita made with grapefruit and cinnamon, and Patio Views, a drink made with gin, watermelon and coconut. The restaurant will also offer an extensive wine list.

How to visit Oliver's Modern American

A soft open for dinner service is planned for early May 2024, during which some of the proceeds will benefit the Scottsdale Historical Society. A grand opening is planned for late May.

Details: 3207 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale. @oliversaz on Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Oliver's Modern American opening in this historic Scottsdale building