By Sondra Barr
Photo courtesy of CAPS Sports Grill
Located in North Phoenix at 1721 W. Rose Garden Lane, STE 11, CAPS Sports Grill has reached a remarkable milestone. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the sports haven owned by Dave and Vicki Hopkins has become an iconic spot for Valley sports enthusiasts.
The journey of Dave, a former Alabama resident who worked for a Japanese Company, and Vicki, a librarian hailing from Washington state, is as varied as it is intriguing. Initially drawn to the idea of opening a restaurant in Rocky Point, Mexico, the pair were advised against it due to potential nationalization risks. Phoenix beckoned, and after exploring myriad options, they found their culinary and sports oasis.
“We saw potential,” Dave reminisces, recalling the 1950s diner look of the former establishment with its stark white walls. With vision in tow, they transformed the space with textured brick-pattern wallpaper, revamped restrooms, and an impressive lineup of 22 televisions ensuring fans don’t miss a minute of action.
However, it wasn’t just the ambiance that underwent a major transformation. CAPS Sports Grill prides itself on using top-tier, branded ingredients, replacing the generic alternatives used by the previous owners. “Quality was paramount,” affirms Dave.
A testament to their dedication to excellence, over 65% of the grill’s sales stem from their unique wings. From being served “On the Side” to “Sloppy,” these wings, available both jumbo bone-in and boneless, have captivated the taste buds of many. Patrons have endless flavor options at their disposal, ranging from the basics like BBQ and Hot to TNT and Firey Lime. Wings are cooked to order and never pre-cooked. For those willing to wait, the crispy wings, which take about 35 minutes to prepare, are worth the wait.
Beyond wings, the menu is a gastronomic delight. Appetizers like battered pickle chips, mozzarella sticks, and Angus beef sliders set the tone. The main course features a variety of sandwiches, from the hearty French dip to the innovative “Not Your Ordinary Grilled Cheese.” For pizza enthusiasts, mozzarella cheese combined with house-made sauce awaits, while fresh salads cater to the health-conscious. The certified Angus Beef burgers, all priced under $15, are a meat lover’s dream.
For those weekend early birds, breakfast is served. Options range from sumptuous breakfast burritos to classic pancakes, ensuring a delightful start to the day.
While the food is undoubtedly a draw, at its heart, CAPS Sports Grill is a sports sanctuary. From the NFL Sunday Ticket to the Pac-12 Network to covering local favorites like the Diamondbacks and Cardinals, they ensure fans stay plugged in across all sports including football, hockey, baseball, and beyond. Dave underscores the importance of an uninterrupted game-watching experience, eschewing trivia or karaoke. “It’s about the game, both seeing and hearing it,” he emphasizes.
Operating six days a week with Tuesdays off, CAPS Sports Grill invites you to join in their 15-year celebration. Whether it’s for the delectable wings, the diverse menu, or the exhilarating sports atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. Cheers to 15 years and many more to come!
For more information, visit capsgrill.com.
