The Mercer Opens

PHOENIX, (July 1, 2025) – A new jewel in the Biltmore crown, is now open at the recently remodeled

Esplanade.

A newly created concept led by industry veterans, Rick Phillips and Peter Hearn of 151 Hospitality, The

Mercer, reimagines the legacy of its iconic predecessor, MercBar, into a stylish, American Bistro and

martini destination. Housed in a sophisticated, 3,000 square-foot space, The Mercer seamlessly blends

elevated simplicity with thoughtful detail—from the curated art and photos within its wood clad walls and

ceiling, to a music program that ranges from Bridgette Bardot to Willie Bobo and of course, to each

carefully crafted plate.

"There’s great complexity to true simplicity. Today, people toss around labels to describe food and

hospitality to the extent that they have lost their true meaning. It may seem to ‘just be’ a martini or a

burger, but is it? We put a lot of thought and heart into every detail. We want to deliver an experience this

town is deserving of and not to just be found in other cities,” says Phillips and Hearn, Co-founders of 151

Hospitality.

Inspired by world-renowned martini institutions like The Connaught and Duke’s Bar in London, The

Mercer features a highly tailored martini program, with every drink made-to-order based on guest

preferences and served in a refined setting. Complementing the cocktail experience is a meticulously

curated menu focusing on simple fare that brings a fresh perspective to American bistro classics. To

achieve this, Phillps and Hearn enlisted the services of local cocktail maven Jason Asher and his

company Juniper & Jigger. “We will always surround ourselves with the best talent available,” says Hearn.

Highlights include a selection of raw bar offerings—ultra-fresh oysters, seafood towers, sushi hand rolls,

and of course, caviar. Not all the offerings are highbrow by any means. The menu will include playful yet

polished appetizers like house-made Pigs in a Blanket crafted from heritage beef wrapped in a flaky

pastry dough and artfully prepared Lollipop Chicken Wings.

Main dishes range from elevated sandwiches at lunch, featuring a classic French Dip with house-roasted

Prime Rib, to their signature Dry-aged Mercer Burger made with Pat LaFrieda beef from NYC.

Guests can also expect house-made pastas, fresh seafood, premium steaks and chops, along with

rotating chef-driven features.

After dinner service, The Mercer transforms into a lively martini lounge with upbeat music, a specialty

dessert program paired with imaginative cocktails, and live entertainment on the weekends. It also

features a private room capable of dinner service for 30 people, special wine and spirit tastings, a new

patio seating up to 60 people and more.

Located at 2525 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix, The Mercer is now accepting reservations for service.

Hours M-F 11am-11pm, Saturday 4pm-11pm, and closed Sunday. Happy Hour is from M-F 3pm-6pm. For

reservations: http://www.themercerphx.com/reservations

ABOUT 151 HOSPITALITY

Co-founders and Operating Partners Peter Hearn and Rick Phillips named their Phoenix-based hospitality

group after the address of the original MercBar at 151 Mercer Street in New York City's SoHo

neighborhood, where they both began their hospitality journey. 151 Hospitality brings their smarts,

experience, style, and above all, their unwavering passion to each restaurant concept. For more

information, visit www.151hospitality.com. Follow 151 Hospitality and their concepts on Instagram:

@151HospitalityGroup, @camellobiltmore, @themercerphx and @littlepickleaz.