Interview with Ryan Rinaldo at Metropolis
One of Old Town's best-kept secrets — a Cheers-like atmosphere at Optima, inspired by valley greats, with something for everyone.
Our Local Life · Feb 2016
I am here with Ryan, the owner of the Metropolis Restaurant in Scottsdale.
Give us a little inside scoop on you, Ryan — have you always had a passion for
the restaurant industry?
As a kid, my dad was in the restaurant industry so I have been involved in restaurants
since I was 8 years old. As an ASU grad, I went into the software industry, owning a
software company — databases for POS and credit card processing. But once I let my
inner child out, it came down to my passion for food and my desire to create a
Cheers-like atmosphere within the community I live. That led me to pursue restaurant
ownership.
And that's how the Metropolis came about?
Well, I was looking for a restaurant to buy and I loved the Metropolis. I loved the
Optima. In my dreams it was like a turn-of-the-century house with a bar underneath
it — and it really has become a dream come true.
Where would you consider your happy place?
After a quiet peaceful night with my 2-month-old baby girl, I can really appreciate
joining my family and friends and neighbors somewhere we can kick back and relax and
enjoy the atmosphere around us. It's really the best of both worlds — live where you
work, work where you live. It's like having a dinner party every night. It's truly my
happy place.
So you live locally then?
Yes, I have lived at the Optima since I purchased the Metropolis back in 2014. I work
closely with the developer and the HOA — that doesn't mean I am taking pictures of your
trash cans out after 5pm. I utilize the events and happenings at the Optima to get to
know my customers. I like personally going to various properties — Modern Safari,
Waterfront — and meeting people in person, giving a gift certificate, face-to-face
grassroots with management companies. I really take pride in community involvement
since 80% of our business is from the Optima.
So you really have a lot of involvement in the everyday operations of the
Metropolis?
You could say so. Aside from being the head lettuce around the kitchen, I personally
source the produce and meats myself. I am very meticulous in the sourcing of the
ingredients and the simple preparations within the menu items. We have James Beard
award-winning and nominating chefs and I have made sure there is something for
everyone. By keeping the menu to $16 and under, I like to think of it as inspired by
the valley greats, but simple enough for daily meals.
So you would say it's a family atmosphere at the Metropolis?
Absolutely! It's so much more than a restaurant and bar! Come on down, bring the kids,
try the new item on the menu, have a little fun. I'm thinking about experimenting with
some goat cheese in the near future. What's a little goat cheese among friends? And our
desserts are delicious — we were voted best dessert in Scottsdale.
Are you big into charities?
I haven't turned one down yet! The Boys Hope, Girls Hope, several animal organizations,
LGBT from past ownerships — you name it! I am a big fan of community support, and Keith
Richards.
Keith Richards?
Well I assumed your next question was going to be "who would you want to be stranded on
a deserted island with" — and the obvious answer to that is Keith Richards.
Well, I am glad we cleared that up.
On that note, I hear you're a scotch guy?
You know, I am a certified sommelier and to avoid sounding like a pompous prick, I can
tell you the good ones from the bad. Some call it a guilty pleasure, but I don't feel
guilty about it at all.
So when is the best time to stop by and check it out?
Sunday through Thursday, happy hour is the place to be. The drinks are stiff, the
company is good. We have a solid wine list with some heavy hitters. Wednesday is happy
hour all day, open to close, and $6 Met burgers — grass fed, of course. On Sundays,
brunch is the show. Come down, say hi — come in as a stranger, leave as a friend.
Well my friend, this has been fun — anything else we should know?
Check out our video review on Scottsdalerestaurants.com. And we have 2,347 likes on our
Facebook page, but who's counting. (Gift certificates available.)
Interview by William Lewis — Williams Luxury Homes / Sterling Fine Properties