Michelin inspectors have come and gone — giving no prized stars for any Arizona restaurants. But a mention in its inaugural Southwest guide is enough for this iconic Indigenous eatery in the Valley.
The Fry Bread House in Phoenix has always been a busy destination.
The late Tohono O’odham chef Cecelia Miller founded the famed James Beard Award-winning establishment in 1992 — becoming the first-ever Native-owned business to earn such a distinction.
Today, her children, co-owners Jennifer Miller and Richard Perry, are in charge.
From receiving a coveted James Beard Award to taping an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” with Flavortown restaurateur and TV host Guy Fieri, the Fry Bread House has turned into a beloved local culinary staple over the last three decades.
Fry Bread House general manager Keith Jensen told KJZZ that word of the latest honor — being named among 19 Arizona restaurants recommended by Michelin — spread fast less than 24 hours after the Wednesday announcement in Las Vegas.
“We had a line out the door right at 10:30 this morning,” said Jensen around Thursday lunchtime. “And then, just the media requests. You guys got in early, man. We’re booked up for next week. Lots of good excitement going on.”
Even impromptu music.
Hours before the recent Michelin ceremony, an O’odham family ordered a meal, sat down and started randomly singing — shaking rattles made of gourds that echoed throughout the entire Fry Bread House.
For Jennifer Miller, it was a sign from those who’ve walked on — the ancestors.
“That is a message from my parents, our relatives, our star people, it was a blessing,” she explained. “There was no other way to interpret that. That’s never happened before — and the timing couldn’t have been more coincidental.”
“A star is amazing,” added Miller, “but so is just being recognized by this high caliber institution. We are thrilled; I was just thrilled for everybody. And one restaurant didn’t win, we all won.”
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