Queen Creek Olive Mill asks state for liquor license as it expands

The Queen Creek Olive Mill is requesting that the state award it a permanent extension of its liquor license to cover additional areas at the site.

The Queen Creek Town Council voted on Nov. 19 to recommend approval of an extension liquor license to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.

The vote was 5-0. Council Member Bryan McClure was absent, and Mayor Julia Wheatley remains on leave. The recommendation was on the council’s consent agenda in which all items are decided on one motion and vote.

The Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridian Road, is asking for a permanent addition of contiguous wine and beer control rooms at the site. The mill is currently licensed to serve alcohol on the premises.

The application is currently under review by the Queen Creek planning division and the Queen Creek Police Department.

The mill was founded in 2005 when Perry Rea planted his first olive tree in Queen Creek.

Now, 20 years later, the 90-acre Queen Creek Olive Mill grove has nearly 10,000 olive trees grown in medium density, and last year, it harvested more than 30 tons of olives. In total, the harvest produced 3,579 liters of extra virgin olive oil.

The mill, which the Reas claim receives about 650,000 visitors a year, has diversified to include restaurants and shopping options. The mill sells olive oil vinegar, stuffed olives, tapenades and balsamic vinegars in an array of flavors.

John Rea succeeded his father as president of the Queen Creek Olive Mill in August 2024.