Boulders on Broadway, 530 W. Broadway Road, helped herald in Arizona’s craft beer scene when it opened its doors in Tempe 17 years ago, and now it’s turning a new page as it partners with Utah-based SaltFire Brewing Co. to become the SaltFire Brewing Tap House.

The transition brings the brewery’s beers to the Arizona market, a menu refresh and eventually in-state brewing, according to a press release. 

Boulders owners Erick and Rochelle Geryol will continue to operate the Tap House in partnership with SaltFire co-owners Ryan Miller and Tim Wilson. The Geryols operate two other restaurants that will remain unchanged – Spokes on Southern in Tempe and Boulders on Southern in Mesa. 

Although signage went up earlier this month, the official transition from Boulders to SaltFire will take place on Saturday, May 18 with an open house. The day-long event will feature activities like T-shirt tie-dying, photo booths and trivia as well as specials showcasing a new brunch menu and new specialty dishes, the release noted.

“Our regulars have known this transition was in the works and have been so supportive. They’ve even started calling the spot ‘Salty BOB,’” co-owner Rochelle Geryol stated in the release. “Even still, it’s been a whirlwind to have it all come together. We can’t wait to show it all off in May.”

Miller and Wilson opened SaltFire Brewing Co. in Salt Lake City nearly six years ago where it has become known on the Utah slopes for its experimental styles.

Boulders opened in 2007. With 30 beers on tap and 70 in the bottle, it was one of the first to showcase local and regional craft beers alongside a pub-friendly menu of pizzas, burgers and appetizers, according to the release.

The Geryols were first introduced to SaltFire through Wilson, who lives locally in Ahwatukee as well as in Utah. 

“Our Arizona roots run deep and once we got the brewery up and running in Salt Lake City, our goal was to figure out a way to get into the Arizona market,” Wilson stated in the release. “It started with self-distributing to select taprooms, and the reception and support was amazing. It gave us brand recognition which paved the way for working with the Geryol’s on re-branding Boulders as SaltFire Tap House.”

Boulders started featuring SaltFire beers on its taps last year. As the SaltFire Brewing Tap House, ten of its taps will be dedicated to SaltFire brews and it will continue to rotate the remaining taps with other local and national styles.

A menu refresh led by new Chef Joey Dohrmann will make small changes to the popular Boulders items like its pizzas while incorporating new entrees, but the venue will continue its catering and events efforts.