Jeff Flancer: Owner and Founder of Flancer's Café

Flancer’s Café originally opened up in 2000 through the determination of the owner and founder Jeff Flancer. Jeff has been across America and has since set his home in the Valley along with his wonderful food.  Growing up, Jeff was unsure of what he wanted to do for his career until one day he came to the realization that he has a passion for making creative good tasting food. He was soon then accepted into the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York where he advanced his skills and knowledge as a chef. Once he graduated he was able to find work in fine restaurants in the Baltimore area and later, Los Angeles. However, his passion for food was much deeper than fine dining. During an interview with Jeff, he said he realized he enjoyed cooking for more everyday people of the community as they were very appreciative of his cooking. He also realized that owning his own restaurant was fun for him and it gave him the freedom to be with his family and kids as they grow up. Which to him was something being a chef for a fine restaurant can keep you from. And with that philosophy he moved to New Mexico where he opened up a restaurant which he operated for nearly a decade. Then in 2000 he happily moved to the Phoenix area where he opened up the first beloved Flancer’s Café in the heart of Gilbert.

The "Steak it to the Limit" Philly Cheese Steak

While in Gilbert, Jeff was able to figure out what the market was missing and design a menu that would make anyone’s taste buds jump for joy. However Jeff knew it wasn’t all about taste, but quality too. Every day they bake fresh homemade bread. The chicken marinates for hours to ensure perfect saturation. The pizzas are hand crafted and baked fresh to order. And the seasonal drinks are always perfect for sharing a meal with friends and family. While dining at Flancer’s you will also notice the Southwestern influences in the food which suit Arizona’s culture well. They have green chile mayonnaise, prickly pear lemonade, prickly pear marinated chicken, and other SW dishes. It is restaurants like this that represent the real meaning of good cooking and casual dining.

Ben (left) and Myke (right)

Along with great food, a restaurant also needs a great wait staff. Every trip to Flancer’s is filled with genuine greetings, smiles, and they always make sure your satisfied with you visit. Growing up in Gilbert meant Flancer’s was a major part in my life. The staff is part of the reason why I urge people to go to Flancer’s (in addition to the food of course). I remember as a kid Myke , Ben, Ashley, and Eric were always great to me and my family. And even now 12 years later, Myke and Ben (with a combined 6,000+ shift worked) still remember me and treat me like an old friend. During high school, I brought my first real date in for Flancer’s where Myke and Ben dished out some of their own funds to make sure my date and I didn't leave hungry. The staff combined with the wonderful food really make Flancer’s what it is today.

Throughout the years, as the restaurant grew so did the culture. Jeff started a pizza eating contest years ago and it has now grown into a large charity event which Flancer’s uses the funds to help with wounded veterans as well other local charities. The event is also sponsored by many local businesses which offer contest goers a chance to win many different raffle prizes. In the most recent contest a man named Gus managed to eat 18 slices of Flancer’s pizza and went home with a $500 cash prize! Gus was also able to take a picture holding his large prize check next to Miss Arizona and the Flancer’s Goat. Flancer’s also host beer pairings, and a charity desert making contest.

Jeff Flancer and his restaurant along with the staff are a large part of Gilbert and Mesa (their newest location). Thanks to their hard work and outgoing personalities they have brought high quality and delicious food to a community of many walks of life. And I would personal like to thank Jeff and the staff at Flancer’s for their continued efforts to making sure each dining experience is perfect, and for the opportunity to get to know more about the creation of Flancer’s Café. And I hope you will stop in soon to see what they can Dish Out for you.

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