Java.DEC.20162-2

34 JAVA
MAGAZINE
Photo by Ryan Neal Cordwell
Things are changing rapidly in Gilbert, AZ, and
the once dusty farm town miles from the hub
of central Phoenix has become an interesting
urban center of its own. Downtown Gilbert
was like any other place in Main Street America,
a couple of rows of old buildings along a main
thoroughfare, tapering off into farms and fields.
Gilbert was primarily known for agriculture and was
once considered the hay capital of the world due
to the prominence of alfalfa grown there. Now it
is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Arizona,
behind Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa, with a population
approaching 300,000.
In some ways, Gilbert still has that wholesome,
small-town feel, which is what attracts so many
young families; thus, it has dodged the fate of
many towns across America filled with boarded-up
storefronts and folks who’d rather shop at Walmart.
Downtown Gilbert offers an interesting array of
shops and especially restaurants catering to those
looking for something a little different from the fast
food and chain dining options that tend to service
suburban communities.
Joe Johnston was raised on a farm in Gilbert and is
certainly one of the pioneers who helped revitalize its
downtown, with Joe’s Real BBQ, his first restaurant
foray in the area in 1998. Later, in 2008, his Liberty
Market, which retains the name of its original 1935
building, was an immediate success despite opening
in a deep recession. Both of these establishments
cater to a certain sensibility regarding local products,
craftsmanship and a return to honest values. Thanks
to Johnston’s early efforts, Gilbert’s Heritage District
has become one of the Valley’s liveliest dining
destinations, featuring such locally grown favorites
as Postino, Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, Joyride Taco
House, Zinburger and Clever Koi, to name a few that
have migrated eastward.
Perhaps the centerpiece of Johnston’s achievements
is the residential and commercial community called
Agritopia, built on land that was once the Johnston
family farm. Agritopia, which began construction in
2001, is a neo-traditional neighborhood without block
walls between properties. The homes have front
porches, and urban agriculture is at its core. There is
a working farm on site (The Farm at Agritopia) that
grows dates, olives, herbs and seasonal vegetables.
The Johnston family home, built in 1967, has been
converted to Joe’s Farm Grill, which is essentially
an elevated burger stand, taking a casual grill menu
and enhancing flavor profiles by using fresh local