There are few places as beloved in Surprise, Arizona, as the I and J Foundation Restaurant. The dinner theater establishment was bought by owners Izabela and Jose in 2006. The couple met in a different restaurant that employed them both. After their eventual marriage, they decided it was time to own their own place. After buying I and J Foundation Restaurant, things were tough. The recession hit the establishment hard in 2008, but the couple persevered, changing their menu to fit the hard times, and working diligently to continue to bring in customers. That dedication is why I and J Foundation Restaurant was a clear pick for our Husband and Wife Law Team HEART Campaign!
If 2008 seemed hard, 2020 seems nearly impossible to overcome, especially for restaurants, which have been hit hardest during the lockdown. I and J Foundation Restaurant was previously hosting about 120 people a night, with live music and dancing to encourage new customers to pay them a visit. Sadly, with the current restrictions, that 120 has been cut down to just 60. On top of that, the live music and dancing, both staples of I and J, have had to come to a temporary end. But those hardships are exactly why we at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., picked I and J as our next winner. This Arizonan jewel needs all the support it can get.
When Izabela and Jose found out they would be the next HEART Campaign recipients, they were ecstatic. They and their staff quickly began to whip up the ingredients they would need for their big day. After a night of hard work, I and J Foundation Restaurant opened on October 15 to a gaggle of customers champing at the bit to get some of the restaurant’s famous slow-roasted steaks, delicious caramel fudge cheesecake, and, of course, a couple of the “Just For Me Specials,” which start at just $10. Tables were turned quickly, and orders continued to come in up until closing. Needless to say, it was a good night for I and J.
That being said, I and J Foundation Restaurant isn’t the only establishment to need our help during this difficult time. If you would like to help us support Arizona restaurants in need, head over to our HEART page and take the time to fill out a nomination. Thank you to everyone who has already nominated a restaurant, and thank you to the owners and staff at the I and J Foundation Restaurant.
We hope that you will all continue to support this Arizonan institution.