JASON AND VANESSA PERKINS PRESERVING PAPA'S POWER

classes while working in the industry. After working in restaurants and catering companies for a few years I decided that this was the chosen path for me and I decided to start working my way towards being an executive chef. I focused all of my energy into learning and experience, I left home to travel out west and gain as much experience and knowledge as I could. That venture ultimately led me to where I am today.

Vanessa Perkins: At age of 16, I took my first steps into the world of hospitality in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I was taught a high level of hospitality by an amazing team that I will never forget the La Fonda Hotel Team. It was there that I discovered my innate ability to find joy in making others happy. The opportunity to create unique experiences for guests ignited a passion within me, driving me to excel in the art of customer service. This early realization laid the foundation for a remarkable career dedicated to serving others.

Prescott Now: Have you always wanted to own a restaurant?

Jason Perkins: I just always knew owning a restaurant is something I would want. Once I started crossing off certain things in my career, I wanted to go further and take the next step. To me it’s always been about progressing and taking that next step and trying to always do better.

Prescott Now: What was the main factor in choosing Papa’s?

Jason Perkins: When Papa’s was located on White Spar, that was the first place we ever went out to eat in Prescott. I remember sitting outside on the patio, and it was a great first experience.

We considered buying other places or opening a new restaurant, but when we found the confidential listing and then found out it was Papa’s, we got very excited because we thought, “Well, that is exactly what we’re looking for; a well-established place with long-term employees and a great location.” That became our first choice by a very, very wide margin.

Prescott Now: Do you plan on making any changes at Papa’s?

Jason Perkins: We’re not looking to reinvent the wheel here. And why would anybody in that scenario of Papa’s? We just want to honor what they’ve done and put our hands on it, without changing a whole lot.

Mama was nice enough to make me a personalized recipe book, which they have never made for anyone, ever. And they didn’t even have recipes written down, it was just Mama doing it. We’re going to keep making the sauces and everything the same way.

Prescott Now: How are you going to make it your own?

Vanessa Perkins: We genuinely care about creating an exceptional experience for our guests. Our goal is to enhance the ambiance and ensure every detail contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere, I want to share my talent and contribute to the community by creating a dining experience that reflects exceptional service and genuine hospitality.

Jason Perkins: While we strive to bring our own unique touch, we also recognize the importance of preserving the elements that have already made the restaurant special. We will introduce weekend specials that allow me to share some of my creative ideas I have but not have to change anything that’s already established.

We plan to focus on improving the comfort of the seating arrangements. We want our customers to feel truly relaxed and at ease while they enjoy their meals. By introducing cozy booths and perhaps even some plush seating options. We understand that the presentation plays a crucial role in the dining experience. We have already taken steps to elevate our service and presentation, but we are committed to going even further. We will invest in new plates, glassware, so that every dish and beverage is showcased beautifully, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall experience.

Prescott Now: What would you like the community to know about you and Papa’s?

Vanessa Perkins: Papa's is not just a business to us; it's a legacy that we are proud to carry forward. We pour our hearts into every aspect of Papa's, from the quality of our products to the experience we provide for our customers.

We are immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication of Papa's staff. They are the backbone of the operation and deserve recognition as we could not be here without them.

July 8th

Live Theatre: "County FairA Country Jukebox Musical"

Suze's Prescott Center for the Arts

Two performances today at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM. After the death of their father, two sisters return home to deal with their inheritance: a massive and beloved county fair in rural Georgia. There will be 8 performances from June 30 through July 9 in the PCA Cabaret. Tickets available online.

928.445.3286 www.prescottartcenter.org

NAZ Wranglers vs. Massachusetts Pirates

Findlay Toyota Center

6:05 PM

Home game vs. Arizona Rattlers. The Northern Arizona Wranglers play in the Indoor Football League and won the 2022 IFL National Championship. Games are played at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Tailgate party starts at 3:00 PM. Tickets available at the arena box office or Ticketmaster. 928.772.1819 www.nazwranglers.com

Coal Miner's Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn

Elks Theatre & Performing Arts Center

7:00 PM

Mamma Coal and her all-star band will play the greatest hits from Loretta Lynn's legendary career. Songs like "Coal Miner's Daughter," "You Ain't Woman Enough," "You're Lookin' At Country," "One' s on the Way," and many more! Special guest Charlie Hall will join the band for a collection of Conway Twitty duets. 928.777.1370 www.prescottelkstheatre.org

Julie Williams at the Elks Crystal Hall

Elks Theatre & Performing Arts Center

7:00 PM

Country performer Julie Williams has begun touring the country with the Black Opry Revue, a showcase featuring Black artists in country, blues, folk, and Americana music.

Julie took the stage with the group at CMA Fest in Nashville in June 2022 and followed this performance with her first solo tour.

928.756.2844 www.prescottelkstheatre.org

July 8th

Music on the GreenSky Daddy and the Pop Rocks

Prescott Valley Civic Center

7:00 PM-9:00 PM

There will be Music on the Green concerts on July 8 with Sky Daddy and the Pop Rocks and Aug. 12 (Band TBD) at the Civic Center Theatre on the Green. See the Town of Prescott Valley website for performer updates and event details.

928.759.3090 www.prescottvalley-az.gov

July 9th

Prescott Valley Community Market

9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Outdoor artisan and maker market features vendors with food and nonfood items such as local meats, fresh eggs and vegetables, baked goods, body care products, handcrafted jewelry, art and much more. Located at 7210 E. Pav Way in Prescott Valley. Check Facebook page for weekly updates on participating vendors and special events.

928.273.9767 www.facebook.com/PVCMLLC

Whiskey Jam - Open Mic Thumb Butte Distillery

The Thumb Butte Distillery is located at 400 N. Washington Ave. in Prescott. Whiskey Jam open mic sessions take place on Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Check website for the July live music schedule.

928.443.8498 www.thumbbuttedistillery.com

Live Music at the Windsock Lounge: Blues Jam with Scott O'Neal Band Blues Jam every Sunday in July from 2:00-6:00 PM hosted by the Scott O'Neal Band. The Windsock Lounge also has STEFnROCK every Tue. at 5:00 PM, Travis Crow & Colton Burris on Wed. at 6:00 PM, the Aragon Ping Band on Thu. at 6:00 PM, and bands on Fri. and Sat. See website for the live music schedule and times.

928.776.7309 www.thewindsocklounge.net

July 9th

Prescott Library Events This Week

This week's events at the Prescott Public Library: Drop-In Tech Help, Toddler Storytime, Crafts for Kids!, Preschool Storytime, Wednesday Morning Book Club, LEGO Expo, Family Book Club, PapaHugs

Children's Music, WORDS Book Club, Baby and Me Storytime, Chair Yoga, and more! Community groups meet at the library every week. See the events calendar page on the library website for event details.

928.777.1500 www.prescottlibrary.info

July 10th

STEPS Art Education Program for Children

'Tis Annex Art Education Building

10:00 AM-11:30 AM

Free art education classes, with tuition and art supplies included. Class size limited to 8 students. Classes meet on Mon., Tue., and Wed. for two weeks, followed by a Monday wrap-up class featuring final projects, with parents in attendance. July classes take place from 7/10 through 7/24. July classes for ages 8-10 with Gail Brendle: "Adventures in Abstract Art", and July classes for ages 11 & up with Mary Clare McCartin: "Landscapes With a Focus On Perspective." August classes will take place from 8/14 through 8/28. See website for details and online registration. The Annex Building is located at 235 N. Marina St. in Prescott.

928.775.0223 www.tisartgallery.com/artclasses

Open House - Hosted by Lonesome Valley Quilt Guild Mingus View Presbyterian Church

7:00 PM-9:00 PM

The Lonesome Valley Quilt Guild invites you to join us for an evening of friendship and fun. Free admission. There will be demonstrations of several aspects of quilt making. Our displays will feature information on Guild activities, including Internal workshops (free), community projects, and more.

928.925.5601 www.lonesomevalleyquilters.com

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