Episcope Hospitality, founded and led by David Morton of the Morton’s Steakhouse family, is excited to announce that Perks Café and Hearsay Social Kitchen in Phoenix are now open in the vibrant Biltmore neighborhood. Located within the Esplanade, which recently underwent a $50 million renovation and reimagining, these venues bring a fresh dining and social experience to Phoenix, adding to Episcope’s growing portfolio of distinctive hospitality destinations across the U.S. including Chicago, New York, Las Vegas and Houston.

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Finding a perfect fit in Phoenix

David Morton, a Chicago-based restaurateur, is known for his family’s lasting impact on the national dining scene. He co-founded DMK Restaurants in 2009, creating a series of iconic Chicago dining destinations. In 2024, to better reflect its expanding portfolio and focus on custom hospitality brands, DMK Restaurants evolved into Episcope Hospitality.

“Phoenix is a city that thrives on community and connection, and we’re excited to introduce spaces that reflect that spirit,” Morton says. “Hearsay and Perks are designed to be more than just places to eat and drink — they’re inspired by the finest amenities found in first-class resorts and hotels, where guests can entertain, host meetings, enjoy happy hours, work, relax and play.”

Hearsay: Fusion of flavor, sound and sustainability

Hearsay Social Kitchen is where dining meets entertainment. The restaurant is a hub for dining, cocktailing, socializing, working and entertaining. Hearsay offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that cater to every palate, in addition to a signature selection of cocktails, beer and wine. 

A standout feature of Hearsay is its fully electric kitchen, reflecting Episcope’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The restaurant also boasts one of the most unique features in Phoenix—a listening room with acoustically-tuned walls and high-fidelity sound systems, making it the perfect spot for both music lovers and foodies alike.

The lunch and dinner menu features a variety of dishes, including:

• White Bean Hummus with sunflower seeds, grilled naan, crudité and olive oil
• Poke Bowl with Ahi tuna, sushi rice, avocado, chili aioli, wasabi tobiko and soy ginger vinaigrette
• Little Gem Salad with quinoa, grapefruit, avocado and citrus vinaigrette

Breakfast offerings include dishes like an Egg White Frittata, Avocado Toast and Phoenix Scramble, made with fire roasted hatch green chiles, scrambled eggs and house avocado salsa. Diners can also enjoy pancakes, fruit bowls or a Breakfast Burrito made with local chorizo, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, hatch green chili and aged white cheddar with housemade salsa. 

“Every dish on our menu at Hearsay has been curated to offer a balance of bold flavors and comforting familiarity,” Morton says. “We want a dining experience that feels both exciting and accessible, with each plate designed to highlight quality ingredients alongside innovative techniques.”

The cocktail program at Hearsay is led by Ryan Gaudin, an Episcope partner known for his innovative work at Restoration Hardware’s immersive dining spaces. The menu features an array of signature cocktails, local beers, and wines, all served in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Perks Café: Dynamic hub for coffee, connections and Community

Perks Café is a new spin on the American café experience. “I’ve never understood why the vast majority of coffee shops only feature one brand. If coffee shops were taverns, they would miss the opportunity to feature all the great local producers and styles to accommodate every taste,” Morton says. “And with Perks, we’re not just serving coffee, tea and pastries. We’re providing a meeting ground for the movers and shakers of Phoenix — where spontaneous connections happen daily and business gets done.” 

Perks features coffee sourced from local roasters like Press Coffee and nationally recognized brands such as La Colombe, alongside an impressive selection of gourmet iced teas. Unique offerings include:

• Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
• Berry Green Tea
• Peach Green Tea Lemonade
• Hibiscus Refresher
• Watermelon Mint Tea
• Lavender Black Tea
• Matcha Lemonade

Next stop: Esplanade in the heart of Biltmore

Guests can also enjoy freshly made pastries and light meals from local favorites, such as Jonathan Robins Pastry, available for quick grab-and-go convenience. Whether looking to refuel with a hot cup of coffee, enjoy a refreshing iced tea or grab a light bite, Perks offers a welcoming space to refresh and unwind.

Both Hearsay and Perks are located in the heart of Biltmore’s luxury shopping, dining and office district, with a design by Corgan, one of the world’s leading architecture firms. Corgan has partnered with Episcope Hospitality on numerous projects, creating spaces that seamlessly blend form and function.

Perks Café and Hearsay Social Kitchen in Phoenix located at 2501 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix within the reimagined Esplanade. Hearsay is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Perks is open open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on Hearsay, Perks and Episcope Hospitality, visit episcopehospitality.com.