About Pretty Penny
Pretty Penny is the latest chapter in a story that began on Roosevelt Row with a simple belief: hospitality should be thoughtful, creative, and unforgettable. Founded by industry veterans Sam Olguin and Brenon Stuart, Pretty Penny grew from years of experience refining their craft in some of Arizona's most respected hospitality programs. Their journey first gained attention with Killer Whale Sex Club, a cocktail bar that quickly became one of Downtown Phoenix's most talked-about destinations. Recognized as Best New Bar by both Phoenix New Times and Phoenix Magazine, the concept earned national recognition through the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, helping establish the team as innovators within the modern cocktail movement.
In 2024, that vision expanded with the opening of Pretty Penny. Designed as a neighborhood cocktail destination, Pretty Penny combines globally inspired small plates with a beverage program rooted in quality ingredients, technique, and hospitality. The concept was named Best New Restaurant by Phoenix New Times and received recognition from the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards as a Regional Top 10 Honoree for best New Bar and Best Restaurant Bar, further cementing its place among the most exciting hospitality projects in the Southwest.
The success of Pretty Penny inspired the creation of Legends Never Die, an intimate cocktail bar hidden just beyond the restaurant. While Pretty Penny celebrates warmth, community, and shared experiences, Legends Never Die explores a more focused and modern approach to cocktails, pairing seasonal ingredients with advanced techniques in a minimalist setting. The concept has been recognized as one of Phoenix's standout cocktail destinations and continues to contribute to the city's growing national reputation for innovative beverage programs.
Today, Pretty Penny stands at the center of an evolving collection of concepts that have helped redefine cocktail culture in Downtown Phoenix. What began as a single neighborhood bar has grown into a family of destinations recognized by local and national publications alike, including Phoenix New Times, Phoenix Magazine, Bon Appétit, and the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Through every concept, the mission remains the same: create memorable experiences through intention and genuine hospitality.