News Summary
Glai Baan owners Cat Bunnag and Dan Robinson reveal plans to open a new restaurant at the historic Gov. Benjamin B. Moeur House in Tempe. Set to launch in 2026, the venue aims to be a community gathering space, echoing the nostalgia of the area. Mayor Corey Woods supports the initiative, anticipating strong community engagement and culinary delights. The Moeur House, a significant historical landmark, adds to the charm and cultural heritage of the new dining experience, which promises to enrich Tempe’s food scene.
Tempe – Owners of the popular Thai restaurant Glai Baan, Cat Bunnag and Dan Robinson, have officially announced their plans to open a new dining establishment at the historic Gov. Benjamin B. Moeur House and Hatton Hall in Tempe. The announcement was made in July 2025, with the new restaurant slated to open its doors in 2026.
Bunnag and Robinson described the Moeur House as a “magical setting” for their new venture. Their overarching goal is to create a special community space where patrons can enjoy a dynamic atmosphere for celebrations, relaxation, and warm social gatherings. While full details regarding the restaurant’s concept and menu have yet to be revealed, anticipation is building within the community.
Tempe Mayor Corey Woods has expressed enthusiasm about the project, recalling positive memories from a previous establishment in the area, House of Tricks, which was well regarded for its food and ambiance. Woods commended the culinary offerings at Glai Baan and believes the new restaurant will quickly gain popularity among local residents and visiting food enthusiasts.
The Gov. Benjamin B. Moeur House is a historical landmark located near the intersection of Seventh Street and Myrtle Avenue in Tempe. Built in 1893, the house reflects the historical architectural styles of the era. The structure was purchased by Dr. Benjamin B. Moeur, who became the governor of Arizona, serving two terms from 1933 to 1937, during the challenging years of the Great Depression. Dr. Moeur resided in the house until his death in 1937 and is buried in Tempe’s Butte Cemetery.
In 1993, the city converted the Moeur House into offices for the Tempe Community Council. Following that, Hatton Hall was added to the property in the same year, named in honor of Patricia A. Hatton, the third woman to serve on the Tempe City Council. The city has invested approximately $2 million in restoring and rehabilitating both the Moeur House and its surrounding property to preserve its historical significance.
Zachary Lechner, Tempe’s historic preservation officer, highlighted the importance of the new restaurant in connecting the community with Tempe’s rich history. He expressed optimism that the establishment will continue to be utilized as a community destination where both locals and visitors can gather and engage with the area’s heritage.
Overall, as the owners of Glai Baan prepare to launch their new restaurant, the combination of historical significance and the promise of a unique dining experience signals an exciting development for Tempe’s culinary landscape. With groundbreaking scheduled for 2026, the local residents and foodies alike eagerly await further details on what promises to be a beloved addition to their community.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR: Restaurant Concept in Tempe
- Restaurant News: The Melt Opens in Tempe
- 12 News: Home of Arizona’s 4th Governor to Become New Restaurant
- AZ Family: Tempe Mediterranean Restaurant Building Community Through Food
- Phoenix New Times: Flavor Eatery and Lounge Brings Taste of Jamaica to Tempe
- Wikipedia: Tempe, Arizona
- Google Search: Tempe Arizona restaurants
- Google Scholar: Tempe restaurant development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tempe
- Google News: Tempe Arizona restaurant news
