As of Dec. 1, Indian Gardens Cafe and Market is now owned and operated by Caleb Schiff and James Worden, owners of the Pizzicletta restaurants in Flagstaff.
Ten years ago, Daniel and Monica Garland began revitalizing Sedona’s oldest continually operated general store in Oak Creek Canyon, four miles north of Uptown.
“From the onset, our mission was simple: To return Indian Gardens to a gathering place for the community, to nourish our neighbors with good food and warm fellowship, and to make Sedona a better place to live in whatever small way we could,” the Garlands wrote in a press release. “Thanks to the tremendous support from our community, Indian Gardens became a regional destination and a cornerstone in Northern Arizona’s unique culture.
“To be certain, our success was no individual achievement, but very much the product of the unique talents and dedication of our amazing staff over the years, for whom we are so incredibly thankful. The memories and friendships we created with our staff and loyal customers are something we will carry in our hearts forever.”
The Garlands initially closed Indian Gardens at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic per Gov. Doug Ducey’s order shuttering restaurants.
The Garlands stated in the release that they “came to realize that our personal priorities had shifted and that it was time to embark on a new chapter in our professional lives.” They are working on a new endeavor, FreeForm Coffee Roasters.
Schiff and Worden were long-time fans of Indian Gardens before the sale.
“After a run, bike ride or creek visit, Indian Gardens Cafe and Market was always a stop we made for a healthy meal and time with friends,” they wrote in a press release. “When the word on the street was of a potential sale of Indian Gardens months ago, our first comment was ‘we hope it remains a great place to visit.’
“We never thought our restaurant group would have the opportunity to carry that responsibility, but this week it became a reality as we became the owners of Indian Gardens. We are incredibly excited for the next chapter of Indian Gardens with a commitment to stewardship, community and great food.”
The new owners hope to keep the legacy of the restaurant alive, catering to visitors and locals alike.
“Guests can expect a similar breakfast and lunch model that they’ve come to know and we hope to expand to dinner by mid-2021,” Schiff and Worden wrote. “Coffee and pastry, beer and wine and the market will continue but with a streamlined offering. We’ll be making unique house-made organic soft serve flavors and while pizza will not be on the menu initially, we plan to have a weekly pizza night in the opening months geared especially towards locals.”
In the future, there are plans to add a monthly speaker series in the back garden and pair with local small businesses.
“It brings us great joy to know that the future of Indian Gardens will be in such capable hands and led by a team that shares our values of community, employee empowerment, and delicious, nourishing food made with quality ingredients,” the Garlands wrote.
Schiff and Worden plan to reopen in January, with the official date and other updates available on Instagram @indiangardens and at indiangardens.com.
