Canyons in Monroe will switch to Italian cuisine

MONROE — Canyons Restaurant in Monroe will undergo a major rebranding, reopening in mid-May as Tuscano’s Italian Kitchen, a fun, family-style Italian restaurant.

The 6,000-square-foot restaurant at 14919 N. Kelsey St. will remain open as Canyons, a Southwestern-style eatery, during much of the rebranding phase and continues to welcome customers. Canyons will close for a short time beginning April 30 and re-emerge in mid-May as the new Tuscano’s Italian Kitchen, ready to serve Monroe and the surrounding area.

“We are very excited about the new Italian concept,” owner Scott Perry said in a press release. “Based on city-sponsored focus groups and general market opportunities, we recognize the residents of Monroe and the surrounding area are clamoring for an affordable, friendly Italian restaurant and we’re thrilled to rebrand in Monroe. We’ve been communicating the concept change with our current Canyons customers and the reception has been wonderful. There is genuine excitement in the air and we look forward to serving delicious, freshly prepared Italian food in a fun, family-friendly, casual atmosphere.”

The new restaurant will offer a menu of freshly prepared Italian comfort foods including made-from-scratch brick-oven pizza, grinders and specialty dishes. Think generous portions and affordable prices served in a casual Tuscan-inspired atmosphere. The new concept will include a trellised outdoor patio for summertime dining, a new look inside and a lively 21-and-over bar where guests can watch their favorite sporting events while snacking on $3 to $4 “kitchen bites.”

Patrons who sign up at Canyons-Monroe will be kept apprised as the transition occurs and will have the opportunity to be on a guest list for the reopening VIP half-price dinners. As with Canyons, Tuscano’s will include an environment aimed at families, individuals and groups. There is free Wi-Fi and a private back room that can be reserved for rehearsal dinners, showers, team parties and other events.

Perry, who also owns Canyons restaurants in Bothell and Redmond, is partnering with executive chef Jeff Rathbun, who will work as managing partner of Tuscano’s. Rathbun’s culinary resume includes more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, focused for a good part of the time where his true passion lies — with Italian cuisine.