Tom Kaufman, whose well-regarded Scottsdale restaurants include the fine-dining Rancho Pinot Grill and the casual pizzeria Humble Pie, is coming to Chandler.

Kaufman (pictured) and his Humble Pie partners are planning to open Juice Wine Bar at Downtown Ocotillo, a commercial development south of Queen Creek Road and east of Price Road, in early December.

“It’ll be a pure wine bar, meaning it’ll be unhurried,” Kaufman says. “We’re hoping people will drop in all hours of the day or night.”

The 2,400-square-foot space, whose décor will reflect the development’s Santa Barbara feel, will accommodate approximately 100 people. Five glass garage doors will open to outdoor seating.

“About half will be traditional dining seating and half lounge seating with couches,” Kaufman says. “At Humble Pie, people tend to eat and leave. We want people to stay and have a second glass of wine.”

Juice’s menu will consist of simple fare such as bruschetta, paninis and salads, Kaufman says, citing Phoenix’s popular Postino and Roosevelt Tavern as examples of the concept he’s targeting.

“It’ll be flavorful yet simply prepared food,” the 54-year-old says. “A lot of grazing, but no main courses per se.”

Considered one of the Valley’s most knowledgeable wine enthusiasts, Kaufman is putting together a wine list that will include 15 wines for $5 a glass until 6 p.m. daily.

“The consumer really wants value right now,” he says. “We’ll have a special wine highlighted on a chalkboard every day. You can always walk into Juice and get a $5 glass.”

Kaufman thinks Chandler residents are hungry for good dining options.

“They’ve shown they’ll support something with quality like Cork,” he says. “They tell me they’re resentful almost of having to drive to Scottsdale to go to a quality restaurant.”

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