Keepin’ It Cool: How local businesses help Maricopans chill out in the long, hot summer

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Cool drinks in a cool pool under the night sky help guests at Harrah's Ak-Chin beat the heat. Submitted photo

Maricopa summers are inevitably among the hottest in the state, so finding ways to stay cool is a high priority for residents. The heat can have a negative impact on some business, but many adjust to create different ways to keep their customers refreshed. For some business owners, in fact, summer is the busiest time of the year. Following is a sampling of Maricopa businesses meeting the challenge of summer head on.

 

Bet on it

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Director of Marketing and Operations: Michael Kintner

Products/Services: Entertainment, hospitality, gaming and dining

In Maricopa since: 1994

How does summer impact your business: We say goodbye to our winter visitors, but we are excited to continue to host our loyal Total Rewards members. Everyone knows everyone and we enjoy spending time with our local friends.

Most frequent request at your business during summer: It doesn’t matter if it’s summer; our guests always enjoy cool drinks and hot games… and a jackpot or two doesn’t hurt!

What is your favorite part of summer: Enjoying time with my family and friends. Camping and taking out the new RV and staying cool with the dogs.

 

Water and Ice. Photo by Victor Moreno

Creamy Coolness

Maricopa’s Water and Ice

Owners: Tonya Thompson and Michael Thompson

Products/Services: Best tasting purified water and ice through extensive reverse osmosis, alkaline water, water bottles/crocks/stands, Thrifty Ice Cream, real fruit smoothies, wall of nostalgic candy, over 100 Hawaiian Shaved Ice Flavors, Advocare “We Build Champions” products, soft-serve ice cream – shakes, sundaes and biggest banana splits.

In Maricopa since: 2004

How does summer impact your business: Business doubles! We cool off twice as many people in the summer as we do in the winter with cool treats.

Most frequent request at your business during summer: Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Thrifty Ice Cream

What is your favorite part of summer: Seeing all the smiling faces coming through the front door to cool off!

Arroyo Grille at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes. Photo by Anita McLeod

Some light refreshment

Arroyo Grille at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club

Executive Chef: Neil Magbanua

Products/Services: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

In Maricopa since: 2005 (original clubhouse restaurant)

How does summer impact your business: Summer slows down dramatically because of the heat; as a result, we are more diligent with scheduling and product ordering.

Most frequent request at your business during summer: Milkshakes, salads and light, refreshing meals

What is your favorite part of summer: There is more time to spend with friends and family and vacations.

Native Grill & Wings. Photo by Anita McLeod

A nice cold beer

Native Grill & Wings

Owner: Pat Kieny

Products/Services: Family restaurant and bar

In Maricopa since: 2005

How does summer impact your business: During June and July as customers are vacationing, it is slower. The rush at night starts later because of the heat.

Most frequent request at your business during summer: Make sure the AC and the beer are cold.

What is your favorite part of summer: I like that the roads, golf courses and shopping are not as congested.

 

Something in the air

McLaughlin Air Conditioning and Heating Service

Owner/Operator: Bruce McLaughlin

Products/Services: Air conditioning and heating repairs, installation and new-build construction for homes and businesses located within 100 miles of Maricopa.

In Maricopa since: We have had family here in Maricopa since 2004 and started McLaughlin Air full time at the end of 2014.

How does summer impact your business: Summer time for any air conditioning company can be challenging and very demanding. The smile on a happy customer who now has a working AC makes it worthwhile.

Most frequent request at your business during summer: The most common call we get is, “The AC has been running great for years and we never serviced it but now has stopped cooling.” The misconception on an AC unit is that if it’s running and cooling it must be OK.

What is your favorite part of summer: Any water sport is a must, and nothing beats stopping into the local Water and Ice store for some ice cream or shaved ice. I really enjoy the skies at night and the electric storms with the monsoon season. As someone who enjoys the heat when below 110, summer is very enjoyable and the rest of the time we make do and drink lots of water.

Absolute Companies, LLC. Photo by Anita McLeod

Cool down bug-free

Absolute Companies, LLC

Owners: Shane and Brennan Phillips

Products/Services: Air conditioning service, pest control and pool services

In Maricopa since: 2010

How does summer impact your business: The higher temperatures create more demand for all our services. Air conditioning maintenance and repair is in high demand due to the increased wear and tear placed on the equipment. Summer also brings out the ticks, bedbugs and bark scorpions. Pools are in full use in summer.

Most frequent request at your business during summer: We are a growing company, but the air conditioning repair is currently our busiest segment.

What is your favorite part of summer: I always enjoy the monsoon lightning shows. Some nights can have hundreds of lightning flashes.

Yogurt Jungle. Photo by Anita McLeod

The frozen treat

Yogurt Jungle

Owners: Bo Johnson and Michelle Harl

Products/Services: Frozen yogurt, smoothies, banana splits, shakes and floats

In Maricopa since: 2011

How does summer impact your business:  A nice cold treat and nice cold AC draw a crowd.

What is your favorite part of summer: Swimming and eating frozen yogurt, of course

Copa Craze. Photo by Anita McLeod

Shake it up

Copa Craze

Owners: Lisa and J Curtis

Products/Services: Energy drinks plus smoothies packed with Herbalife Nutrition, coaches to help people get great health results

In Maricopa since: 2012

Most frequent request at your business during summer: Icy drinks, smoothies and teas, also ice cream sandwiches

What is your favorite part of summer: I love the extra family time in the summer months.


This article appears in the July issue of InMaricopa.