PHOENIX (AZFamily) — On this episode of Desert Table, we’re going behind the unmarked door and glowing martini sign to explore one of the Valley’s most exclusive dining experiences: The Ra Ra Room.
Created by Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia in partnership with Major Food Group—the culinary powerhouse behind the world-famous Carbone—this members-only dining club is bringing a new level of luxury hospitality to downtown Phoenix.
A hidden sanctuary inside the arena
While most sports fans and concertgoers flock to the main concourses of the Mortgage Matchup Center, a select few know how to slip away into a completely different world.
Tucked behind an unmarked door under the soft glow of a neon martini sign, the Ra Ra Room offers an intimate escape from the high-energy events surrounding it.
“It’s special because it’s hidden in an arena where so much is going on,” said Jared Laporier, the general manager of the Ra Ra Room, who has been with the concept since day one. “When you’re in this hidden space, you tend to forget how much else is happening in such a large building. Whether it’s basketball, a concert, or a comedy show, you really get to hide away.”
Legacy of major food group
Though the Phoenix location only opened its doors in 2024, the history and pedigree of the menu span over a decade. The concept represents a curated compilation of Major Food Group’s most celebrated brands, most notably the legendary New York establishment, Carbone.
“The history of the menu itself goes back over a decade,” Jared explained. “It started in New York and has expanded throughout the world and the country. It’s a combination of a couple of different concepts that are under the Major Food umbrella. Most importantly, Carbone.”
Diners at the exclusive club can expect tableside classics and white-glove service, featuring staples that made Carbone an international sensation.
“You have some of the most known items you’ll see—Caesar salad, the rigatoni. Those are the staples in Carbone,” Jared said.
When asked about his personal favorite on the table, Jared didn’t hesitate. “It sounds cliché, but I gotta say the rigatoni. I’ve had thousands of bites of rigatoni, and I’ve never said to myself, ‘I won’t touch that again.’ I’m usually looking for another bite of it.”
Is luxury becoming part of Arizona’s food story?
The partnership between Ishbia and Major Food Group highlights a major shift in the Valley’s culinary trajectory. According to Jared, Suns ownership experienced the legendary menu firsthand and knew it had to be integrated into the arena’s premium offerings.
For a city historically known for more casual Southwestern flair, the arrival of a high-end, members-only club signals that Arizona’s palate is maturing rapidly.
“I was aware that Arizona was expanding very, very quickly,” Jared said. “And I think an important part of the culture of the city expanding is tapping into food and the dining culture. Being able to elevate that brings so much variety.”
While the standards of service match the high-octane environments of Los Angeles or New York, the Ra Ra Room’s leadership notes that Phoenix brings its own distinct charm to the table.
“I think that a lot of concepts are coming from other states that help influence the culinary scene here,” Jared said. “My experience with food here is that Arizona culture is very kind. They’re very warm. The hustle and bustle that you get in LA or New York, it’s different. And although the service bars and standards are the same, I think that there’s an energy that is very unique to Arizona.”
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