Earthen Joy

About

Earthen Joy restaurant opened in Tempe, Arizona about 40 years ago. It was located at 36 East 5th Street in Tempe, Arizona near the once-groundbreaking Gentle Strength Co-op natural market and quickly helped define the Tempe lifestyle of the 1970s.

The little restaurant was created by Culver and Wylie van Buren (center left with their young children in interior group photo). Its reputation for natural food with an epicurean flair quickly grew, as did the family of individuals that work there.

I was the first employee and worked at Earthen Joy for most of its life.

I'm compiling information and remembrances of Earthen Joy, its stories, and its impact on the lives of those who ate there.

Who of you remember the Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf Supreme, or the Sheepherder with its chunky tomato vegetable soup and little whole wheat loaf from Christopher's Bakery on Mill Avenue? Do you remember the blender drinks, like the Elmer Fudd? How about the evening specials like the Coquille Saint Jacques served in a scallop shell. And was anyone able to escape being enchanted by Wylie's carob cake and carob sauce?

If you would like to share photos, stories or thoughts, we can add them to this site.

If you worked at, or remember Earthen Joy, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

Comments

M. Catherine Hay - Brief bio coming soon. "I'm so happy to have been part of Earthen Joy!"

Jay Soloff - Brief bio coming soon. "Earthen Joy saved us from boring fare."

Jeremy Rowe - Brief bio coming soon. "No place was better than Earthen Joy."

The historic Earthen Joy location is now the home of the luxury Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. Downtown Tempe, Sun Devil Football Stadium (as seen in feature film Jerry Maguire), Tempe Town Lake and Arizona State University are but a five to ten minute walk away.

The People

The People of Earthen Joy Natural Foods Restaurant

Here's a list of the people that worked at Earthen Joy. If you are listed, can add names, or other information please contact jeremy.rowe@asu.edu. If you are a former employee, customer or associate of Earthen Joy, and want your contact information added, please let me know at the email address above.

*Indicates individuals that we have located.

The Food

The Food of Earthen Joy Natural Foods Restaurant

Here's a list of the menu items offered at Earthen Joy. If you can add to the list, or if you have menus or other information to add, please contact Jeremy via email at jeremy.rowe@asu.edu.

 

Earthen Joy Menu (Outside)

 

Earthen Joy Menu (Inside)

 

Earthen Joy Drink Coupon

Contact

If you have Earthen Joy photos, menus and comments that you'd like to share, please email Jeremy Rowe or join us on Facebook. Let's get in touch - send a message!

Email: jeremy.rowe@asu.edu

Contact form update coming soon.