Meet Peggy Butters of Skippy’s Grill & Cantina in Queen Creek

Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Butters.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Peggy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Skippy’s was one of the first restaurants to open in queen creek back in 2004-2005. We offered breakfast, lunch and dinner and that was perfect for all the ranchers and workers back in the day… The current owners bought it in 2007 if I remember right. Tom Estabrook and his wife Joanne (aka Jo) owned a little cafe up north and when they came in, they brought some amazing food ideas with them as well as wonderful breakfast… I have been serving there pretty much since day 1. I did leave for a little but came right back. I lived right across the street so I was very close for me. I still serve a lot of the same people from day 1. It is a wonderful little hangout and the food s pretty amazing. I really like the fact that most of our food is made from scratch. About five years ago, Tom and Jo’s son and daughter bought part of the portion. Angela (Angie) their daughter and I became pretty close friends and are to this day. Angie is also my martial arts instructor as well. I love that they give young kids a chance at their first job. We have Numerous high school kids that work and go to school… Some learn to cook some learn how to serve and they learn customer service (which I think all kids should know these days). We have an amazing little family at Skippy’s I have two beautiful daughters and this job was great for me from the beginning for some extra money so my girls could rodeo as they grew up. One of my girls started her first job at Skippy’s as well. My girls Brittnie (30) and Kortni (24) are grown now but still live in the area so I am very fortunate I get to see them all the time. They are amazing young women. I work four days a week which is perfect for me. I love to paint and train martial arts (Brazilian JiuJitsu). Me and my boyfriend have two dogs, two cats, one horse and one pig.

I love coming into work and get to see people I have known for so long. And with Queen creek growing the way it is we get to meet new people and families all the time. It is a very comfortable and relaxing place to come have a wonderful affordable meal whether it is one person or a whole family or multiple families.. it is just a great place !!!!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a pretty smooth road. Sometimes it is a little struggle with younger people working there but I think the benefits of letting kids learn how to work and be around customers outweigh the struggle. The COVID was a challenge for sure as we were only allowed to do take out and delivery.. our customers, definitely stepped up and made sure that we would make it through this tough time. We literally had some people that bought something every day to help us keep afloat…

Skippy’s Grill & Cantina – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a waitress/bartender and I also manage. I take care of the computer system which runs our little place. I have always been told I make a mean margarita and Bloody Mary. I think that what’s makes me proud is that we do give the kids an opportunity to learn how to work. Skippy’s has been around for 14-15 years and is just a cool little place to come hang out… We have some customers that come in once a week just to sit and play games with each other.. we have families that play cards while their food is being prepared. We always have kids running around and that makes me happy to know families can come in and be comfortable. I think that’s what my favorite part is. Just a very relaxed place families and friends can be together.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success for me is not how much money you make or what kind of house you live in, it’s being a good honest, caring person. Trying not to judge people and always trying to give someone a chance… You never know what someone is going through.

Contact Info:

• Address: 23858;S Power Road Suite 101
• Website: Skippysgrillandcantina.com
• Phone: 480-988-5466
• Facebook: Skippys Grill

Image Credit:
Tom, Jo, Angie and Chris Estabrook

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.