HIDDEN GEM: POTATO BARN

CONFESSION

I’ve been wanting to write about Potato Barn for a long time, because I spent years driving by and not stopping.

It reminds me of when I was deterred from trying a certain restaurant because it was located inside a hotel (you can read my Tacos Barbon review here). Well, I had the same mental block about Potato Barn. Now that I’ve been there—several times—its hard to remember why I thought that way but it was something about the name that sounded… I don’t know… lame?

I don’t say that to be negative—just honest. And, if I’ve learned anything from writing The Buzz, it’s that I’m rarely alone in these little hang-ups. So, by spilling my silly beans, I hope you’ll feel inspired to stop and see for yourself. Maybe you too have been driving past, judging the book by its cover—just like I did—and missing out on a seriously impressive hidden gem.

THE BACKSTORY

Once I learned how Potato Barn got its name, all those imaginary reasons I had for brushing it off instantly disappeared. Turns out—it’s a great story.

The store is owned by Greg & Mike Bongiorno (a father-and-son duo), along with a friend (Tim Hawkins) who now runs the Goodyear location. Back when they got their start in 2002, they bought an old, abandoned building near the railroad tracks in Gilbert. As they began liquidating inventory, longtime locals started stopping in and reminiscing—saying they used to work there as teenagers when it was, in fact, a potato barn.

And just like that, the name stuck.

For a deep dive into the complete back story, please read this fantastic article written by Furniture World back in 2016.

THE PHILOSOPHY

They don’t advertise—everything is word of mouth. Greg (the father) - calls himself “anti-retail” and it shows in how they run the stores (unique hours), how they handle sales (no pressure vibe, non-commissioned sales team) and how they live (emphasis on living well, music & having fun outside of work). Greg says that’s important because when they’re there (at the shop), they ‘leave it all on the floor.’

They now have 3 locations across the valley: Mesa, Scottsdale and lucky us, Goodyear!

When I was there the other day, snapping shots for this, I stopped one of the sales girls on the floor to ask permission about taking photos. You’d be surprised how many people have issues with taking photos of their establishments. Well anyway, this nice lady told me how much she loved working there, that they are like a family, that the owners take great care of their employees, and that she’s never leaving. I always love it when I hear things like this because I’ve found finding that in job, is rare. Probably about as rare as the vintage Honda Civic that’s parked out front.

THE GOODS

The Goodyear location spans 100,00 square feet, offering the perfect backdrop to showcase their massive collection of furniture, art, faux plants, gifts, rugs & more. You can by straight off the floor—or sit down with their design team to custom craft your perfect sofa or sectional.

They stock a mix of domestic and imported goods, but they don’t sell just anything. The criteria? Each piece has to be unique and a good value. They move hundreds of new items each month, about half of which are true one-of-a-kind finds.

You’ll discover things you'll never see anywhere and see things you might have to use Google Lens (like I did) to identify, like I had to do with this:

There are so many unique and wonderfully unusual finds here. You can tell everything is chosen with intention—by someone with a discerning eye and vision. And while you may not need for a bird’s nest swing, you will be in awe when you see one hanging from the ceiling.

As I’ve slowly said goodbye to my left (ahem, boring) brain and nurturing my right (creative!) side, I find myself drawn to places like this. Places that spark my heart into seeing the world a little different. Stepping inside feels like stepping into a different world, a world of wonder.

Since I last visited I’ve been stuck in a state of wondering… is there any way I could rearrange my living room to fit one of those massive (and oh-so-comfy) sectionals?

There’s a lot to take in at Potato Barn—and a lot fall in love with—but this free-standing doorway? It stops me in my tracks every time. I didn’t ask, but I’d bet this is one of the most expensive pieces in the shop. Then again, if you’re the kind of person who can drop $39,995 doorway, you’re probably not too worried about price tags.

I also love the gift section tucked in the back. They have a wide selection of kitchen towels with fun, cheeky sayings—and these incredible 3D battery-operated candles that looked so real. I finally ended up pinching the flame between my fingers because the optical illusion was so wild, I couldn’t believe my own eyes.

If you’re looking for something a little less spendy, the dish towels make great gifts—ideal for your next hostess or a just a little “thinking of you treat.” I like sending gifts like this to my friends, because they’re so easy to mail and sure to inspire a giggle.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE FURNITURE STORE

When we moved here from Orange County—dragging our 20-year-old furniture with us (I’ve since learned that was great furniture and I miss it), I knew that we’d be getting fresh furniture to go along with our new house. Back in 2021, I hadn’t yet heard of Potato Barn and this location, in Goodyear, hadn’t been built.

Unfortunately, we ended up buying from another very average local furniture store. And while it ‘looks good,’ I’ve never been thrilled with what we selected. Mainly because I felt rushed into selecting an impractical fabric by an extremely pushy salesperson.

You won’t find that kind of pressure at Potato Barn. Their approach is calm, no-pressure, and customer-focused—exactly how furniture shopping should feel.

If you’re in the market for anything new, definitely visit because they have everything!

THE DETAILS

📍 Local Location: 15745 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear, AZ (623/235-9133)

☀️ Summer Hours (May 29 - August 30): Friday & Saturday - 10AM - 6PM

🌺 Regular Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 10AM - 6 PM

⭐️ Open Memorial Day & Labor Day

THE SOCIALS

• Potato Barn Website 

• Potato Barn on Facebook

• Potato Barn on Instagram

BIG NEWS

According to Phoenix Business Journal, the Bongiorno family plans to open The Nox, a live music and entertainment venue in southeast Mesa. The venue will have a capacity to hold 2,000 people and will host a variety of events. Look for this to open in 2027.

WHEN YOU GO

Potato Barn is best experienced in person, so I highly recommend you go. Just be warned: you’ll want to redecorate everything the minute you step inside!

And, you might find yourself coming back every week, just to see what’s new! Such a totally fun thing to do!

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Publication Disclaimer: Everything included here is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publication. It is always best to double-check links to be sure event information hasn’t changed if you plan on attending something.

©️ 2024 The Buckeye Buzz | All content and information set forth above was curated, cultivated & then created by Vanessa Kinsey for The Buckeye Buzz and is the intellectual property of this publication. It is protected under US copyright law, including but not limited to “The Digital Millennium Copyright Act.” Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or duplication of any material, in whole or in part, without express written authorization & consent, is strictly prohibited by law and may result in legal action. Violators will be subject to prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.