Minder Binders

12/16/2021

Hello All in the Minder Binders’ Family!

It’s been a while, hoping everyone is staying positive and well.

There’s been some optimistic chat bouncing around lately about a possible Binders reunion with Springtime 2022 as a potential date. Although the building and décor of our favorite bar hangout, Minder Binders, is no longer what we remember, and cherished, it seems to be the most logical place to gather. It is now known as Social Hall.

It looks very different, but there is plenty of space inside and on the large patio. (Some pics are included)

March is always a very popular month to visit because the weather is great; it’s also MLB Spring Training time. However, because of all the baseball activity, this draws thousands of extra people to the Valley, thus escalating travel and lodging costs exponentially.

Perhaps a Saturday in April or early May could a better option before the summer heat begins to creep up on us.

In the meantime, have a look at some pics of an old menu, buttons and t-shirts (including Blues Brothers, Bar Wars and our classic Milo Minder Binder logo, a pic of me behind the Jungle Bar around 1987), coupons and cards, flyers … some cool memorabilia.

Please share your thoughts, ideas and I will contact Social Hall to discuss details.

Holiday Wishes & Good Health To You!

06/18/2021

Many of us remember Minder Binders, a unique, legendary Tempe watering hole and gathering place.

For some of us, it’s where we met our spouse or maybe began a meaningful friendship that still brings you great joy.

One thing is for sure, lots of lasting memories still filter through our minds, some a bit blurry, others crystal clear.

I’m thankful for so many happy moments; also for the thousands of people I’ve met, maybe even participated in some of your special memories.

I began working at Minder Binders in August 1983 while at ASU and found myself still there in 1994 when I began a part-time job in the Phoenix radio industry at Smooth Jazz 95..5 KYOT … The Coyote.

I continued bartending at Binders for a couple more years. By 1996 I was working full-time in Programming, Promotions; also as Public Service Director at KYOT and had regular weekend on-air shows as Coyote Dave.

So, after 13-years at Minder Binders, I pursued my radio career dream job and found myself as not just a Minder Binders’ alum, I was also now one of the “regulars.” Good Stuff!

After 7 ½ years at KYOT and another 1 ½ years with 91.5 KJZZ, the entire nationwide radio industry was quickly going automated, thus, radically downsizing personnel and I became one of countless casualties being laid off in September 2003.

A couple weeks later while sipping a few cold ones at Binders, the current GM invited me to return as a manager and I accepted. Start Round Two at the World Famous Minder Binders.

Over the next year and nine months I enjoyed once again being part of this iconic Tempe institution, however, the old building, big red barn was becoming more dilapidated, music trends and nightlife tendencies shifted, and business steadily declined.

And suddenly, after 34-years, on June 17, 2005 – 16-years ago today – The original Minder Binders permanently closed.

Attached is a pic of our office calendar where I notated what had just happened. It still deeply saddens me, but I will always have a bit of Minder Binders legacy to carry around with me forever.

Thank you all for so many wonderful moments, memories and amazing friendships.

06/17/2017

06/17/2017

The rafters...

06/17/2017

Next Gen proud...My son and girlfriend visited the old red barn today for lunch. Visiting from New Jersey and sending back pics and videos. I am so grateful to the new owners on how well they preserved that old Minder Binder feel and decor. Unique relics/signs that I remembered were still in the same spots. I can't wait to revisit one day soon.
-Coux

04/19/2017

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary we all lost a very special friend. A real good guy, Jason Smith (The Hawk). Jason was an iconic, legendary character in an iconic, legendary place, Minder Binders. He worked there longer than anyone else, 16-years. I was there 15-years. I wanted to post this yesterday, but couldn't find this picture. It is the last pic of Jason just one day before his earthly work and play was done. He had a gruff exterior, but had the heart of a lion, and the loyalty of an old family dog. The tears on my cheek right now are real. Thank you, Hawk, for your love and friendship! R. I. P. my extra good buddy. I miss you everyday. We all miss you. Coops

12/21/2016

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year to all!

11/28/2016

Hey Everyone! Hope you are all well. I ran across this old t-shirt from many years ago. Who was at this enjoyable classic Minder Binders' event? It was the first of 3 total 'Blues Brothers' episodes. Great memories. Great friends!

06/30/2016

Jean, Zac, Kimmie Lou, Bis, Coux...1985

05/26/2016

Hey! How are you? Happy early Memorial Day holiday wishes to you all. This is a special celebration recognizing all the men and women who have given their lives serving in our military providing the unique way of life we enjoy. Thank you to our armed forces! Also, I was just thinking about the old reel-to-reel tapes we used to play at Binders and all the GAF spots. Does anyone know where to find some of these musical gems? Please holler.

05/21/2016

Hey Minder Binders' Family! Happy Summer to you all.