Opened in 1998, Wildflower was the first of a dozen restaurant concepts by Sam Fox and his company Fox Restaurant Concepts. Although Fox grew up in Tucson, his company is now based in Scottsdale where he oversees a collection of restaurants in Arizona, Colorado and Texas with plans in the works to enter the California market.

Most of Fox’s restaurants have been repeated in other locations, but Wildflower remains unique to Tucson.

Last month Wildflower closed for a few weeks for a complete remodel. While the space has undergone two previous upgrades, they were minor in comparison to this latest work. This go around everything was changed, from the décor to staff uniforms and even the logo.

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There have been extensive changes to the menu as well with just the most popular dishes left unchanged.

One of the biggest interior changes was the removal of a wall separating the bar and dining room. It’s now one contiguous open space completely re-decorated with the little touches one has come to expect from Fox. The multiple levels are gone as well putting the floor of the restaurant all on one level. The overall feel is one of more open space and a lighter and brighter look.

• Wildflower, 7037 N. Oracle Road in Casas Adobes Plaza — http://foxrc.com/wildflower.html — (520) 219-4230 

Happy hour unchained

One of the things that distinguishes a chain restaurant is that no matter where you go, they’re all pretty much the same. But P.F. Chang’s has decided to break out of the mold to a degree, instituting a new happy hour that’s available only at its restaurants in Arizona.

Perhaps it’s in response to and recognition of softness that still exists statewide in the restaurant industry. In any event, happy hour at P.F. Chang’s is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays when all starters and specialty cocktails are discounted by $2.

There’s only one P.F. Chang’s in Tucson but there are 11 in the Phoenix area where the chain started.

• P.F. Chang’s, 1805 E. River Road in Joesler Village — www.pfchangs.com/index.shtml — (520) 615-2788

What a cupcake

The cupcake phenomenon continues to grow. Another new franchise has entered the market with the opening of Cup Cakes in the former French Loaf location next to Bed Bath and Beyond in Crossroads Festival.

Cup Cakes is a franchise of the original Cup Cakes in Scottsdale and is only the second store. While the offerings will change, there will always be 12 different cupcakes offered daily. These aren’t necessarily your mothers cupcakes either. These are rich, luxurious and creative cupcakes with names such Bliss, LA Latte, Mimosa, Les Deux and 24 Carrot.

The cupcakes are baked fresh on site daily. A single cupcake costs $3.25, a half dozen are $19 and a full dozen goes for $38. Through the end of November, Cup Cakes is offering a opening special of a baker’s dozen. 

• Cup Cakes, 4811 E. Grant Road in Crossroads Festival — http://tucsoncupcakes.com/ — (520) 795-1112 

Last call for summer

Unlike the other member restaurants of Tucson Originals, Chad’s Steakhouse kept its $20.09 summer special going past Labor Day. For $20.09, Chad’s guests can enjoy a New York strip steak dinner with a choice of a glass of house wine or a slice of cheesecake for dessert. But the special will end Halloween night (Oct. 31) so consider this your last call.

• Chad’s Steakhouse, 3001 N. Swan Road — http://chadssteakhouse.com/index.html — (520) 881-1802

Contact Michael Luria at mjluria@gmail.com. Meals & Entertainment appears weekly in Inside Tucson Business.