The Thumb—the eclectic, award-winning BBQ bistro that’s located at a gas station and car wash in North Scottsdale—certainly knows how to make a memorable, lasting impression on its customers. That includes Guy Fieri, the host of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, who first paid a visit to the unique locale back in 2015.
Back then it was known as Tom’s Thumb Fresh Market, but in 2016, the name was changed to the more succinct The Thumb.
Now, eight years after being featured on Triple D, which brought The Thumb international fame and a large following of BBQ lovers, Fieri’s spin-off show Triple D Nation is planning to make a new stop at The Thumb on Dec. 6 to tape an episode that is expected to air in mid-January.
According to the network, Triple D Nation was created to give Fieri a chance to “walk down memory lane” and “catch up with his chef buddies from Triple D.”
On the outside, The Thumb looks like a typical gas station and car wash—but walk through the doors and you’ll find the unexpected. There’s a BBQ restaurant, bakery, ice cream parlor, wine shop, convenience store, and gift shop and home decor boutique. There’s also a large outdoor dog patio area with complimentary doggie treats. High-octane 95 and 100 fuel are also sold at the gas station.
As for the food, The Thumb has become famous for its smoked chicken, pork, and brisket, all made with house-made, from-scratch spices, rubs, and Kansas City barbecue sauces. There are also breakfast burritos, French toast, salads, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, and lots of comfort sides.
