Doug Levy says he's excited that the new location for his popular Feast restaurant is just across the street from local biker bar the Bashful Bandit. He thinks the proximity of the two decidedly different businesses could make for some interesting cross-over experiences.

"I like the idea of people having an appertif at the Bashful Bandit before wandering over to Feast for a meal," said Levy. "Maybe some people will even end up back at the Bandit for a digestif."

Levy says he is going deeper into debt than ever before to move his restaurant from its current spot at 4122 E. Speedway Blvd. to the new under-construction building at 3719 E. Speedway Blvd. He expects to invest about $1.5 million before finishing the project in September.

"Overall, it's still sort of a risky time, but if you don’t do it during the risky time, you’re paying top dollar," said Levy.

Levy, however, is no stranger to risk. Summer is typically a lean time for many Tucson restaurateurs, yet Levy opened Feast in summer of 2001. Then, mere months later, the Sept. 11 attacks came, and business dried up even more.

"That taught us a lesson on how to open a restaurant," said Levy.

The ever-changing menu and casual atmosphere at Feast will stay the same, but the new location will have better parking and 40 more seats than the original spot. A private dining room will also allow the eatery to host special events, private parties and food and wine tastings.

"We're very much a casual neighborhood place."said Levy. "I want to keep Feast the place where I want to eat on my night off."