Brad Moore doesn’t consider himself a culinary innovator – more of just a guy who likes hot dogs. But based on the success of Short Leash Hot Dogs, which he co-owns with his wife Kat Moore, he’s definitely making a name for himself in the Downtown Phoenix culinary scene.
Moore was chosen along with seven others to speak at TEDx Evans Churchill Thursday, Aug. 28 on the topic of food and beverage. Like the parent organization, TEDx uses a conference-style format with short impactful speakers. But unlike the TED talks we often watch on YouTube, TEDx is a completely local grassroots event, organized in Phoenix by a passionate band of Downtowners from the Evans Churchill Community Association.
This year marks the addition of a new event, which takes place directly after the presentations called FED after TED, and includes beer samples paired with small plates from Downtown restaurants like 1130 The Restaurant, Canyon Cafe, Phoenix Public Market and Kincaid’s.
According to Kevin Rille, event organizer for TEDx Evans Churchill, choosing the food and beverage theme dubbed, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out the kitchen” was a natural fit for Phoenix.
“The food and cocktail scene here is really ahead or on par with the rest of the country, especially Downtown,” Rille said.
Organizers intentionally agreed upon a Downtown Phoenix location during the summer months because it’s off-season and they wanted to activate the area, while also spotlighting some of the great innovations happening here.

“I’m a native and I’ve seen Downtown go through a lot of changes,” said Shannon Bremser, volunteer coordinator for TEDx Evans Churchill, “and it’s really amazing to see how the people in this group are making a positive impact through passion, creativity, and just being proud of what Phoenix has become.”
Brad and Kat Moore are pretty excited about what’s happening in Downtown Phoenix too. They started selling hot dogs out of an 80 square-foot truck three years ago and now have a successful restaurant on Roosevelt Row with plans for a new one in the works.
“It’s fantastic, Phoenix is becoming a kind of culinary destination,” Brad Moore said.
The TEDx presentation at the Phoenix Convention Center is sold out, but there’s still space available for FED after TED from 8-10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $10.