Trio Closes After 17 Years: A Defining Uptown Restaurant Says Goodbye
Palm Springs lost one of its most recognizable dining rooms this week. The visually iconic Trio, located beside The Shag Store in the Uptown Design District, has officially closed after 17 years of service. In a statement released on social media, the restaurant shared that “after 17 incredible years, we have made the difficult decision to close the doors,” citing the challenges facing the industry and the difficulty of sustaining operations long‑term.
How Trio Helped Shape Uptown and Palm Springs’ Farm‑to‑Table, Contemporary Dining Scene
Since opening in 2009, Trio helped pioneer the revitalization of the Uptown Design District and contributed to the early popularization of farm‑to‑table dining in Palm Springs. At that time, Uptown was something of a satellite to the more boisterous, bustling atmosphere of downtown. Today, Uptown is the contemporary hub of modernized Palm Springs dining, home to five of the city’s eight Michelin‑listed restaurants.
Trio wasn’t listed in the Michelin Guide, but it was consistently praised over the years. It emphasized chef‑curated cuisine and locally sourced produce, leaned California‑fresh in its menu approach, and maintained a fun, energetic vibe. It was one of the earliest pioneers of the modern Palm Springs dining movement and helped shape what visitors now recognize as the Uptown dining experience.
Before Uptown was the dining district it is today, Trio was one of the first restaurants to bet big on the neighborhood. Its success helped draw additional investment and culinary talent to the area, contributing to the district’s revitalization and its emergence as one of Palm Springs’ most important dining zones. Trio earned recognition for its consistency, its community involvement, and its role in elevating the city’s culinary profile. It appeared regularly in visitor guides and local dining roundups, often cited for its lively atmosphere and approachable, modern American menu. The restaurant’s bright orange branding became a recognizable Uptown landmark, signaling the beginning of the district’s transformation into a culinary corridor.
Tony Marchese: Restaurateur, Community Advocate, and a Driving Force in Palm Springs Dining
For many in Palm Springs, Trio was synonymous with Tony Marchese, who co‑founded the restaurant and became one of the city’s most visible advocates for local dining. Marchese’s involvement extended far beyond the restaurant itself—he supported community organizations, partnered with local farms, and helped champion the region’s culinary identity.
During the pandemic, Marchese co‑launched CV Harvest Box, a farm‑to‑home delivery service that connected residents directly with local growers and producers at a time when restaurants were closed and supply chains were strained. The project became a lifeline for small farms and a way for consumers to support the valley’s agricultural community. It was a clear example of Marchese’s role as a community advocate and activist—someone who consistently looked for ways to strengthen the connection between Palm Springs diners and the people who grow their food.
Marchese also served as Co‑Producer of Palm Desert Food & Wine, one of the Coachella Valley’s largest culinary events. His involvement helped elevate the festival’s profile and brought additional attention to the region’s chefs, growers, and food artisans. It further cemented his reputation as a connector—someone who worked to showcase the valley’s culinary talent and expand its reach beyond Palm Springs.
Marchese sold Trio about a year ago, and it was noticeable that operations had begun to scale back. The Desert Sun reported that he learned of the closure while traveling abroad. He told the paper he was “heartbroken,” underscoring how deeply Trio was tied to his life and to Palm Springs. His impact on the local dining scene—both inside the restaurant and beyond—will not be forgotten.
As Palm Springs continues to evolve, Trio’s legacy remains woven into the story of the city’s modern dining renaissance: early farm‑to‑table sensibilities, neighborhood revitalization, community engagement, and the restaurateurs who helped push the city forward. For 17 years, Trio was proud to be “where Palm Springs eats.”
