2011 E.V. restaurant openings
January
Otaku: Hardcore sushi spot opens in south Gilbert.
Candy Addict: Family-owned shop sells 1,000 kinds of candy in Tempe.
Top It Cupcakes: Pastry chef opens gourmet cupcake shop in Gilbert.
Cactus Moon Sports Grill: Mesa Riverview gets large sports bar.
Geno’s Cheesesteaks & Deli: Casa Grande deli opens location in Gilbert.
February
The Dugout Sports Grill: 23-screen sports bar opens in Ahwatukee.
Tott’s Asian Diner: After losing Tempe lease, eatery reopens in Chandler.
March
Tutti Santi by Nina: Italian restaurant takes over Amarone in Gilbert.
Mellow Mushroom: Atlanta chain’s 2nd Valley pizzeria opens in Tempe.
Poppa Maize: Phoenix gourmet popcorn maker opens Tempe retail store.
BLD: Casual sibling to fine-dining Cork opens in Chandler.
Two Hippies Beach House: Mesa’s 1st Two Hippies concept opens.
Garage Public House: Takes over former Vine Tavern in Ahwatukee.
Spinato’s Pizzeria: Valley chain’s 5th pizzeria opens in Chandler.
Gelato 64: Chandler gelato shop opens location in Gilbert.
April
Rancho de Tia Rosa: Mexican restaurant opens 3rd location in Chandler.
Zaytoon Kebab Bistro: Kebab eatery opens its 3rd location in Ahwatukee.
Thirsty Cactus Cantina: Takes over former Uncle Bear’s in Queen Creek.
Urban Picnic: Breakfast/lunch spot offers healthy sandwiches in Mesa.
May
Wedge & Bottle: Cheese shop also serves sandwiches in Ahwatukee.
Naked Pizza: New Orleans chain opens 1st AZ location in Ahwatukee.
House of Brews: Takes over former Skybox Sports Grill in Gilbert
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop: Las Vegas chain opens 3rd E.V. shop.
Habit Burger Grill: California chain makes AZ debut in Tempe.
Red Mango: California yogurt chain comes to Tempe.
Smashburger: 6th Valley location opens at Tempe Marketplace.
June
Suns Buffet: All-you-can-eat Asian restaurant in Chandler.
Rock Taco Cantina: Takes over 5 & Diner at Chandler Fashion Center.
Coach & Willie’s: Phoenix sports bar opens Chandler location.
July
Sweet Daddy Cupcakes: Glendale bakery adds store in Chandler.
Patsy Grimaldi’s: Casa Paloma gets pizzeria’s 2nd Chandler location.
Habit Burger Grill: California chain opens 3rd AZ location in Chandler.
August
Ncounter: Breakfast-and-lunch spot from owners of Mesa’s T.C. Eggington’s.
Coal Burger: Patsy Grimaldi’s sibling opens in Chandler.
Flame Burger: Chandler gets yet another fast-casual burger spot.
Paletas Betty: Mexican ice pops shop opens spinoff on Mill Avenue.
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro: Valley chain’s 11th location opens in Tempe.
Grilled Ave Teriyaki House: ASU-adjacent eatery from owners of Sushi Ave.
Bar en Gril: Steps into former Native New Yorker space in Gilbert.
September
Vine Expressions: Wine bistro reopens in Gilbert Town Square.
Market Café: Buttes Resort’s all-day café reopens with fall seasonal menu.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Texas chain opens in Mesa
October
Herb ‘n Flavors: Farmers market fixture Doctor Hummus opens restaurant
Sushi Room: A sibling restaurant from the people behind The Living Room
U.S. Egg: Breakfast/lunch restaurant opens 4th Valley location in Chandler
November
Thirsty Lion: English pub featuring 50+ beers opens at Tempe Marketplace
Vintage 95: Takes over the former Siracha space in downtown Chandler
Antars Sports Bistro: Opens in former Bamboo Club space on Mill Avenue
December
BoomBozz Taphouse: Louisville pizza chain comes to Gilbert Town Square
Amalfi Pizzeria: Miele’s owners open Italian restaurant in Chandler
Mad Dog Saloon: Sports bar takes over former Salty Senorita in Mesa
Yogis Grill: Fast-casual teriyaki chain opens 9th Valley location
Lucky Break: Sports bar and billiards hall opens in Tempe
Slickables: Ice cream sandwich shop opens in downtown Tempe
