2012 E.V. restaurant openings
< Go to 2011 openings | Go to 2013 openings >
January
Sunshine’s Motor City Cafe: Tempe eatery specializes in Detroit favorites
5 R Cha Thai: Mesa Thai restaurant expands to Tempe
O’Neill’s Place: Former Indigo Joe’s re-opens at Las Sendas
Bay Leaf Cafe: Indian eatery opens in south Chandler
The Spot: Sandwich and salad spot opens at Ray and Higley
R.T. O’Sullivan’s: Sports bar opens 3rd Mesa location at Stapley & U.S. 60
Devil’s Den: ASU-themed restaurant opens at Mill & University
Big Jimmy’s $5 Large Pizza: Tempe gets another late-night pizzeria
February
Fritzs Footlong: Hot dog restaurant takes over ex-Smokey’s in Mesa
La Cucina di Venti: Italian trattoria/enoteca opens at Brown & Mesa in Mesa
March
Bread Connection: Artisanal bakery & cafe opens in Chandler
Pita Jungle: Local fresh-Med chain opens location in Ahwatukee
New Mexican Grill: Chandler eatery opens 2nd location in Chandler
Fat Willy’s Family Sports Grill: Local chain’s 5th location opens in Chandler
Postino: Wine lounge’s 3rd location opens in downtown Gilbert
April
Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q: Texas chain makes AZ debut in Chandler
Jolie’s Place: Chandler bar & grill opens at Arizona & Warner
Monsterland: AZ’s 1st monster-themed bar & grill in downtown Mesa
Mind Over Batter: Tempe bakery opens Gilbert spinoff
D’Lish: Healthy drive-through eatery expands into Tempe
Can’t Stop Smokin’ Bar-B-Q: New Mexico smokehouse opens in Chandler
Porkopolis: BBQ, burger & beer joint opens in Chandler
May
Babbo Italian Eatery: 1st East Valley location opens in south Tempe
June
Harvey American Public House: Restaurant and sandwich shop in Gilbert
ATL Wings Your Way: BBQ & wings joint comes to Gilbert
Devil’s Diner: Robbie Fox’s adds ’60s breakfast diner next door
Togo’s: West Coast sandwich chain returns to AZ
Mad G’s Grill & Tavern: Tempe neighborhood bar from owners of The Grind
Pearl Sushi: Downtown Scottsdale sushi bar opens Chandler spinoff
Deer Garden Signatures: Mekong Plaza gets a new noodle house
July
La Fonda Mexican: Longtime north Tempe fave moves south of U.S. 60
Crepe Bar: Creperie in south Tempe from Truckin’ Good Food truck owner
Bubba Phatz BBQ: BBQ joint opens in downtown Mesa
Desert Roots Kitchen: Takes over former In Season Deli spot on Mill Avenue
Bubba Phatz: Ex-De la Cruz chef opens BBQ joint in downtown Mesa
August
World of Beer: National chain opens on Tempe’s Mill Avenue
Raising Cane’s: Chicken fingers chain makes E.V. debut in Tempe
Sai Wan Hong Kong Bistro: East Mesa gets new Chinese place
Bad Mother Cluckers: Tempe gets rotisserie chicken eatery
September
Brooklyn Eddie’s: New York-style sub shop in Gilbert
Ezekiel’s Restaurant: Soul food comes to Ahwatukee
5 Star BBQ: A 2nd BBQ joint in downtown Mesa
Boss Hogg’s Saloon: ASU bar from Humble Pie owners
TQLA: Houston tequila bar opens Dana Park spinoff
Bourbon Jack’s: “Urban country” comes to downtown Chandler
Handle Bar & Grill: Mill Ave. beer garden from La Bocca/Canteen owner
October
Desert Eagle Brewing: 1st brewery in downtown Mesa
Pacific Gardens: Asian bistro takes over Abacus Inn spot
5th Street Bar: Julian Wright’s 4th Mill Avenue venue
November
Nando’s Mexican Cafe: Takes over ex-Tia Rosa’s spot in Chandler
Field Kitchen: New Sweet Tomatoes concept debuts in Tempe
Four Peaks Brewing: New brewing facility opens a taproom
Table Top Food Shop: Former Mi Amigo’s gets new concept
December
Loco Patron: Valley’s 3rd location opens in downtown Tempe
Longhorn Steakhouse: National chain re-enters the Valley
CHoP: Living Room/Sushi Room owners launch another Chandler spot
Nosh: New gastropub in south Tempe
Over Easy: Arcadia breakfast joint comes to Gilbert
Babbo Italian: 2nd E.V. location opens in Mesa
