By Jess Harter
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Wednesday, July 26, 2023
A developer wants to build one of Arizona’s first ‘‘food halls‘‘ – a two-story structure that would house as many as 12 new restaurants – in downtown Chandler.
What’s a food hall: More than just a food court, the food hall would house restaurants that a city official says would be ‘‘very unique and local.’’
- The developer points to the Avanti Food & Beverage food halls (pictured) in Denver and Boulder, Colo., as a model for the Chandler project.
Where: The developer has purchased a 0.36-acre lot on the southwest corner of Chicago and Oregon, kitty-corner (to the southwest) from the recent New Square development that includes DC Steakhouse and The Stillery.
- In addition to sharing rent and utilities, restaurants would benefit from hosting communal events like concerts, comedy shows, and movie nights.
Timetable: The developer hopes to break ground in early 2024 and open by the end of the year.
What’s next: The project still must be reviewed by Chandler’s development office and planning and zoning board, then go back to the city council for a final vote.
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By Jess Harter
•
Monday, July 10, 2023
🍞🥯🥖 Award-winning Tucson baker Don Guerra will working out of the Hayden Flour Mills’ new Gilbert kitchen on Tuesdays starting in September.
The baker: Guerra, who launched Barrio Bread out of his garage in 2009, was named the country’s outstanding baker at last year’s James Beard Awards.
- Guerra has been a longtime supporter of Hayden products.
The location: Hayden Flour Mills’ kitchen is located next to Arizona Wilderness Brewing’s Woodnotes Cellar on the northeast corner of Arizona and Guadalupe.
The baked goods: Barrio Bread’s various breads and baguettes are made with local grains.
- A new item will be a Sonoran bagel, developed in a partnership with Chompies owner Neal Borenstein.
Click and collect: Customers will be able to reserve Barrio Bread items online for pickup.
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By Jess Harter
•
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
🔥 The Tin Top Bar & Grill, a popular Western-themed destination in the West Valley community of Tonopah, was destroyed by a fire early today.
What happened: Emergency responders were called just after midnight, but the building is thought to be a total loss. No injuries were reported.
The quote: ‘‘It is with a heavy heart that we are confirming that our beloved Tin Top Bar and Grill has burned down Tuesday evening,’’ the venue posted on social media. ‘‘Nobody was physically hurt. Thank you all for your kind words and support during this hard time.’’
What’s next: The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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By Jess Harter
•
Monday, May 8, 2023
Carl’s Jr. in Buckeye is among the first restaurants in the country where parent company CKE Restaurants Holdings is using artificial intelligence to take drive-through orders.
What is it: CKE partnered with Presto Automation last year to develop Presto Voice at a Carl’s Jr. franchise in North Dakota. The AI not only takes orders but also can ask questions and upsell customers.
Two other AIs: CKE also is testing two other drive-through AIs, one from OpenCity called Tori and another by Valyant called Holly.
Who’s using it: AI is being rolled out at many of the 2,800 drive-throughs for Carl’s Jr. and its corporate sibling Hardee’s. Presto also is being used by Del Taco and Checkers/Rally’s. Popeye’s is using Tori.
The upside: Early results show AI boosts accuracy of orders and speed of service, while increasing revenue through upselling.
The quote: ‘‘It used to be impossible to plan staffing with callouts every day,’’ says Raj Patel, a regional manager with Carl’s Jr. ‘‘With Tori, I always feel that we’re fully staffed, and the guests are having fun using Tori to order their meals.”
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By Jess Harter
•
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
By Jess Harter
•
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
By Jess Harter
•
Friday, March 17, 2023
By Jess Harter
•
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
By Jess Harter
•
Monday, March 6, 2023
💻 The recently closed 
🌯 
🧑🏿🍳 Today is the kickoff of the Valley’s third annual 
🍅 Sweet Tomatoes, a San Diego-based chain of soup and salad bars that permanently closed all 97 of its U.S. restaurants (including nine in Arizona) due to the coronavirus in 2020, is trying to make a comeback.
🥐 Scottsdale-based 
