Old Chicago Pizzeria & Taproom coming to Chandler Crossroads

Is Old Chicago Pizzeria & Taproom making a comeback in the East Valley?

The Colorado-based chain once operated several locations in the East Valley, but in recent years that number has dwindled to just one – off the U.S. 60 at Alma School in Mesa.

Now. however, Old Chicago is doubling its presence here by taking over the former El Palacio Mexican Restaurant & Cantina in the Chandler Crossroads Towne Center on the northwest corner of Gilbert and Germann.

The stand-alone building is right next to the Harkins theaters where Brooklyn V’s Pizza is opening its third East Valley location in December.

No word yet on when Old Chicago will open.

It’s the pizzeria’s second attempt to woo Chandler residents. Its former East Valley locations included a building (now Ginger Monkey) in the Fulton Ranch Towne Center on the southwest corner of Arizona and Ocotillo.

Two years ago, Old Chicago announced an accelerated franchise development expansion, mostly focused on the Midwest. There now are about 100 locations in 22 states.

CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, the parent company of Old Chicago, also owns the Gordon Biersch and Rock Bottom brewery restaurant chains.