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🥤 Milkshake Factory, a Pittsburgh-based chain specializing in milkshakes and gourmet chocolates, has made its Arizona debut in south Chandler.
It’s taken over the strip mall space formerly home to gift shop My Favorite Thingz on the northeast corner of Alma School and Chandler Heights.
Milkshake Factory offers two dozen kinds of handspun milkshakes – including several non-dairy – using house-made ice creams, syrups, and fruit purees.
Signature shakes include Campfire S’Mores (honey grahams, marshmallows, and chocolate chips), Cookie Jar (cookie dough and crushed cookies), and Chocolate Dipped Strawberry.
Chocolates, which are made in the company’s own factory, are sold in gift-box assortments (temporarily unavailable to order as inventory is being updated).
Open 2-10 p.m. daily.
Z’Tejas in Chandler
🌶️ The Chandler location of long-troubled Southwestern chain Z’Tejas has closed after 24 years. Signage on the door indicates the restaurant on the southeast corner of I-10 and Ray has been locked out by its landlord. In 2017, the Arizona-born concept had five locations in the Valley and others out of state. Now it’s down to just two – one in Scottsdale and another in Texas.
Spinelli’s Pizza in Tempe
🍕 Spinelli’s Pizza, which offered what it called ‘‘authentic Philadelphia pizza and sandwiches’’ since 2014, has closed on the northwest corner of Mill and Fifth Street in downtown Tempe. In a message to employees, owner Chris Palma explained, ‘‘I’m choosing to step away so I can reclaim time with the people I love and focus on the things in life that truly matter.’’
Spirited Awards semifinalists
🍹 The Valley has several semifinalists in this year’s Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, one of the industry’s highest honors.
Making the top 10 in various categories: Libby Lingua (pictured) of Highball (U.S. Bartender of the Year), Highball (Best U.S. Bar Team), Little Rituals (Best U.S. Hotel Bar), Valentine (Best U.S. Restaurant Bar), and Carry On (Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar).
Four finalists in each category will be announced June 9. Winners will be crowned July 24 in New Orleans.
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Gilbert project to have dozen-plus eateries
🚧 Construction has begun on The Gilmore, a $225 million, 35-acre mixed-use development in south Gilbert that will include more than a dozen restaurants. MXSW Insiders can see the list here.
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