
Alden: A restaurant offering refined globally inspired dishes and named for the architect of the original Phoenix Art Museum opened overlooking the museum’s sculpture garden in midtown Phoenix.
Baggin’s Gourmet Sandwiches: The Tucson favorite, known for its house-baked bread, loaded lunchbox sandwiches, and famously chewy chocolate chip cookies, opened its second Valley location – takeout and delivery only – at the Tempe Food Court.
Cactus Racks: A billiards-focused restaurant and bar opened in the former Phat Turtle BBQ space in Cave Creek.
Diamond Don’s: An ‘‘upscale fast food’’ restaurant from the father-and-son team behind the Saltmine Studio Oasis opened adjacent to the recording studio in downtown Mesa.
Fuji San Grill & Sushi: An all-you-can-eat Americanized Japanese restaurant has opened in the south Chandler strip-mall space formerly home to Oasis Bay Sushi & Seafood Buffet.
Funky Frida’s: A new Arcadia hotspot from the team behind OHSO Brewery & Distillery fusing the spirit of Frida Kahlo with modern Mexican flair opened next to the original OHSO in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood.
Fuzzbot Brewing: The indie-minded operation born out of Mesa’s skateboarding and snowboarding scene opened its first taproom in the space formerly home to The Whining Pig in Ahwatukee.
Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s: The rebranded restaurant (along with its grab-and-go sibling Patio Cafe) at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix reopened under the culinary lead of acclaimed Valley chef Mark Tarbell.
Golden Oak Barbecue & Taproom: A collaboration between Nicky’s Barbecue founder Chris Figueroa and Oro Brewing’s Dave Valencia opened in the former Throne Brewing space across the street from the Burton Barr Central Library.
Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen + Bar: The ‘‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’’ host brings his Trash Can Nachos and Motley Que Sandwiches to Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor Airport.
Happy Bao’s: A family-run Northern Chinese restaurant offering traditional dumplings, noodles, and baos, opened its second Valley location in the Asiana Market plaza in Glendale.
Heritage Kitchen & Cocktails: A modern American restaurant with coastal Mediterranean influences (and a globally inspired menu from ‘‘Chopped’’ finalist Christopher Brugman) opened in north Scottsdale.
LaCo Smashburgers & Tacos Bar: A new concept fusing Mexican street food with American grill favorites opened in the space formerly home to Leghorn’s in north Scottsdale.
The Narwhal Taproom & Bottleshop: The East Valley’s latest destination for hopheads, casual sippers, and anyone looking for a community-minded drinking spot opens in the former Taproom-120 space in southeast Mesa.
Obon Sushi Bar Ramen: The Tucson-born modern Japanese concept opened its third Valley location at CityScape in downtown Phoenix, joining others at Scottsdale Quarter and The Grove at McCormick Ranch.
Pinyon: The highly anticipated new coastal Mediterranean concept from Hi Noon Hospitality (the team behind Buck & Rider and Ingo’s Tasty Food) opened along the park on Scottsdale Mall.
Sacred Pint: The craft beer hangout, known for its laid-back vibe and rotating selection of 36 beers on tap, opened its second taproom – this time across the street from Old Ellsworth Brewing in Queen Creek.
Salt & Straw: Portland’s cult-favorite ice cream shop, known for its wildly inventive flavors, opened its second Valley location at the ASU-adjacent Novus Place in Tempe.
Society Swan: The latest concept from Sam Fox concept, described as ‘‘part timeless American brasserie, part French daydream,’’ opened in the former Kona Grill space in Scottsdale Fashion Square’s renovated south wing.
Sunshine Breakfast Bar: The cheerful all-day brunch concept, known for its colorful plates and laid-back vibes, opened its second Valley location in the former Flo’s New Asian Cuisine building in south Tempe.
Sweetgreen: The fast-casual brand, known for its chef-crafted salads, warm bowls, and protein plates, opened its second Arizona location in Phoenix’s Biltmore neighborhood.
The Art of Baking: A European-inspired small-batch bakery cafe opened across from Chase Field in downtown Phoenix.
Whiskey and Wings Sports Bar & Grill: A new concept opened in the former Fat Willy’s space in Cave Creek.
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