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Author: Jess Harter

Ahwatukee soul food restaurant Ezekial’s closes after 8 years

The East Valley’s premier soul food destination, family-run Ezekial’s Restaurant in Ahwatukee, has closed after eight years. ‘‘Chef Brad’s health is at risk and we have decided as a family that it is best to close the restaurant for good,’’

Clever Koi in downtown Gilbert introduces new ramen bowls

Good news for ramen fans: Clever Koi in downtown Gilbert has unveiled two new ramen bowls, as well as two new versions of previous bowls. ‘‘Ramen has always been a bestseller for us, so we wanted to really up the

Freezer’s Ice House in Tempe rebrands itself as Mill’s Modern Social

After a two-month closure for renovations, Freezer’s Ice House, a Tempe pool hall/sports bar/nightclub-ish concept that has struggled to define itself since opening in 2017, has reopened as Mill’s Modern Social. The rebranded concept debuted its new name, new look,

Fast-growing Raising Cane’s opens 8th E.V. location in south Tempe

Louisiana-based Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers has opened its eighth East Valley restaurant on the southeast corner of McClintock and Baseline in south Tempe. As its almost cult-like following (known as ‘‘Caniacs’’) knows, the menu focuses on just three things: chicken

Is 2-year-old Flix Brewhouse in downtown Chandler closed for good?

Is Flix Brewhouse in downtown Chandler closed for good? It depends who you ask. After closing in March 2020 due to the covid-19 pandemic, the brewpub-cinema concept reopened in August, as did rival Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and most traditional movie

Former Rosati’s Pizza owner critically injured by wrong-way driver

From the It’s-Hard-to-Believe Department: Brickyard Downtown beverage director Bobby Kramer wasn’t the only Valley food and drink industry member to be a victim of a wrong-way driver last Wednesday. On the same day Kramer was killed, Scott Selke, longtime co-owner

Guy Fieri launches delivery-only Flavortown ghost kitchen in Chandler

Food Network personality Guy Fieri has launched a nationwide chain of ghost kitchens called Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen, including one in west Chandler. The virtual restaurant, which only offers delivery, operates out of the kitchen of Italian restaurant Buca di

Arizona Restaurant Week’s spring edition to take place May 21-30

The Arizona Restaurant Association announced the spring edition of Arizona Restaurant Week will run Friday, May 21, through Sunday, May 30. Participating restaurants will offer three-course prix-fixe menus for just $33 or $44 per person. Wine pairings to enhance each

March 6: ‘The Office’ cocktail pairing dinner at Match Market & Bar

Many Valley restaurants host an occasional pairing dinner, but no one does it as creatively as Match Market & Bar in Phoenix. Its latest happens Saturday, March 6, when its hosts ‘‘The Office’’-themed cocktail pairing dinner. The five courses include

Feb. 18: ‘Taste of Romeo’s Euro Cafe’ dinner in downtown Gilbert

Penne Carbonara and Andalusian Baked Eggplant (pictured) will be the featured entrees when Romeo’s Euro Cafe in Gilbert holds its weekly ‘‘Taste of Romeo’s’’ dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18. The dinner, hosted by owner-chef Romeo Taus and his wife,

Fox Restaurant Concepts offers 25% off takeout orders every Tuesday

Did you know Fox Restaurant Concepts offers 25% off all takeout orders on Tuesdays? The discount, which began in January, is available at all Arizona locations of: Culinary Dropout Zinburger (pictured) Blanco The Henry Dough Bird Fly Bye Arrogant Butcher

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux to make AZ debut in southeast Mesa

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, a Louisiana-based chain of family-friendly sports bars, will make its Arizona debut in southeast Mesa later this year. It’s taking over the former Sweet Tomatoes building near Ray and the 202. Walk-On’s was founded in Baton Rouge,

Cracker Barrel opens 8th Valley restaurant today in north Gilbert

Cracker Barrel, a Tennessee-based chain of restaurants with a Southern theme, opens its eighth location today in Gilbert. It’s a newly constructed building near the northeast corner of Higley and Baseline. The menu offers breakfast all day and comfort foods

Sicilian Butcher, Pita Jungle launch their own private-label wines

The Sicilian Butcher and Pita Jungle are the latest Valley restaurants to jump into private-label wines. Chef Joey Executive chef Joey Maggiore debuted the first of three Chef Joey wines – a cabernet sauvignon – over the weekend at all