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Author: Jess Harter

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken coming to downtown Mesa

Legendary Memphis-based chain Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, known for its signature spicy coating, is coming to downtown Mesa. Founded in 1984, Gus’s has received countless honors, including being named the best fried chicken in America by Forbes and one

Fast-casual Mediterranean concept Pitadise makes debut in south Tempe

Pitadise Mediterranean Grill, a new fast-casual concept focused on healthy modern Mediterranean cuisine, has opened in south Tempe. It takes over the former Donna’s Bakery strip-mall space on the northwest corner of Kyrene and Elliot. The menu features pitas, bowls,

Chef-driven Japanese restaurant Daruma launches in west Mesa

Daruma, a Japanese restaurant named for the legendary monk credited with founding the Zen tradition of Buddhism, has opened in west Mesa. It’s one of several eateries in the Asian-centric strip mall on the northwest corner of Dobson and Southern.

Tacos Chiwas opens 3rd Valley location in downtown Mesa

Tacos Chiwas, the award-winning taco shop known for its Chihuahuan-style street tacos, has opened its third Valley location in downtown Mesa. It takes over the longtime Queens Pizzeria space on Main between Robson and Macdonald. The space most recently was

Build-your-own-pasta concept Pesto to make debut in Chandler

Pesto Italian Eatery, a new fast-casual build-your-own-pasta concept, will make its debut near Chandler Fashion Center this fall. Not to be confused with Pesto’s, a longtime Italian restaurant also in Chandler, Pesto will be located on the northeast corner of

The Crowned Egg opens 2nd East Valley location in Chandler

The Crowned Egg, a family-run breakfast-and-lunch restaurant that debuted in Gilbert in 2018, has opened a second location in Chandler. It takes over the space that formerly was home to Knead a Bagel and, before that, America’s Taco Shop space

Former Nobu chef launches Origami Ramen Bar in Ahwatukee

Origami Ramen Bar, a new ramen concept that uses a creamy chicken-based broth instead of a more common pork-based one, has opened in Ahwatukee. It takes over the recently closed UD Thai Cuisine on the northeast corner of 48th Street

Angry Crab Shack opens 11th Arizona location in San Tan Valley

Mesa-based Angry Crab Shack, which specializes in seafood and boils with Asian and Cajun flavors, has opened its 11th Arizona location in San Tan Valley. It’s located on the south corner of Hunt Highway and Gary, next to Starbucks and

Venezia’s Pizzeria launches 3-day fundraiser for United Food Bank

Local chain Venezia’s Pizzeria is donating $1 from every pizza sold today, Tuesday, and Wednesday to United Food Bank, which provides meals to Arizonans in need. “We are incredibly grateful for the support we received during the last few months,

Fine-dining restaurant Francine opens at Scottsdale Fashion Square

Francine, a French-Mediterranean fine-dining concept from famed restaurateur Laurent Halasz, has opened at Scottsdale Fashion Square. It joins Nobu, Toca Madera, and Ocean 44 in the mall’s new luxury wing. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant originally was to be called Farmhouse, which

Gilbert Convenience Mart owner Sam Hanna passes away at age 72

Condolences to the family and friends of Salim Yousif ‘‘Sam’’ Hanna, the owner of Gilbert Convenience Mart and an early supporter of the Valley’s nascent craft beer scene, who passed away Saturday at age 72 after complications from covid-19. Hanna

18-month-old Civic Market undergoing changes in downtown Chandler

Civic Market – a combination of coffeehouse, restaurant, grab-and-go market, and beauty salon in downtown Chandler – is undergoing changes. Lilly and Adam Walter, who opened Civic Market in March 2019, have left the business, but building owner Peter Sciacca

Majerle’s closes after 13 years in Chandler, Howler’s to replace it

Majerle’s Sports Grill, launched by and named for former Phoenix Suns star Dan Majerle, has closed its Chandler Fashion Center location after 13 years. Howler’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, which recently debuted in Gilbert, will take over the building in

Tacos Chiwas to open its 3rd Valley location in downtown Mesa

Tacos Chiwas, one of Arizona’s best taco shops, soon will be selling its Chihuahuan-style street tacos in downtown Mesa. The concept is taking over the short-lived Main Street Bar & Grill space on Main Street for its third location. The

Farmboy Market, Meats & Sandwiches in Chandler closes permanently

Farmboy Market, Meats & Sandwiches in south Chandler is the latest East Valley restaurant to succumb to covid-19. The scratch-kitchen smokehouse temporarily closed four weeks ago to wait out the pandemic. Now, though, owner Oren Molovinsky says Farmboy is closed