Please support the businesses that support MXSW:
Bar/Restaurant Insurance
Bare Metal
Brooklyn V’s Pizza
Butler Chemical
Craft 64
Creative Strategies
Cuisine & Wine Bistro
Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta
La Ristra New Mexican
Laurshan Construction
Romeo’s Euro Cafe
RT O’Sullivan’s
Sal’s Gilbert Pizza
Serrano’s Restaurants
Sun Devil Hoods
Taqueria Factory
The Restaurant Brokers
Tott’s Asian Diner
Twin Peaks
Venezia’s Pizza
We Sell Restaurants
Thirsty Lion Gastropub near Chandler Fashion Center has launched Central Kitchen, an online food hall featuring four virtual restaurants in addition to Thirsty Lion: Soy Joy Kitchen specializes in rice bowls, sushi, ramen, and other Asian favorites; Southern Jewel offers
Chase’s Diner, a family-run restaurant on the northwest corner of Alma School and Warner in Chandler, will celebrate National Pie Day on Saturday with two special pies based on its signature cakes – German Chocolate and Carrot Cake – as
Morning Squeeze, a locally owned breakfast-and-lunch concept in downtown Tempe and Old Town Scottsdale, will open a third location in downtown Phoenix this spring. The 3,400-square-foot space on the northwest corner of First Street and Washington will feature a wrap-around
Arizonans must really love kolaches. The Kolache Cafe, which planned to launch its grand opening last weekend, instead was forced to close after being overwhelmed by customers. A soft opening began Jan. 8, and by the official grand opening last
A MXSW reader noticed Playa Bowls, a national chain of beach-themed acai bowl shops that began on the Jersey Shore in 2014, will make its Arizona debut at The Edge, a new mixed-use development at the Loop 101 and 90th
A group of Tucson restaurants and bars has won a preliminary injunction overturning a 10 p.m. curfew enacted by Pima County on Dec. 15 to slow the spread of covid-19. A Superior Court judge ruled the curfew violated a Gov.
Kung Pow, the former Chinese-Mexican hybrid in Gilbert that was forced to change its name from Panda Libre after a legal dispute with Panda Express, has introduced burgers to its menu. After last month’s rebranding, Kung Pow focused solely on
Tempe-based Huss Brewing has released its first low-calorie IPA. Low-Lo Hazy IPA – which has an ABV of 4.1% with notes of pineapple, melon, peach, and tangerine – has just 109 calories per 12 ounces. The beer is available at
36 Below, an underground martini bar, is coming to the basement beneath Sip Coffee & Beer Garage on the northeast corner of 36th Street and Indian School in east Phoenix. It’s taking over the space formerly home to UnderTow, which
Pie Express, a family-owned pizza and burger concept, has debuted on the southwest corner of Cooper and Ray in Chandler. It takes over a strip-mall space that formerly was home to a Subway. Prices start at $2.90 for burgers ($6.55
Arizona Cocktail Weekend, set to celebrate its 10-year anniversary next month, has been canceled for 2021 by the covid-19 pandemic. Instead, organizers are planning a smaller, one-day event Sept. 25, the details of which are still being worked out. Next
Athenian Chicken and Pork Molise (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, Jan. 21. The dinner, hosted by owner-chef Romeo Taus and his wife,
Al Fresco Off Main, a special outdoor dining area set up on MacDonald just north of Main in downtown Mesa, will debut today. The half-block area will provide a sanitized, socially distanced ‘‘extended patio’’ for those ordering food from any
Last October, MXSW broke the news Southern California-based fast-casual burger concept Farmer Boys would make its Arizona debut in the new City Gate Marketplace on the southeast corner of Higley and Baseline in Gilbert this year. Now we know two more locations
Nico Heirloom Kitchen, the West Coast-inspired seasonal Italian restaurant that opened in May 2016 in downtown Gilbert, has rebranded itself as a gastropub called Copper 48. The menu still features favorites like house-made pasta and braised short ribs, along with some
Barter & Shake, the Valley hospitality group whose concepts include Phoenix cocktail bar UnderTow, have signed a lease to open a second location of the popular ship-themed bar at the upcoming Epicenter development at Agritopia in Gilbert. The Gilbert UnderTow
Pita Jungle, a Tempe-born chain of Mediterranean eateries, will roll out its first food truck next month. The 20-foot truck will serve up many of the salads, pitas, sandwiches, and bowls popular at Pita Jungle’s 22 Valley restaurants. It also
STK Steakhouse, a New York-based concept that combines a modern steakhouse with a chic lounge – complete with theatrical lighting and live DJ music – has made its Arizona debut in Old Town Scottsdale. It takes over the former Southbridge
Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts opens its second ‘‘virtual restaurant’’ – a to-go-only version of Flower Child – today near downtown Tempe. The health-focused concept will operate out of the kitchen of Culinary Dropout, another FRC concept, at Farmer and First
Better late than never (thanks to covid-19), Cider Corps in downtown Mesa releases its seasonal fall pie ciders today. Six-packs are $20 and include two 12-ounce cans apiece of Pumpkin Pie, Peach Cobbler, and Cherry Crisp. Single cans also are
One of the Valley restaurant scene’s longest covid-19 closures ended Monday with the reopening of Ghost Ranch Southwest Modern Cuisine in south Tempe. The 2-year-old restaurant, which has been closed for six months, features several new faces, including executive chef David
Flavors of India, a 14-year-old northern Indian restaurant that closed in Phoenix in October, has reopened on the southeast corner of Lindsay and Warner in Gilbert. It takes over the space that very briefly was home to The Pizza Experience
The Kolache Cafe, an Ahwatukee bakery specializing in the delicious Czech pastries from which it takes its name, has opened on the northeast corner of Ray and Ranch Circle in Ahwatukee. The bakery, which is located in the same shopping
Gilbert-born Salad and Go, which has grown to 25 Valley location since its debut in 2013, says it plans to open another 21 locations in 2021. Look for the drive-through salad bar concept coming soon to: 48th Street and Southern
Salvadoreño Restaurant, a family-owned eatery specializing in El Salvadoran and other Central American dishes, will open its seventh location at Baseline and Hardy in June. Pupusas, thick flatbreads (pictured) that are the national dish of El Salvador, are the signature
Dallas-based Twin Peaks will open its fourth Valley location on the southeast corner of Tempe Marketplace in February and is looking to hire more than 110 workers, including at least 65 ‘‘Twin Peaks Girls.’’ Interested candidates can apply by visiting the
Cuisine & Wine Bistro in south Chandler will host the second dinner in its new Chefs’ Carte Blanche series on Monday, Feb. 1. The menu has not been announced yet, but you can reserve your table by calling 480-275-6700. Last
The newly formed James Beard Foundation Women of Arizona – 15 of the Valley’s top female chefs and restaurateurs – will roll out its first initiative next week, and it’s a doozy. The women’s respective restaurants are banding together to
Lin’s Bakery & Catering in Avondale will hold a pop-up event from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Max Saigon on the northwest corner of Arizona and Ray in Chandler. The food: The menu will feature a variety of Filipino,
Valley-based Fox Restaurant Concepts will launch a digital-only version of its health-focused Flower Child next Wednesday, Jan. 13, near downtown Tempe. The space: It will be run out of Culinary Dropout, another FRC restaurant, on the southeast corner of Farmer and
A Mexican street corn shrimp salad (pictured) and a shrimp power bowl are among the January specials announced by Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants: Spicy blood orange agave margarita: Blended with sweet and citrusy blood orange puree, a splash of agave and
Gelato Cimmino, a 2-year-old gelato shop in Old Town Scottsdale, is opening a second location in downtown Gilbert. The space: It’s taking over the former Western Audio stereo repair shop just north of OHSO Brewery. The competition: Right next door
Boca Taqueria, a family-run Mexican restaurant, is scheduled open its third location next month on the northwest corner of Signal Butte and Warner in southeast Mesa. Other locations: The concept debuted at Greenfield and Brown in northeast Mesa in 2016
Gilbert-born Salad and Go, a fast-growing drive-through salad-and-wraps concept, has opened its 25th location on the southeast corner of 35th Avenue and Peoria in west Phoenix. Coming next: A third Chandler location on the northwest corner of Dobson and Chandler.
The Porch, a self-described ‘‘upscale yet relaxed gastropub,’’ has opened its third location between Oregano’s and Snooze in downtown Gilbert. The menu: The pub-style menu focuses on salads, rice bowls, sandwiches, and burgers. (Pictured: Nashville Chicken Sammy.) There are 16
One of the Valley restaurant scene’s longest covid-19 closures finally will end when Ghost Ranch Southwest Modern Cuisine reopens Monday, Jan. 11, in south Tempe. The acclaimed 2-year-old restaurant, which offers taco platters, green chile stew, and a variety of
East Valley-based Thai Chili 2 Go, a chain of to-go Thai eateries, has opened its 11th location on the southeast corner of Higley and Baseline in Gilbert. The food: The menu offers traditional Thai entrees like pad prig pao, pad
A sharp-eyed MXSW reader noticed a pair of new chain restaurants coming to Val Vista and Baseline at Dana Park in Mesa. Who: Original ChopShop (pictured) is taking over the old California Pizza Kitchen on the northwest corner, and Habit
The Hub Grill & Bar in east Mesa is closed indefinitely after what it called ‘‘a small fire’’ just before midnight Thursday. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze but not before the sports bar on the northeast corner of
Morning Kick (pictured above): Breakfast and lunch eatery from the owners of a food truck with the same name opened in January at Higley and Chandler Heights in southeast Gilbert. Goldwater Brewing: Scottsdale brewery opened its first satellite location –
Tempe Public Market Cafe: Aaron and David Chamberlain’s all-day hangout at Rural and Warner closed in January after two years (and is now home to Postino). Its Phoenix sibling shut down in September. Cantina Laredo: Upscale Mexican chain closed its
Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen, Gilbert’s first rooftop bar and restaurant, holds its grand opening at 4 p.m. today. The space: It’s is located on the top floor of the three-story downtown building between Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row and Bergies Coffee
Freezer’s Ice House, a pool hall/sports bar/nightclub-ish concept that has struggled to define itself since opening in 2017 on the southeast corner of Mill and Broadway in Tempe, is transforming into a new concept: Mill’s Modern Social. What it means: Besides
Looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve? Please consider supporting a MXSW sponsor. As always, reservations are strongly encouraged. B Gastrobar: A special à la carte menu will feature wild halibut, filet mignon, duck breast, and more. See
MrBeast Burger, a delivery-only burger concept rolling out across the country this month, has launched in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Scottsdale. The backstory: The ghost-kitchen concept was created by YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson of Greenville, N.C., whose MrBeast channel has
The owners of Killer Whale Sex Club on Roosevelt Row are opening two new Japanese-influenced bars – SaberTooth and AstroBar – in downtown Phoenix. The space: The new bars will share a space between Taco Chelo and Trapp Haus BBQ on
Mesa-based Angry Crab Shack, a concept specializing in seafood boils with Asian-Cajun flavors, has opened its 12th Arizona location near the southwest corner of Southern and 35th Avenue in Laveen. Hours: Due to covid-19, it’s currently only open for takeout
The former Rosati’s Pizza space on the northeast corner of McQueen and Ray in Chandler has been leased, and the new occupant will be … Rosati’s Pizza. The background: The Chicago-born chain has been a house divided in Arizona with
Chompie’s, a locally owned chain of New York-style bakeries, delis, and restaurants, announced it will move its Paradise Valley Mall location to a much larger building at 32nd Street and Cactus in Phoenix in mid-2021. The space: Besides a restaurant,
Texas-based Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, which had dwindled to just two locations in the Valley, will open a new location in the Mercado del Lago plaza near the northwest corner of Hayden and Via de Ventura in Scottsdale in February. The
Over Easy, a local chain of breakfast-and-brunch eateries, has launched its eighth Valley location – and fourth in the East Valley – in southwest Mesa. The space: It takes over the building on the southeast corner of Dobson and Guadalupe
Dog Haus, a California-based chain of gourmet hot dog shops, will open its second East Valley location at the Watermark on the north side of Tempe Town Lake in early 2021. The food: Besides its signature Haus Dogs, Dog Haus
As Proof builds out its new artisan bakery in downtown Mesa, it’s hosting a holiday market called Main Street Harvest this week in the empty space next door. The details: Local vendors will be selling bread, eggs, produce, tortillas, coffee,
Trattoria D’Amico, a family-run Italian restaurant in Ahwatukee, is permanently closing its dining room Christmas Eve after 31 years in business. What’s next? After retooling its menu, the restaurant plans to reopen in mid-January as a delivery/takeout concept, according to
Tempe beer and wine store BottleShop 48 temporarily closed Friday after learning a customer tested positive for covid-19. Unfortunately, a number of the shop’s staff subsequently tested positive over the weekend as well, which will prompt the 4-year-old business to
Moonbowls, a national chain of delivery-and-carryout Korean eateries, has made its Arizona debut in Tempe. The location: It’s located in the burdgeoning food court of ‘‘ghost kitchens’’ in the industrial area about a quarter-mile south of Tempe Marketplace. The menu:
Air Guitar, a new convenience store concept from a group that includes the founders of Postino, finally has broken ground in Gilbert. The location: It’s located at the Epicenter development on the northwest corner of Higley and Ray What is
Great news for Philly cheesesteak fans! Forefathers is launching a third location in south Chandler. The space: It’s taking over the former Farmboy Market, Meats & Sandwiches strip-mall space, which closed in August, on the southwest corner of Alma School
Acclaimed Phoenix brewery Wren House is opening a production facility next month in Prescott. The effect: Wren House will be able to increase its yearly production from 2,000 barrels to 10,000 barrels. Why Prescott? Co-owner Drew Pool says Wren House,
Tempe-born Mediterranean chain Pita Jungle finally will open its 25th Arizona location next month in south Chandler. The timeline: The exact date has yet to be announced; the location originally was expected to open last April. The location: It’s part of
Congrats to Helluva Brewing, which celebrates its two-year anniversary today. Beer releases: The west Chandler brewpub is tapping three new beers when it opens at 3 p.m.: Mele Kalikimaka (a coconut cinnamon porter), Thrilla in Vanilla (imperial vanilla stout, pictured),
The Stone, a Korean tofu house, has opened across the street from H Mart on the northeast corner of Dobson and Main in west Mesa. The space: It takes over the stand-alone building that formerly housed Izzy’s Bakery & Cafe.
Over Easy, a local chain of breakfast-and-brunch eateries, will open its eighth Valley location – and fourth in the East Valley – next Tuesday, Dec. 22. The space: It takes over the building that was the longtime Thai restaurant Pink
Los Sombreros launched its third location on the northeast corner of Dobson and Southern in west Mesa in August, but the Mexican restaurant is celebrating its grand opening from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. today by offering guests 50% off all food
Tacos Tijuana, which started in 2016 as a West Valley food truck, has opened its third East Valley bricks-and-mortar restaurant on the southeast corner of 48th Street and Chandler in Ahwatukee. The space: It takes over the space that formerly
The G.O.A.T. Sports Grill, which opened in June near the southwest corner of Power and McDowell in northeast Mesa, has closed. What’s next? The venue’s social media updates indicate at least one the owners, Scott McKay, is trying to reopen
California Fish Grill, a Los Angeles-based chain of fast-casual seafood restaurants, makes its Arizona debut today in Mesa. The space: It’s taking over the former Old Country Buffet building on the northeast corner of Stapley and Baseline. The buffet closed in
Byblos Restaurant, a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eatery near the southwest corner of Mill and Southern in Tempe, has closed after 36 years. The announcement: Jamale Mirza, who co-owned the restaurant with her brother Samir (both pictured), made the announcement
JC’s Steakhouse, one of the East Valley’s few locally owned steakhouses, is closing at the end of this month after six years in business in Gilbert. TC’s Pub & Grub in Queen Creek has purchased the restaurant near the southeast
Mr Mesquite Taqueria opens its seventh Valley location at 10 a.m. Saturday in Gilbert, and the first 250 people in line will get a free taco every week for six months. The location: The fast-casual eatery’s first location with a drive-through
It’s been more than a year since MXSW broke the news that Square One Concepts, the Valley-based restaurant group best known for Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, was bringing its Bourbon & Bones concept to San Tan Village in Gilbert. The latest: Square
Top Cup, a coffeehouse that also serves breakfast, salads, and sandwiches, has opened on the northeast corner of Val Vista and Riggs, across the street from Basha High, in south Gilbert. Drink highlights: Signature coffee drinks include Macanilla, Snickerdoodle, and
Three French chefs from the Buschetz family of restaurants are launching what they hope will become a monthly Chefs’ Carte Blanche dinner at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at Cuisine & Wine Bistro in south Chandler. The inaugural event: A
Prolific Valley restaurateur Sam Fox launches his latest concept – Fly Bye, a so-called ‘‘ghost kitchen’’ offering only food to go – today. The space: Fly Bye operates out of The Yard near the southwest corner of Seventh Street and
Kavala Restaurant & Cafe, which combined two popular Mediterranean cuisines ‘‘by cooking Greek dishes the Italian way,’’ has closed on the southeast corner of McQueen and Elliot in northwest Gilbert after just six months in business. No announcement was made,
Kudos to Valley breweries Huss and OHSO, which won medals at the 2020 U.S. Open Beer Championship on Sunday. What is it? The U.S. Open is an international competition that began in 2009. This year, more than 6,000 ales from
Herb n Smoke, a Mesa-based food truck specializing in barbecue, is opening a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Mesa. The space: It will be located next to recently opened Taco Chiwas on the south side of Main between MacDonald and Robson.
In a tearful social media post, Charli Tarango Hopewell (pictured) announced she is selling her 5-year-old namesake restaurant and bar Good Time Charli’s in west Chandler. What’s changing: Apparently not much. According to Hopewell, the new owners will retain the
AZ Pho & Grill, a sit-down Vietnamese restaurant, has opened its third location near the southeast corner of Ray and 54th Street in west Chandler. Menu highlights: Special combo pho ($11.75), spicy Hue-style beef noodle soup ($11.75), BBQ red pork banh
Illinois-based Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, a chain of Napa-inspired ‘‘upscale casual’’ wine bars, makes its Arizona debut today near the southeast corner of Scottsdale and Frank Lloyd Wright in north Scottsdale. The space: It features a scratch kitchen, wine
Those who read MXSW’s big scoop last month already knew Buddyz Pizzeria was shutting down its 4-year-old Gilbert location before the end of this year. Now we have the date: Sunday, Dec. 13. The announcement: ‘‘Due to the decrease in
It’s hard to believe the opening of yet another In-N-Out Burger in the Valley is newsworthy, but local media are falling over themselves to report Tempe’s second location – and the East Valley’s 11th – launches at 10:30 a.m. today.
New York-based Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has unveiled its first ‘‘ghost kitchen’’ – offering food only for takeout or delivery – in Scottsdale. The space: It’s located in the Kitchen United MIX space on the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Shea in
Jolly Mint Cocoa and Churromissu are among the December specials announced by Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants: Jolly Mint Cocoa: Spiked mint cocoa served over ice topped with whipped cream and candy cane sprinkles ($7.99); Serrano’s Sopes: Three mini house-made sopes topped
Back in March, MXSW broke the news California Fish Grill was coming to Mesa. Now, we finally know when. Opening date: The Los Angeles-based chain of fast-casual seafood restaurants will make its Arizona debut on Monday, Dec. 14. The space:
Victor and Edgar Martinez, owners of Long Wong’s franchises in Chandler, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, are adding another Valley location on the northeast corner of Country Club and Brown in north Mesa. The space: 1,200 square feet in the Country North
Belle’s Nashville Kitchen, a honky tonk-themed bar and restaurant, has opened in the former Lulu Belle space near the northeast corner of Scottsdale and Main in Old Town Scottsdale. Menu highlights: Soft-opening menu highlights include Kool Aid fried pickles ($8),
With beer festivals sidelined by the pandemic, the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild has released its first-ever coupon book to raise money and awareness for the state’s breweries. How much? The $35 books include more than $750 worth of coupons good
It’s been nearly a year since Ile.gal Modern Cocktail Kitchen was expected to open in downtown Gilbert. Then came the covid-19 pandemic. Now the town’s first rooftop bar and restaurant finally has announced a grand opening date: Tuesday, Dec. 29.
It’s been less than a month since Matty G’s opened its second East Valley location – and fourth overall – in Gilbert. Now, sources tell MXSW the popular neighborhood bar and grill has set its sights on another East Valley
Barro’s Pizza and Four Peaks Brewing have collaborated on a new beer, Angelo’s Ale, to honor the pizza chain’s late patriarch. Who was Angelo? Angelo Barro’s mother launched Barro’s Pizza in Chicago in 1961, and he brought the concept to
NoRa Asian Fresh, an Asian fusion restaurant specializing in sushi, ramen, and teriyaki bowls, has opened a second location near the northeast corner of Broadway and Hardy in west Tempe. The space: The original debuted in Peoria in August; the
Tukee Tap & Bottle, a beer and wine bar that hoped to open this month in Ahwatukee, has lost its space in the Fry’s shopping plaza on the southwest corner of 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard. The reason: According to
Someburros, an East Valley-based chain of fast-casual Mexican restaurants, has opened its 11th location at The Steelyard on the southeast corner of Gilbert and Chandler Heights in south Chandler. The menu: Someburros offers 15 types of burritos, as well as
Bird Dog Produce, a new Valleywide produce delivery service, allows people to order customized boxes from a selection of 80-plus fruits and vegetables from farms across Arizona and beyond. Who’s behind it? The concept was launched by Andy Itule, the
Four Peaks Brewing is accepting pre-sale orders for its seasonal Holmberg Bound, a red IPA whose proceeds benefit the Arizona Humane Society. Why it’s special: The beer is an annual collaboration between the Tempe brewery and KUPD radio personality John
Knuckle Sandwiches, an acclaimed family-owned sandwich shop that debuted last year in northeast Mesa, has opened a second location in south Tempe. The space: It takes over the former Jollof King space near the southeast corner of Kyrene and Elliot.
Two Hands Seoul Fresh Corn Dogs, a chain of Korean street food eateries, makes its Arizona debut with a soft opening at noon Saturday in west Mesa. The space: It’s located next to H Mart on the southeast corner of
Good news for travelers at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport: Mesa-based Kind Hospitality has opened a Panera Bread, the St. Louis-based chain of fast-casual bakery-cafes, inside the terminal. It’s Panera’s 12th location in the East Valley. Who is Kind? Kind was the
Matty G’s, a well-regarded neighborhood grill, has opened its fourth Valley location in southeast Gilbert. The space: It takes over the former Dean’s Hermanos Mexican Food on the southeast corner of Higley and Queen Creek. The menu: Twenty specialty burgers
