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VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen in south Tempe has a new summer drink special: Any time the temperature in Tempe exceeds 110 degrees, you can enjoy half-priced frozen Hurricanes. The drinks are available in blue raspberry, rum punch, or a combination
The Buffalo Spot, a California-based chain specializing in Buffalo chicken wings, has opened its fourth East Valley restaurant on Southern between Dobson and Alma School, across from Mesa Community College. Wings (traditional or boneless), tenders, and chicken burritos come with
Condolences to the family and friends of Frank and Lupe’s Restaurants owner Teddy Bernal, a third-generation restaurateur who lost his weeks-long battle with covid-19 this morning. He was 45. ‘‘Teddy was the most caring person you could meet and it
Salad and Go, a Gilbert-born concept offering a healthy alternative to fast food, has opened its 19th Valley location on the southwest corner of Rural and Broadway in Tempe. Besides its standard small-footprint eatery – Salad and Go only serves
La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen, a family-run restaurant that opened in Gilbert in 2013, has soft-launched a second location in downtown Chandler. It’s located in the Overstreet development on the southwest corner of Arizona and Chandler. It takes over part
Back in January, MXSW reported Sleepy Whale owner Justin Evans was planning to open another East Valley beer bar and bottle shop at Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert. Now it reportedly has a name: Beer Barn. To be honest, the
Has the Varsity Tavern’s short but controversial run in the Valley come to an end? The Tempe sports bar and nightclub closed Wednesday after the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control determined the venue not only failed to enforce
If you’ve driven past the southwest corner of Recker and Brown in east Mesa in the past week and not noticed just-opened NY Pizza & Wings, it’s understandable. The small pizzeria, which already is drawing rave reviews, is located inside
To slow the spread of the covid-19 virus in Arizona, the state’s bars will be closed at 8 p.m. tonight under a new executive order issued today by Gov. Doug Ducey. The order mandates the closure of bars, indoor gyms,
In a trend eerily reminiscent of the week preceding Arizona’s stay-at-home order in March, a growing number of Valley restaurants are choosing to temporarily close as covid-19 cases surge in Arizona. Jolie’s Place in Chandler closed last Monday with plans
Todd Graves, the founder and CEO of Louisiana-based Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, is launching a reality TV series to help restaurants struggling during the covid-19 pandemic. The show, called ‘‘Restaurant Recovery,’’ is looking restaurants, bakeries, or other eateries that have
The opening of Francine, a French-Mediterranean fine-dining concept coming to Scottsdale Fashion Square, has been pushed back to Aug. 14. The concept from famed restaurateur Laurent Halasz will join Nobu, Toca Madera, and Ocean 44 in the mall’s luxury wing. The 5,000-square-foot
Que Chevere, a 4-year-old food truck offering Venezuelan fare such as arepas, empanadas, and tequenos, has opened a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Mesa. It takes over the former Slickables space on the north side of Main Street between Robson and
Three popular nightclubs in Old Town Scottsdale – Riot House, El Hefe, and Whiskey Row – announced they will close through the weekend and perhaps longer to prevent overcrowding during the covid-19 pandemic. All three venues are owned by Scottsdale-based
SanTan Brewery & Distillery‘s Spirit House in downtown Chandler celebrates its one-year anniversary with three days of specials this weekend. Today, you can get 20% off all SanTan Spirits + Bitters retail items. There also is a special Iconic Cocktails
Mr Claws, a Cajun seafood restaurant, has launched its soft opening on the northeast corner of Alma School and Grove in west Mesa. It takes over the strip-mall space that’s been home to numerous concepts – including Quizno’s, Fresh Millions,
Good news for East Valley taco lovers: Mr Mesquite Taqueria, a local fast-casual chain specializing in Mexican street food, is coming to Gilbert and Mesa. Brothers Naser and Ahmad Alatrash debuted Mr. Mesquite — just a small kitchen with a
Condolences to the Rosati family on the unexpected passing of Rick Rosati (pictured below). The CEO of Rosati’s Pizza died at his Cave Creek home last week at age 70. Jeff Rosati, the chain’s chief financial officer, says his brother
Los Sombreros, a popular Mexican restaurant in south Scottsdale for the past two decades, plans to open a spinoff location in west Mesa – and temporarily feature three other concepts under the same roof. It’s all taking over the strip-mall
Kavala Restaurant & Cafe, which combines two popular Mediterranean cuisines ‘‘by cooking Greek dishes the Italian way,’’ has opened on the southeast corner of McQueen and Elliot in northwest Gilbert. It takes over the strip-mall space formerly home to 1455
Last week, MXSW reported The Perch Pub & Brewery in downtown Chandler planned to close temporarily starting June 29 ‘‘due to the craziness of the COVID-19 virus here in Arizona and the current physical state of the restaurant.’’ Over the
The twice-a-year Arizona Restaurant Week begins its 10-day spring run today with more than 100 participating restaurants offering special three-course meals for either $33 or $44. For the first time in the promotion’s 13 years, the meals will be available
Salad and Go, the Gilbert-born quick-service concept that has grown to 18 Valley locations in just seven years, announced it will increase its starting wage for all team members to $15 per hour starting June 29. In addition, existing employees
The Perch Pub & Brewery in downtown Chandler announced it will close temporarily starting June 29 ‘‘due to the craziness of the COVID-19 virus here in Arizona and the current physical state of the restaurant.’’ The 6-year-old brewpub (pictured in
Just three days after a social media firestorm led to the closure of its Arcadia location, Zipps Sports Grill has closed two more locations due to more employees testing positive for Covid-19.
Kungfu Ramen – a Chinese noodle house, not a Japanese ramen shop – has opened on the southeast corner of McClintock and Broadway in Tempe. It takes over the strip-mall space that formerly was home to Malaysian restaurant BP Street
Backyard Taco, an award-winning chain of local taco shops born in a Mesa backyard, is opening a fourth location – its first in Chandler. It will be located on Gilbert Road just south of Germann. The fast-casual menu will offer
Yet another concept is going into the former Thirsty Amigos Taco Shop at Gilbert Town Square. According to temporary signage, it next will become Howler’s Restaurant & Sports Bar. The 6,300-square-foot building on Gilbert Road between Warner and Ray has
Back in November, MXSW was the first to report Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, an award-winning pizza chain out of New York City, was opening its first Arizona location. The 2,500-square-foot pizzeria, located on the northwest corner of Lakeshore and Baseline in
Bibio Modern Korean Kitchen, a locally owned fast-casual Korean restaurant, has opened its second East Valley location on the northwest corner of Kyrene and Chandler in west Chandler. The original location launched in November in the Gilbert Gateway Towne Center
Goat Shrimp and Sun Flower Beef 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, June 18. The dinner, hosted by owner-chef Romeo Taus and his wife,
What the heck is going on at Zipps Sports Grill? On Saturday, employees of the local sports bar chain, which has 14 Valley locations, took to social media to report five workers at the Arcadia location in east Phoenix had
Rosati’s Pizza‘s original Arizona location on the northwest corner of McClintock and Warner in south Tempe has reopened under new ownership. The takeout-only store had closed in December after 33 years in business. The family-run pizzeria chain, which began in
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Gordon Biersch, Rock Bottom Brewery, and Logan’s Roadhouse – whose parent company, Craftworks Holdings, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early March – are getting a second chance. Nashville-based SPB Hospitality has purchased and taken
Looking for a restaurant job in downtown Chandler? La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen is getting ready to open its second location at the end of the this month. The restaurant, which will be located in the Overstreet development on the
Paris Baguette, a South Korea-based chain of bakery cafes, holds its soft opening today in west Mesa. It’s located in Asian supermarket H Mart, which held its own soft opening Thursday, on the southeast corner of Main and Dobson. Paris
The Brass Tap in downtown Gilbert announced it will close Monday – but the 15-month-old location plans to reopen next month as a Creole restaurant and bar. The Florida-based chain made its Arizona debut at Mesa Riverview in February 2014.
Blue Adobe Santa Fe Grille has permanently closed its 17-month-old Gilbert location on the northeast corner of Lindsay and Williams Field. The restaurant had been closed since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The original Blue Adobe made its debut
The East Valley’s plethora of Asian supermarkets gets another member today with the soft opening of H Mart in west Mesa. It’s the chain’s 67th U.S. location, but the first in Arizona. H Mart is located on the southeast corner
Shinme Sushi, an independent Japanese restaurant, has opened in the former Elevate Martial Arts space on the southwest corner of Gilbert and Queen Creek in south Chandler. The menu offers 16 signature sushi rolls, as well as entrees like teriyaki
Surf City Sandwich, an award-winning sandwich shop and beach bar in Santa Cruz, Calif., has opened a second location next to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on Power just south of Ray in southeast Gilbert. The concept, which combines founding chef Paul
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, a Florida-based chain of frozen dessert shops, has opened its first Arizona location on the southwest corner of Alma School and Ocotillo in south Chandler. The offerings include Italian ice and soft ice cream in a variety
Gilbert-born healthy fast-food concept Salad and Go, which opened its 16th and 17th Valley locations in May, plans to launch three more this month. The just-opened locations are on the southeast corner of Gilbert and Queen Creek in south Chandler
Mexican restaurant and patio bar Dos Gringos has permanently closed its Chandler location, the latest blow for the once-popular East Valley chain. The laid-back cantina, located on Alma School halfway between Warner and Ray, had been temporarily closed since March
Big news for fans of Buddyz pizza! The Valley’s best Chicago deep-dish is coming to San Tan Valley this fall. The concept’s fourth East Valley pizzeria is taking over the former Ironwood Pub & Grill on the northeast corner of
The Dash Inn has been closed since 1994, but the iconic Tempe hangout is making a comeback of sorts. Valley restaurateur Dave Andrea, who briefly owned The Dash Inn before its closure, has converted a room at his Brat Haus
Up to 20% of Arizona restaurants – 1 out of every 5 – may be forced out of business by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the head of the Arizona Restaurant Association. Steve Chucri, participating Thursday in an ABC15 Town
Bisbee Breakfast Club, a well-liked breakfast-and-lunch eatery known for its homestyle breakfasts and house-made pies, has launched its second East Valley location on the southeast corner of I-10 and Ray in west Chandler. It takes over the 6,800-square-foot building that
Citing the importance of transparency, La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen in Gilbert is the latest East Valley restaurant to voluntarily report an employee has contracted Covid-19. The unidentified employee, who last worked May 19, began feeling mild symptoms after returning
You don’t see or hear much in the East Valley about Throne Brewing, but that may be about to change. The West Valley brewery has signed with Quail Distributing to market its beers throughout Arizona. Throne Brewing was launched by
Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante, a popular Mesa dining destination for 34 years, has opened its location on the southeast corner of Higley and Queen Creek in Gilbert. The newly built strip mall also has a Starbuck’s and Dairy Queen.
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro took to social media Monday to announce an employee at its Queen Creek location notified the restaurant Friday they tested positive for Covid-19. The restaurant says the employee is quarantined at home and doing well. Oregano’s did
Due to state-mandated closures during the Covid-19 pandemic, Lochiel Brewing in east Mesa has closed its taproom ‘‘indefinitely’’ and is replacing it with a bottling line. The 3-year-old brewery, which specializes in Scottish ales and lagers, will focus on selling
Craft 64 Pizzeria & Pub, one of the last restaurants in downtown Chandler doing just takeout and delivery due to the Covid-19 pandemic, reopens its dining room and patio today. The move comes as Chandler launches a new initiative, Dine
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in Chandler, Tempe, and Gilbert have filed for bankruptcy in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. A statement from Craig Paschich, the majority owner of the East Valley dine-in movie theaters, reads: ‘‘I’m sad to confirm
Sweet Tomatoes, a San Diego-based chain of soup and salad bars, is permanently closing its 97 restaurants nationwide, including three in the East Valley, due to coronavirus. New guidelines from the FDA are forcing restaurants to discontinue all forms of
El Zocalo Mexican Grille, a fixture in downtown Chandler for two decades, has closed. Owners Obed and Pam de la Cruz made the announcement Tuesday on Facebook: ‘‘We are sad to announce this chapter has come to an end. El
Tempe-based Four Peaks Brewing has permanently closed its Grill & Tap location in Scottsdale after 16 years. The brewery, which was bought by Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2015, said the closure was not due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The location served
Good morning! By now you’ve surely heard Arizona restaurants are being allowed to reopen for dine-in service starting Monday. A lot of MXSW readers have asked what new procedures, if any, will be in place. At this point I only
In a surprise decision, Gov. Ducey announced Arizona restaurants can reopen for dine-in service next Monday, May 11. Just last week, he said a May 12 reopening was the ‘‘best-case’’ scenario. He also announced barbershops and salons can reopen this
Congrats to Chrysa Robertson of Rancho Pinot in Scottsdale, Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Cafe in Phoenix and Jeff Smedstad of Elote Cafe in Sedona, who were named finalists for Best Chef Southwest in the prestigious James Beard Awards. Pizzeria
Good morning! Finalists for the coronavirus-delayed 2020 James Beard Awards, the Oscars of the culinary world, finally will be announced at 1 p.m. today on Twitter. Good luck to Arizona’s 22 semifinalist chefs and restaurants, the state’s most ever. Winners
Woodbarn BBQ opens in Queen Creek East Valley food truck Woodbarn BBQ has opened a bricks-and-mortar restaurant on the southwest corner of Power and Chandler Heights on the Gilbert-Queen Creek border. Father-and-son owners Mark and Skylar Hittle are smoking brisket, pork, sausage,
With several states beginning to allow restaurants to reopen this week, the National Restaurant Association has issued a 10-page Covid-19 reopening guide for restaurant owners. Its recommendations include: Thoroughly cleaning, detailing, and sanitizing the entire facility; Conducting employee temperature checks;
Teakwoods Tavern & Grill, a neighborhood hangout best known for its baskets of free peanuts, has closed its flagship Chandler location after 25 years. Notices posted at the restaurant on the southeast corner of Ray and Kyrene indicate it was
Good Time Charli’s, a 3-year-old west Chandler bar and grill with extensive live music offerings, has temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. ‘‘When the shutdown began on March 20th, I knew we would be OK for awhile,’’ owner Charli
Someburros, an East Valley-based fast-casual Mexican concept, has opened its 10th location in front of Sprouts on the southwest corner of the 202 and Recker in northeast Mesa. Someburros offers 15 types of burritos, as well as tacos, tostadas, enchiladas,
Beer and spirits wholesale giant Crescent Crown Distributing is donating a percentage of its April sales – a minimum of $250,000 – to help support Arizona restaurants, bars, and workers. ‘‘So many good people have suffered a loss of wages,
The Servd mobile app, featured several weeks ago on MXSW, is being offered to restaurant owners for free during this period of coronavirus restrictions. Developers Frank Estadt, owner of Waldo’s BBQ & Catering, and Aaron Zeper say there is no cost
The coronavirus pandemic scuttled the planned grand opening of DC Steakhouse’s new downtown Chandler location last month, but the indie restaurant now has moved and is offering takeout from its new digs. It wasn’t a long trip – just over
Chandler neighborhood hangout Jolie’s Place announced it will close temporarily Wednesday after learning its SBA loan application was denied. ‘‘We’ve made the terribly hard decision to temporarily close Jolie’s Place,’’ the popular bar and grill posted on social media, adding
Chef-owner Silvana Salcido Esparza announced the permanent closure of acclaimed Barrio Cafe Grand Reserva in Phoenix over the weekend. The move was necessary, she says, to save her flagship restaurant Barrio Cafe during the coronavirus pandemic. ‘‘Hard decision but we
Press release: The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild will host its first ever ‘Keep Arizona Brewing’ Virtual Beer Festival on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 2 p.m. Participants are encouraged to pick up or order a delivery of beers from a
Press release: Since its inception, the Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) has been dedicated to the support and advocacy of the Arizona food and beverage industry. In recent weeks, this has been exemplified in great strides with the immediate implementation of
Press release: Some good news for the industry from Governor Ducey. Last week, he issued an executive order regarding commercial evictions, including lock-outs, notice to vacate, or any other attempt to inhibit the operations of a business. Ducey said, “Arizona
Amici Pizza: Get $10 off any half-tray of lasagna, manicotti, stuffed shells, and other entrees on catering menu. Half-trays feed 8-12 people. Orders must be placed 24 hours in advance and picked up between 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Call 480-361-0006.
Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants have launched a Burritos for Badges program allowing people to donate meals to first responders and medical personnel. You can donate online or by calling 480-857-0343. Anyone who makes a minimum $10 donation receives a digital coupon
Some very sad news: Prolific Valley restaurateur Patrick King – a co-owner of The Living Room, CHoP, and Rock Lobster in south Chandler – passed away Saturday. King, who was battling melanoma, was 55. ‘‘As a partner, Patrick was the
All hail our new robot overlords! Venezia’s Pizzeria‘s flagship location in Tempe has become the first East Valley restaurant to deliver pizza via robotic vehicles. The locally owned chain, which has locations in Tempe, Gilbert, and Mesa, has teamed up
SanTan Brewing and Helluva Brewing have joined the list of East Valley craft breweries that are making hand sanitizer during the coronavirus pandemic. SanTan has partnered with Crescent Crown Distributing to convert 16,000 gallons of unsold beer into 400 gallons
The Living Room in south Chandler is the latest East Valley restaurant to experiment with market-like commissary service. Besides prepared meals, the wine cafe and lounge is selling meat, dairy, produce, and other supplies – including toilet paper, paper towels,
Although its doesn’t serve food, Hop Central Brewery & Taproom in Chandler remains open for to-go sales of growlers and crowlers of craft beer and bottles of wine. Hours are limited to 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; The
Tempe distillery Adventurous Stills is discounting bottles of spirits and offering delivery during the coronavirus epidemic. The discounts: If you buy one bottle, you get 5% off; If you buy two bottles, you get 10% off; If you buy three
California Fish Grill, a Los Angeles-base chain of fast-casual seafood restaurants, will make its Arizona debut on the northeast corner of Stapley and Baseline in Mesa. It’s taking over 3,200 square feet in the building that formerly was home to
Mark’s Cafe, one of Tempe’s most beloved small restaurants, has closed permanently after 16 years. Owner and chef Mark Vojtek and his wife, Karen, made the announcement on social media: The restaurant, which began life in 2003 as Culinary Solutions
After giving out more than 500 free kids lunches last week, Sal’s Gilbert Pizza is continuing the giveaways until schools resume. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, kids get a choice of three free to-go meals: Slice
Many MXSW readers have asked for a list of small, family-owned restaurants they can support by ordering delivery or takeout during the COVID-19 crisis. I’m compiling the list in sections, starting with pizza since it’s the most popular delivery food.
With so many restaurants struggling financially during the COVID-19 crisis, I’m sharing this advice for restaurant owners and landlords offered by MXSW sponsors Chuck Wells and Justin DiBiase of Kidder Mathews, the largest independent commercial real estate firm on the
Skeptical Chymist Irish Pub in north Scottsdale is giving away free hot meals from noon to 5 p.m. today. It’s only asking for cash donations for the staff members volunteering their time to prepare the meals. The restaurant, which is
Brooklyn V’s Pizza, a locally owned pizzeria with locations in Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek, is holding a benefit for its servers Tuesday. The pizzeria will donate 50 percent of the day’s sales to its servers. ‘‘I am so blessed
Worth Takeaway, the award-winning sandwich shop in downtown Mesa, is raising money for Valley chefs with its popular Monday Night Supper series. Every Monday 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Worth Takeaway has featured a ‘‘hearty and tasty’’ off-menu item. Now,
Baja Joe’s Mexican Cantina in northeast Mesa has set up a GoFundMe campaign to support its employees and their families. The restaurant, which is open for takeout and delivery from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., is trying to keep as
Gilbert-based Salad and Go, which gave away more than 12,000 free salads and breakfast burritos to nurses and first responders last week, is doing more giveaways this week. Drive-throughs at all 15 Salad and Go locations in the Valley will
Press release: The Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) is responding to the recent state of emergency by creating an all new marketing strategy to help support local dining establishments with the debut of Arizona Takeout Week. Harnessing the energy from the
Adventurous Stills: Bottle sales available on an appointment basis. Call 480-292-8770 to arrange a pickup time. Amici Pizza: Order online for delivery or call 480-361-0006 for carryout. Baja Joe’s: Call 480-655-1828 for carryout or curbside delivery. No delivery available. Bella
Gov. Doug Ducey is limiting all restaurants in Maricopa County and five other counties to delivery and takeout. His order, which takes effect at the end of business Friday, also closes all bars. The mandate is in effect for any
Press release: The City of Tempe has announced the following measures as of March 19, 2020: All bars, nightclubs, and breweries are to close by 8 p.m. All restaurants are to move to curbside pick-up or delivery only. All dining
Like medieval knights on a quest to defend their kingdoms, Arizona restaurant owners are locked in a battle against an almost mythical beast. ‘‘We’re trying to slay a dragon known as COVID-19, and it’s a mean one,’’ says Steve Chucri,
Scottsdale Beer Company sent out a confusing email today that led some people to mistakenly think the brewery was closing permanently. The brewpub let its entire staff go, but will remain open with the owners as the only staff.
