Author: Jess Harter

Black Chile Mexican Grill, a new chain concept from the founders of Kona Grill, will open its second location this May at Biltmore Fashion Park. The menu will feature tacos, enchiladas and Americanized entrees like chimichangas, chorizo meatloaf and its namesake

Smok’n Joe’s Roadhouse has opened in Scottsdale, taking over the former Mardi Gras space near McDowell and Hayden. Although the restaurant’s website doesn’t have much info, its Facebook page describes the concept as “scooter-friendly neighborhood bar & grill meets roadhouse

A couple days ago we mentioned Spinato’s Pizzeria would be opening its fifth Valley location next month in Ahwatukee in April. It looks like Spinato’s fans won’t have to wait quite that long. Sharp-eyed MXSW reader @ScorpionKiller snapped this photo

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, a Louisana-based chain that bills itself as the leading fast-casual chicken fingers restaurant in the nation, is planning to open its first two Arizona restaurants in Phoenix. The first is scheduled to open at Peoria Avenue and

BLD, the much-anticipated new casual restaurant from the people behind Cork, opens its doors at 10:30 a.m. today. Chef Brian Peterson and partners Robert and Danielle Morris’ latest restaurant, whose name is an acronym for “Breakfast Lunch Dinner,” is located on the northeast corner

Phoenix gourmet popcorn maker Poppa Maize has opened its long-awaited Mill Avenue stroe – right next to, conveniently enough, Madcap Theaters. Poppa Maize, which won a year’s free rent in downtown Tempe in a 2009 contest, finally opened Monday. The store

After sitting empty for a couple years, the former Bamboo Club space in downtown Tempe is getting a new tenant: Antars Sports Bistro is scheduled to open April 1. The second-story, 7,000-square-foot space will be Antars’ second Valley location. The

Spinato’s Pizzeria – which already has popular locations in Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix (two) – will open a fifth in Ahwatukee next month. The family-run business, which has won several local awards for its Chicago-style pizzas, has purchased a building at

Tired of slow-moving bar servers? A new Scottsdale taqueria will unveil the city’s first self-serve beer system for customers. El Hefe Super Macho Taqueria, located near Axis-Radius and the W Scottsdale Hotel, will hold its grand-opening party March 23. Booths

Barrio Cafe chef-owner Silvana Salcido Esparza has confirmed the news that MXSW broke four days ago – that the acclaimed Mexican restaurant is moving into the former GrainBelt GrillHouse building in Gilbert. Barrio Cafe will share the building with a new

Carefree Resort & Conference Center has transformed a private dining area for meetings and convention groups into a Southwestern restaurant called Lariat Grill. The work is part of a multi-million-dollar renovation of the conference center, formerly the Cafefree Inn. Lariat Grill,

Just in time for March Madness, Majerle’s Sports Grill opens its fourth Valley location today in Old Town Scottsdale. Named for former Phoenix Suns player (and current Suns assistant coach) Dan Majerle, the first Majerle’s opened in 1992 in downtown

Canned beer fans rejoice! The first-ever Ameri”Can” Canned Craft Beer Festival will be held May 21 in downtown Chandler. Thirteen craft brewers – nine from out of state – already have signed up. At least 30 others are expected to

Just got a first look at the menus for Province, which will open its doors in the new Westin Phoenix Downtown on Thursday. Check out the breakfast, lunch and dinner (pictured: miso chile glazed Tasmanian salmon with edamame, spinach and

Chaka Chaka, the tiny eatery just south of Chase Field in Phoenix, has closed. Owner Charlie Blonkenfeld is doing private catering and can still be reached at the restaurant’s number or though the restaurants website. Closed for business: Chaka Chaka

New Times broke the news two months ago about ShinBay‘s reopening at the Scottsdale Seville, but now AZ Central has some additional details. When the much-anticipated contemporary Japanese lounge opens in April, it will seat 30. But chef-owner Shinji Kurita plans

It looks like the Valley is down to one fulltime restaurant critic – at least temporarily. Michele Laudig, restaurant critic and blogger for Phoenix New Times, has resigned after a decade at the paper, according to a memo that just

Bonfire Grill & Bar, the wood-fired grill taking over the former Furio space in Old Town Scottsdale, opens tonight. Chef Matt Carter (Zinc Bistro and The Mission) consulted on the menu, which features sandwiches ($11-$15) and meat-and-vegetable skewers ($14-$24) New in

J.B.’s Family Restaurants, a Tempe company started in 1961, has filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. JB’s operates 50 company-operated, franchised or licensed restaurants in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. J.B.’s Family

Phoenix’s Barrio Cafe, considered by some the best Mexican restaurant in the Valley, plans to open a second location in Gilbert. Chef-owner Silvana Salcido Esparza (pictured), who was nominated for the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest last year