Shawarmaati Mediterranean Grill
Shawarmaati Mediterranean Grill is expanding to downtown Tempe, marking the brand’s third Valley location. The restaurant specializes in authentic Mediterranean cuisine including shawarma, grilled meats, wraps, and bowls with a 100% halal-certified menu cooked over live charcoal grill. The Tempe location, near Arizona State University, may feature longer hours and a different menu than existing […]
Slab City Bar & Grill
Slab City Bar & Grill is a new concept from Tempe restaurateur Scott Price, preparing to open near University Drive and Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe. The restaurant will serve grass-fed burgers and steaks cooked in 100% beef tallow, along with beer, wine, and cocktails. The concept is described as community-focused with an old-fashioned cooking […]
Blue Zebra Lounge
Blue Zebra Lounge is planned for 322 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix, the former Copper & Sage space at Uptown Plaza. A restaurant liquor license application was recently filed with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. The floor plan shows an indoor dining area, two bars, and patio seating. No opening date has […]
Subcity Sports Lounge
Subcity Sports Lounge is preparing to open in the former Atlantis Food & Drinks space. Owner Sharon Clement confirmed the team does not expect to open before October 2026. The 2,618-square-foot sports lounge will feature booth seating, an open dining area, a bar with counter seating, a kitchen, and a patio. A liquor license application […]
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw is planning a new ice cream scoop shop at The Switchyard, a mixed-use development under construction at the northeast corner of Ellsworth Loop Road and Ocotillo Road in Queen Creek, AZ. This will be the brand’s fourth Arizona location, joining existing shops in Gilbert, Tempe, and Phoenix. No opening date or timeline […]
Quail House Coffee & Creamery
New café concept opening at Desert Botanical Garden, just beyond the admissions gate. Will serve coffee, tea, gelato, and grab-and-go bites in a newly constructed space. Operated in partnership with chef/restaurateur Mark Tarbell (James Beard Award nominee, Iron Chef America winner), who also oversees Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s and Patio Café at the same location. Funded […]
Soju Station
Authentic Korean pocha (pojangmacha) concept from restaurateur Jaong Woo. Features four themed spaces inspired by elements (Fire/kitchen, Earth/main dining, Water/second floor bar, Air/patio). Includes upstairs bar called Calypso’s Cove with rotating themed pop-up bars every 90 days. Menu features traditional anju dishes, seafood specialties, and live Dungeness crab and lobster from on-site tanks. Liquor license […]
Vecina
Vecina, a chef-driven Latin-inspired restaurant owned by James and Raenee Fox, is opening a second location in Scottsdale’s McCormick Ranch area, taking over the former Z’Tejas space. The new location will expand beyond the original’s dinner-only service to include lunch, brunch, happy hour, private dining, wood-fired and raw menu offerings, and a lakeside patio.
Rebel Wine Lounge
Rebel Wine Lounge is relocating from downtown Mesa (104 W. Main St., Suite 107) to a new location at The Gilmore mixed-use development in Gilbert, AZ. Expected to reopen in Q1 2027. New location will feature a larger kitchen, expanded brunch/lunch/dinner offerings, a private event space, and coffee service. Operated by Macee Tillman and Christina […]
Petersen’s Ice Cream
Petersen’s Ice Cream, a century-old family-owned ice cream parlor founded in Chicago in 1919, plans to open its fifth Arizona location at the upcoming Laveen Towne Center in southwest Phoenix near Loop 202 and Dobbins Road. Co-owner Terry Spanos indicated a Q4 2027 opening, targeting September or October. The shop will feature the brand’s signature […]