Category: new concept

Birdcall opening its first Arizona location in Scottsdale next month

The Denver-based fast casual restaurant Birdcall will be opening its first all-natural chicken restaurant in Scottsdale in April. Once opened in the former Jason’s Deli near the northeast corner of Scottsdale & Shea it will be the first of 10 planned locations in Phoenix. The company was founded in 2016 and the Scottsdale location will be the company’s ninth location.

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Peter Newlin said that the new Phoenix area locations align with the company’s growth strategy. “We’re trying to change the way that people look at fast food,” Newlin said. “We’ve incorporated cutting-edge technology to deliver delicious natural foods and beverages quickly, without sacrificing quality. Our customers appreciate the fact that they can either grab a meal to-go or dine in with family and friends in a casual, hip setting that conveniently works around their schedules and any time constraints.”

Once opened, Birdcall will serve lunch and dinner that will feature 100% all-natural chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, crispy tenders, gluten & dairy free chicken nuggets along with vegetarian options. Phoenix’s Noble Bakery will provide fresh buns and sauces will be made from scratch in-house using 100% all natural ingredients. Local beers from SanTan Brewing and Greenwood Brewing will be served as will organic teas & sodas and milkshakes.

A community minded Birdcall

Birdcall is very focused on the communities it enters and gives back at least 1% of sales to the community. “Community is the heart and soul of everything we do at Birdcall,” Newlin said. “We want to be measured by the impact we create, not the money we make, and that’s why our beneficiaries range from local street artists and musicians to schools and nonprofits.”

Inside will be spacious with a contemporary design and outside will be a mural inspired by Arizona and shaded tables on the dog-friendly patio. Technology will make ordering easy with kiosks for dine-in & take-out and a double lane drive-thru is available for those on the go. A second location at  SanTan Village is planned for Fall 2022 and a Phoenix location planned in early 2023. For more information and to view their menu visit their website.

Calzone Connection now available online from Crust Simply Italian

Specialty calzones are now available for delivery or pick-up from the kitchens of Crust Simply Italian locations in Scottsdale and Chandler. The new concept, Calzone Connection offers football sized calzones for sharing or a very hungry person with fillings such as lobster ravioli, spaghetti & meatballs and linguini Alfredo with bacon.

Founder Mike Merendino came up the idea for Calzone Connection from years in Italian restaurants for serving staff meals that aren’t on the menu. “We go beyond the dishes we’re serving – we love to create our own,” Merendino explained. “These menu items we put together are what we used to eat growing up in my father’s pizzeria.”

During the recent pandemic when staff at his restaurants would eat together and have fun creating new things to eat. “We started making these wild calzones,” he recalled. Soon after staff would to have them made again and asking if they could start serving them to guests.

If you’re craving a calzone you can order online from 11 a.m. to 9:00p.m. daily & 11am to 9:30p.m. Friday and Saturday. Pick-up or delivery from third party delivery services is available.  Calzones can be picked up at Crust’s restaurants at 8300 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, and 10 N. San Marcos Pl., Chandler. A third location will in Gilbert will be opening at Williams Field & Recker Rd. later this year.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Restaurant concept from Guy Fieri to open at Chase Field

There may or may not be baseball this Spring at Chase Field but things will still be happening when Food Network star Guy Fieri opens a new restaurant at the ballpark. The restaurant concept has yet to be made public to be located in the new state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook on the plaza outside the stadium in the former Game 7 Grill.

“We believe this is a rare and exciting opportunity for individuals who are driven to deliver a high-quality, high-service dining experience for guests and sports fans,” said D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall. “This is a chance to get in on the ground level of a unique, fresh and fun concept in food, gaming and baseball at Chase Field.”

Fieri is popular in the Phoenix area making frequent stops in town for his show “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” that has featured over 30 Arizona restaurants. Last year his delivery only restaurant concept Flavortown Kitchen opened in the valley. This dine-in restaurant will be open year round and anchor the new 20,000 square foot two story venue. A a full bar and extensive menu, a VIP lounge, sports betting space, indoor & outdoor seating and big screen TVs are all features at the sportsbook.

Restaurant partners Caesars and the Diamondbacks are looking to hire management and service team members for the new restaurant. Candidates can click this link to apply.

Tom Kaufman opens Bottle & Bean Coffee House & Wine Shop in Ocotillo

Restaurateur Tom Kaufman and his business partner Spike Lawrence have single handily built the downtown Ocotillo restaurant scene. The south Chandler neighborhood can thank them for such restaurants as Rock Lobster, The Living Room, CHoP Chandler and Sea & Smoke. The pair have added the new Bottle & Bean Coffee House & Wine Shop to their collection of restaurants.

The new coffee shop and wine bar opens today serving scratch made breakfast and lunch created by Chef Chris George. Tom Kaufman has been in and around the valley’s restaurant and wine scene for more than 25 years opening Rancho Pinot Grille and Humble Pie before opening The Living Room and other concepts. A certified sommelier with a passion for wine he says, “At Bottle & Bean, we showcase a variety of wines from around the world, including many of my favorites. For our bottle-to-go offerings, we’re staying competitive with major retailers and passing along great value to wine enthusiasts.”. Beers and wine merchandise are also available and local coffee roaster Infusion provides the beans for coffee and espresso drinks.

The menu includes dishes such as a Quinoa Breakfast Burrito, Beefsteak Tomato Toast and a Southwest Chicken Sausage Frittata. Lunch offers sandwiches, salads and bowls including the Steak Sandwich and the Veggie Bowl. The restaurant is open from 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. but can extend hours at night for private parties up to 50 people. Prix Fixe menus are available for $50, $70 & $90 per person for private dining.

The Bottle & Bean can seat up to 130 people inside and on the patio. Lawn seating offers lounge chairs and space for picnic like dining. It is located at 2577 W. Queen Creek Rd. Chandler 85248. For more information visit their website.

 

 

Recreo brings international cuisine to its playground themed restaurant

The newest restaurant in downtown Chandler opened last week serving fun and food inspired from around the world. Recreo features specialty cocktails, an edible garden and international cuisine with its live outdoor entertainment. The theme is reminiscent of times as kids playing with friends in the school yard and playground.

“Recreo is bringing a fresh, youthful atmosphere to Chandler’s downtown area,” says General Manager Henry Malachowski. “We are thrilled to provide fresh local ingredients, an inviting indoor/outdoor garden hangout vibe and unique cocktails that will have you daydreaming about your next visit.”

The “foodventurous” uses Arizona grown ingredients for its signature dishes including charcuterie boards “The Patio Board & The Garden Board”, the Buddha Bowl, ceviche and The Amazing Mushroom. Crepes Foster and “That’ll Do, Fig” are featured desserts. Cocktails have a school recess theme called “Elementary Cocktails” and include the Greyhound inspired “The Mean Dog on the Other Side of the Fence” and the “After School Special”, a white wine spritzer. Signature cocktails include the frozen “Yolo Whip”, the “Second Star to the Right” and “Hot Pink”.

In between eating and drinking guests can have fun on the bar swing set, view the bus art installation and enjoy live music from the stage made from a shipping container suspended above the outdoor patio. “From the moment we discovered the site, we were instantly dedicated to recreating the space to honor our great state, it’s ‘melting pot’ culture, and to also creating new experiences as a community,” said Chris Field, founder of Allium Hospitality. “Recreo celebrates the history of Chandler, while simultaneously looking forward to its vibrant, bustling future.”

The restaurant is at 28 S. San Marcos Pl. Chandler 85225 and opens daily at 11 a.m. For more information visit their website.

 

 

Cala to open with all-star culinary team led by Beau MacMillan

When the Cala restaurant opens next week at the new Senna House hotel in Scottsdale it will have an all-star cast running the food, wine & cocktail programs. Celebrity chef and Food Network star Beau MacMillan serves as Culinary Director with Executive Chef Peter McQuaid Jr. returning to Phoenix to from Las Vegas where he opened Money, Baby! at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

Also returning to Phoenix from Las Vegas is Clint “Spotty” Spotleson who will oversee the restaurants cocktail program and just this weekend David Johnson announced he’s coming on board as the restaurants Sommelier and Wine Director. Johnson was last at Octotillo Restaurant in central Phoenix as General Manager and both are long time staples on the valley’s cocktail and wine scene.

What to expect at Cala

Once opened Cala will serve Mediterranean dishes inspired by the cuisine of Spain, Italy, Morocco and other seaside countries. Envision handmade pastas, fresh cheeses & breads, locally grown vegetables and fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. The simple, healthy and flavorful dishes will emphasize the seasonal ingredients of the coastal regions.

“Cala is a place that guests will find themselves not wanting to leave; it’s vibrant with great energy creating an immersive environment with an experience that offers something for everyone,” said MacMillan. “We’ve intentionally created a modern establishment with a perfectly curated vibe and approachable food that is incredibly cared for alongside unforgettable cocktails.”

Macmillan will continue at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain where he was recently named Culinary Advisor and McQuaid Jr. will be overseeing the day to day operations at Cala. It’s not the first time the two have worked together as McQuaid Jr. worked with MacMillan at Sanctuary and considers him a mentor. You can hear McQuaid Jr. tell his story and his relationship with MacMillan on Episode 42 of The Podcast.

Senna House opened last month in Scottsdale’s Entertainment District on the spot that used to house the legendary Don & Charlie’s Restaurant and is paid tribute too with a montage of sports memorabilia in the hotel’s lobby. Cala is owned by local restaurant & hospitality group Clive Collective which also owns Money, Baby! in Las Vegas. MacMillan also oversees the culinary program at Money, Baby! and is Clive Collective’s Director of Culinary Operations. Cala and Senna House is at 7501 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale 85251 and reservations can be made at their website.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza to open first Arizona location in Mesa

A family friendly pizza and arcade concept is opening its first Arizona location at Mesa’s Riverview Shopping Center in 2022. When Mountain Mike’s Pizza opens it will be serving its legendary crispy & curly pepperoni pizza along with other Mountain sized specialty pizzas that take toppings to the edge. The Newport Beach based company will also introduce its new “Pizza the Way It Oughta Be” signature experience in Mesa.

“Everyone should have the chance to experience Mountain Mike’s iconic pizza, and we’re thrilled to bring the legacy concept and its legendary pizzas to Arizona for the first time,” said Donte’ Andry of Pelican Food Concepts, which will own and operate the Mesa location. “We wholeheartedly believe in the brand’s amazing food and restaurant features, like an arcade area and big screens throughout, so we’re excited for Mesa-area locals to find out for themselves why Mountain Mike’s has been a go-to pizza spot for families and sports fans for more than 40 years!”Mountain Mike's Pizza

The restaurants are known for using the freshest and finest ingredients for its pizzas including 100% whole milk mozzarella. Other favorites on the menu will be bone-in wings, salads, garlic bread for dine-in, take-out or delivery. Beer and wine will also be served.

In addition to Mesa other Arizona locations are planned along with locations in Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Texas. “Mountain Mike’s continues to capture loyal fans throughout the West, and we’re ready to become a fixture for families and pizza fans in communities throughout Arizona, beginning with Mesa,” said Jim Metevier, President and COO. “For more than four decades, guests have been coming together to share memorable moments over our amazing pizza, and we are extremely proud to extend the one-of-a-kind Mountain Mike’s dining experience into Arizona.”

For more information and to stay up-to-date about the opening visit their website.

 

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Trapp Haus BBQ owner expanding and rolling out new food trucks in 2022

Phil “The Grill” Johnson, award-winning pit master & owner of the downtown Phoenix BBQ joint is expanding the size of the restaurant. When completed in January 2022 guests will enjoy a better dining experience with easier ordering, a pick-up window, full bar and more. In the Spring he launches 2 new food trucks that will feature the foods of his native NYC and east coast.

Not busy enough he’s also starting a business to build food trucks and help first time food truck owners get started. Listen to Phil’s story on Episode 41 of The Podcast.

First drive-thru only Mesquite Fresh Street Mex to open

The locally owned authentic Mexican concept continues to grow in 2022 with the opening of its first drive thru only location Gilbert in February. It’s the ninth location with three more drive-thru only locations coming later in the year.

Koibito Poke now offering side dishes

Four new side dishes were recently introduced at all 4 Phoenix area locations including Seaweed Salad, Cucumber Salad, Crab Mix and Spicy Crab Mix. Enjoy the 5oz. sides with your bowl or by itself. The also recently introduce Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 4 -6 p.m. and all day on Saturday & Sunday. Enjoy specials on beer, wine, sake & seltzers and $2.00 off Signature Bowls.

New Year’s Eve free rides from Valley Metro

Local beer distributor Crescent Crown and Coors Light are footing the bill through a donation for free rides on all bus routes and light rail Friday December 31st from 7 p.m. – 2 a.m Saturday January 1st 2022.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Fall Harvest Dinner at Agritopia with The TLC eXperience

Reserve your seats for a multi-course farm to table dinner under the stars in the orchard on Friday November 5th. Limited seats are available for Chef Tom and his culinary team’s menu with Agritopia grown produce and other locally sourced ingredients. Seats are $150 per person for the 6 p.m. start.

Frog’s Leap wine dinner at Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen

Thursday October 28th the downtown Scottsdale restaurant hosts a 5 course dinner paired with the Napa Valley’s acclaimed wines. Ravioli, risotto, short rib and more for $100++ per person. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and the menu and pairings can be found here.

Dominick’s Steakhouse to donate sales of dinners on October 25th

This Monday night the Scottsdale restaurant will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of 200 dinners to the Make-A-Wish Arizona. Make-A-Wish was founded in Phoenix and grants wishes to seriously ill children. For more information and to make a reservation visit their website.

Free pizza or salad for National First Responders Day

Fired Pie is giving all active duty police officers and firefighters a free meal all day on Thursday October 28th. Show your badge at any location so the locally owned chain can say “Thank you”.

Buzzed Bull Creamery hiring fair in Scottsdale.

Arizona’s first Buzzed Bull is looking to hire enthusiastic team members for their new Scottsdale location on Wednesday October 27th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Must be 19 years old, have reliable transportation, be willing to use a hand help POS system and more. Be prepared to interview on site at 7135. E Camelback Rd.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

The Parlour Room to give cocktail enthusiasts a nightly experience

Those looking to get more of an experience for a night on the town will have “The Parlour Room” to visit when it opens on Devil’s Night, Saturday October 30th. The underground cocktail bar joins its sister bar The White Rabbit in downtown Gilbert in the basement courtyard of The Heritage Building at 207 N. Gilbert Rd.

“Our aim is to make an experience of the night out — one that intrigues the seasoned imbiber and is also inviting for social interactions,” explains founder Nick Medina of Medina Hospitality, the brainchild behind both concepts. “At The Parlour Room, as with The Rabbit, achieving that sense of wonderstruck is as important to us as offering the most enticing menu of mixed drinks.”

The new concept will continue the theme of Dr. O’Hare who used his apothecary & medical practice as a decoy for his prohibition speakeasy The White Rabbit. Dylan Matador, head bartender at The White Rabbit curated the cocktail menu which includes a book of specialty martinis and more. The dark & moody red lighting will give it jazzed up atmosphere and encourages guests to dress for a special night out.

For more information and to see hours of operation visit their website.