Category: new location

Koibito Poke heads to the west valley opening at Park West

Peoria’s Park West development has added another local restaurant as Koibito Poke opened its first west valley location. Its Grand Opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, January 25th. This is the locally owned build-your-own-custom-poke-bowl concept’s sixth location.

“With the quick success of Koi Poke in Phoenix, Scottsdale and the East Valley, we knew Peoria was the next area we wanted to grow into and Park West serves as the ideal location,” says former Arizona Diamondback Pitcher Todd Stottlemyre and Koibito Founder. “We are thrilled that residents across the valley have responded so positively to our concept and we look forward to increasing the brand around the state — and the country.”

Starting Monday, January 20th all poke bowls are 50% off thru the 23th. On Friday, the 24th a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Arizona Friends of Foster Children. During the Grand Opening on the 25th the first 50 guests will receive a free bowl while supplies last.

Koibito Poke founded in 2017 by serving fresh seafood, chicken, rice & vegetable bowls where guest can choose proteins, toppings, sauces and add-ons. The restaurants pour wine, beer and sake to compliment the poke bowls. The company has recently announced plans to franchise locations outside of Arizona. To find a location near you check out their website. Photo by David Blakeman.

 

Duck Donuts opening 1st Arizona location in Chandler

Donut fans back east and in southern California know about the popularity of Duck Donuts. Arizona will have “Warm, Delicious Made-to-Order” donuts starting Saturday December 21st when the first Arizona franchise opens in Chandler.

The 1,053 square foot store will welcome their first customers at 8 a.m. at Fulton Ranch Towne Center at Arizona & Ocotillo. Customers will watch as their donuts go from dough to warm, delicious donuts then topped however you like. The vanilla cake donuts can be turned into donut sandwiches and donut sundaes to go with their signature coffees.

Franchisee Daniel Bruno says “While living in Charlotte, North Carolina, we vacationed to the Outer Banks while my wife was pregnant with our first child. She was craving sweets and I suggested Duck Donuts. While waiting in line you could smell the aroma of warm donuts and from that moment I was hooked. Once we moved back to Arizona, my wife was pregnant with our second child and craved Duck Donuts again! Once I realized we did not have a nearby location, I quickly started my inquiry into bringing the Duck Donuts brand to Arizona, and now we are officially ready to provide the Chandler community, friends and family our warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts.”

Chandler franchisee Daniel Bruno

Russ DiGilio founded Duck Donuts in 2006 in Duck, North Carolina. He decided to open the first shop when he couldn’t find warm, delicious donuts on the Outer Banks while on a family vacation. There are now 87 locations in 26 states and 3 countries with more on the way. Duck Donuts Chandler will be open 7 days a week at 4040 S. Arizona Ave. Suite 8. Find more about them at their Facebook page or the company website.

Barro’s Pizza opens it’s 43rd location near Grand Canyon University

Locally owned Barro’s Pizza has opened its 43rd location in a re-modeled shopping center a mile from Grand Canyon University. The new location at 6531 N. 35th Ave. in Phoenix is the first owned by Gina Barro, sister of owners Ken, Mike & Bruce Barro. The brothers opened their first restaurant over 40 years ago using their Italian grandmother Angelina’s pizza recipe. In addition to serving fluffy crust pizza with sweet and savory sauce, Barro’s serves chicken wings, subs, pasta and salads.

“This is the perfect neighborhood for Barro’s Pizza,” said Gina Barro, owner. The area has a lot of families that have lived there for many years so we can’t wait to provide a comfortable, homey, neighborhood restaurant where families can come any night of the week or for any occasion and enjoy a good meal.”

Gina’s son Chris and daughter Kylee are helping to manage the restaurant.

The modern contemporary decor of the restaurant has an urban vibe. The restaurant has 10 big screen TVs letting customers watch their favorite teams, video games and a play area with books and games for kids of all ages.

For more information about hours of operation and to see the menu head to their website.

 

 

Kaleidoscope Juice expanding to The Shops at Gainey Ranch

A food lovers life can’t always be about cheeseburgers, pizza and bacon. Healthy food helps to cleanse the body and your mind so we can continue to eat the guilty pleasures. Fortunately there is Kaleidoscope Juice which is opening their newest location at The Shops in Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale. Opening in October, the 1,000 square foot store will offer an all organic menu of cold pressed juices, salads, sandwiches, protein bowl and more.

“We are delighted to open this new, beautiful location in the neighborhood where I started the company delivering juices to people’s homes,” said Alexandra Maw, founder and owner of Kaleidoscope Juice. “We believe in the vibrancy of Kaleidoscope and look forward to sharing our passion for healthy, healing foods with the Scottsdale community.

Another location will open soon after as the health and wellness company continues to expand from its current four locations.

The ingredients and recipes are scientifically proven to help with specific dietary needs and deficiencies. The menu is attractive to people with different diets including Keto and gluten-free. Ingredients are locally sourced when possible.

Brook McGregor, co-owner and COO and master’s degree candidate in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine added, “We are excited to expand our menu outside the normal fruit and vegetable combinations. Our new smoothies are intentionally crafted providing a myriad of healthy fat compositions, hormone maintenance blends and cognitive support.”

The Shops at Gainey Ranch is at 8977 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85250. Kaleidoscope Juice will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information check out their website.

Desert Ridge Marketplace to get Arizona’s 4th Thirsty Lion Gastropub

UPDATE: Good news last minute shoppers, Thirsty Lion opens today (12/23). They will be closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, the re-open Thursday 12/26.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub announced that it has chosen Desert Ridge Marketplace for it’s fourth Phoenix area location. The 6,500 square foot restaurant will open in the fall of 2019 on the southwest side of The District. This will be the tenth restaurant to occupy Desert Ridge Marketplace since it’s $22 million upgrade in 2017.

“Desert Ridge Marketplace continues to establish itself as the place to be in the North Valley, evidence of how we chose where to open the fourth Arizona location,” said John Plew, Owner of Thirsty Lion. “We know our bold flavors and creative cocktail program will resonate with the Desert Ridge community, and we look forward to showing them what Thirsty Lion offers.”

The restaurant will have a larger dining room and outdoor bar with a fire pit. The restaurant has locations at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Tempe Marketplace and Gilbert’s SanTan Village.

Once opened the restaurant will serve eclectic gastropub cuisine with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Meats, seafood and fresh fruits and vegetables are all part of the restaurants core menu. Craft beers are served on tap along with uniquely created cocktails and over 20 wines by the glass.

Phoenix based Vestar owns and manages the shopping and entertainment complex. “Thirsty Lion will create an energetic and elevated dining experience at Desert Ridge Marketplace,” said Jenny Cushing, vice president of leasing at Vestar. “With extensive culinary and beverage options, we know Thirsty Lion will truly provide something for everyone in the North Valley.”

The shopping center is on Tatum Blvd. just north of the Loop 101.

Dave Andrea opens 2nd Brat Haus in Uptown Phoenix

It took Brat Haus owner Dave Andrea a while to find the right location for the second location of his popular beer garden. The location came to be at 16th St. and Bethany Home Rd. in Uptown Phoenix and is now open. A slight departure from its popular Scottsdale restaurant as the Phoenix location will be “adult casual” with counter service.

“This second location is a chance for us to fully realize the original idea I had for Brat Haus, which was more geared toward the quick service model,” said Brat Haus owner, Dave Andrea. “The main goal, like what we’ve done in Scottsdale, is to foster a community of people from the neighborhood who are looking for a casual spot to enjoy specialty beers, delicious food and a fun atmosphere.”

The Phoenix restaurant will offer 100 seats, 52 inside and 48 outside on the dog friendly patio. The European styled menu offers imported beers and specialties including brats, pretzels, burgers and house made dips. Happy hour will be offered with $2 off glasses of wine and draft beers and the restaurants signature Giant Bavaria Pretzel for $10. Take out is also available.

“Uptown Phoenix is an eclectic neighborhood with an incredible mix of businesses and people,” said Andrea. “It’s growing rapidly and we’re excited to be a part of that. The timing is perfect for us to introduce our concept to the community.”

Brat Haus is open daily from 11 a.m. -10 p.m. and is at 6025 N. 16th St. Phoenix 85016 and 3622 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251.

Coffee roaster to open flagship roastery in mid-July

Last year I reported that Phoenix coffee roaster Press Coffee was planning on opening a flagship roastery, it’s almost ready to go. Opening in mid-July it will include three new roasters, classroom & event space and a cafe.

The popular coffee roaster will do all of its roasting in the two-story 5,600 square foot eco-friendly facility. Solar panels on the roof and the use of natural gas will give the roastery energy efficiency. Guests will be able to see the roasting process while they enjoy food and drinks from the lounge area.

“We are thrilled to welcome the community into our new flagship location. The Roastery allows us to share with the public our love for coffee and how we make it. We hope this iconic building and our passion for the seed to cup process will be something Arizona can be proud of for years to come”

A new Probat roaster from Germany will give Press the ability to increase production for years to come of its cold brew and recently released cans. Roasted to perfection, the beans are of the highest quality and sourced from the best coffee farms around the world.

The upstairs will have space for 30 people and will be available for private events and coffee classes.

The cafe will serve and expanded food menu along with beer, wine and liquor. A new addition will be the “adult” cold brew shaker featuring peanut butter whiskey.

For three days Press will sell cups of drip coffee for $1 with all proceeds going to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Press’s roastery will be at 10443 N. 32nd St. Phoenix 85028. To find a Press Coffee roaster near you check out https://www.presscoffee.com/

Uptown Phoenix to get 9th Someburros location this summer

The family-owned Someburros Mexican eatery continues to grow and has announced their 9th location in Uptown Phoenix. It will be the first location outside the east valley when it opens at 7th St and Camelback. Expected top open later this summer, they will be serving award-winning burritos, tacos, enchiladas and more authentic Mexican food.

The fast casual restaurant will also serve frozen margaritas and draft beers to go with your food.

Co-owner Amy Vasquez is very excited about the Uptown Phoenix location as its where she lives. “It’s been a dream of mine for some time to open a Someburros in my neighborhood,” she said. “We know this community, we love this community and we’re raising our own families in this community, so we can’t wait to build our workforce and fanbase within it.”

When George and Mary Vasquez opened the first Someburros in 1986 they insisted on giving back to the community. Their three children continue this tradition of philanthropy at the current 8 locations.  When the new location opens it will partner with local schools as part of their community outreach.

“This is a bustling area, and with so many students, professionals and residents around, fast-casual is always in demand,” said Tim Vasquez, of the decision to open in Uptown Phoenix. “We’ve been thinking about expanding to this area for a while now, but we wanted to wait until we could find the perfect place. Now that we’ve found it, we can’t wait to get the doors open.”

To keep up to date on when the new location will open and to find the other location check out their website.

 

Matt’s Big Breakfast announces Scottsdale for its next location

With 4 locations around the valley Matt’s Big Breakfast has announced that its 5th location will be in Scottsdale. After teasing and getting feedback from customers on social media the southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & Thunderbird will be the new location. When it opens this fall people will line-up for one of the iconic names on the valley’s breakfast scene.

“Scottsdale was hungry,” said Matt Pool, owner and namesake of the most important meal of the day. “Local fans have even submitted suggestions on vacant spots for us to take over!”

This will be the eateries first franchised location taking on the atmosphere of the neighborhood. The menu, fundamentals and culture will be staying the same.

Matt’s Big Breakfast has received national attention with mentions in the New York Times, Bon Appetit and Eater. An appearance on The Food Network also helped put them on the national map.

Matt's Big Breakfast
French Toast

Relying on locals at Matt’s Big Breakfast

Sourcing ingredients from local purveyors customers in Scottsdale can expect sweet and savory dishes from Griddle Cakes to Salami Scrambles. The Big Butter Burger is a favorite of many and pays tribute to Pool’s Wisconsin upbringing.

“One of our main priorities is to avoid growing simply for the sake of growth, and to instead let it happen organically, and with the right people taking the reins of each new restaurant we open,” said Pool. “While this new location may have minor stylistic differences from existing Matt’s restaurants, guests will get to enjoy the same quality, consistency & superior service that they’ve come to expect from the Matt’s Big Breakfast family.”

Since opening in downtown Phoenix in 2004 the eatery has opened in Tempe, Arcadia and Sky Harbor Airport.

“We’re thrilled to add a Scottsdale location to the Matt’s Big Breakfast family,” Pool said. “Local fans will find everything they love about Matt’s at the new location – they just don’t have to drive as far now to enjoy it.”

For more information about Matt’s Big Breakfast checkout their website.

Taphouse Kitchen Phoenix now offers weekend brunch

The new location of Taphouse Kitchen at Shea & 32nd St. has started serving weekend brunch. The brunch menu offers classic breakfast favorites and cocktails. Taphouse Kitchen favorites including Fish Fry Everyday Baby !!, their Signature Burger and more are available at brunch. Brunch is available on Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Taphouse Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Taphouse Kitchen

Here are a few highlights from the brunch menu.

  • Eggs Benedict. Sourdough, smoked turkey, poached eggs, guacamole, smoked tomato, hollandaise sauce
  • Croque Monsieur. Sourdough, ham, gruyère, béchamel sauce
  • French Toast. Challah bread, cinnamon, vanilla bean crème brûlée, fresh berries
  • Pastrami Hash. Shaved pastrami, TapHouse taters, two sunny side up eggs, whole grain mustard hollandaise
  • Grilled Cheese. Sourdough, mushrooms, fontina, applewood smoked bacon, avocado, fried egg
  • Biscuits and Gravy. Cheddar biscuits, jalapeño sausage gravy, two eggs any style
  • Simple Breakfast. Two eggs any style, TapHouse taters, toast, choice of bacon or sausage

Brunch Cocktails

  • Mimosa. Blood Orange, Grapefruit, Orange Mango
  • Sangria. Seasonal red or white
  • THK Bloody Mary with local Paddington vodka
  • Strawberry-Peach Bellini
  • Basil Grapefruit Gimlet
  • Cucumber Press

Pizza at Taphouse Kitchen

The Phoenix location also serves “forno” style thin crust pizza. The handcrafted pizzas come with traditional pizza toppings including Meatball, Pepperoni and a White Pizza.

Taphouse Kitchen Phoenix is at 3131 E. Shea Blvd. 85028 and in Scottsdale at 6137 N. Scottsdale Rd #108 85250. For more information go to their website.