Tag: Grand opening

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Stemistry opening 2nd location at Heritage Square

Dylan Capshaw the teenage entrepreneur and owner Stemistry celebrates the opening of his new location Sunday, March 26th. The downtown Phoenix location’s grand opening is from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. with live music, samples from vendors and a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. A portion of sales from the rose latte will be donated to the Humane Animal Rescue &Trapping Team, a non-profit that supports lost dogs and cats. Dylan opened his first coffee lab and flower shop last year in Scottsdale combining his two passions.

Pita Jungle to raise money for Waste Not on National Pita Day

Next Wednesday, March 29th customers ordering a pita sandwich will have a $1 of their order donated to Arizona non-profit whose mission is to create sustainable food systems and prevent the wasting of food. The all-day promotion is for dine-in and take-out orders at participating locations. Pita options include Mediterranean Roasted Chicken (Shawarma), Falafel Pita, Grilled Chicken Pita, Gyro, Philly Chicken and Philly Steak Pitas, The Amazing [Hummus & Chicken] Pita and vegan pita offerings.

All you can eat fish & chips at Chompie’s on Friday’s

All 4 Arizona locations have a new weekly special for guests, from 11 a.m. until closing every Friday. Get all you can eat fish & chips for $21.99 including a cup of soup or side salad, hand-dipped beer-battered cod, coleslaw, fries and tartar sauce. A single serving is available for $15.99.

Hummus Republic now open in north Scottsdale

The fast casual Mediterranean eatery is now open at The Promenade at Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. and Scottsdale Rd. Known for its build-your-own pitas, wraps and bowls you can choose your favorite base, hummus, protein and toppings. The restaurant is located near the UPS Store and Renaldi’s Deli and is open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Liberty Station Tavern & Smokehouse offer new cocktails in time for Spring sipping season

The 2 north Scottsdale restaurants are now serving 8 new cocktails along with new craft beer and wines. A couple of the cocktails include Stacy’s Mom (Has Got It Goin’ On) is a gin based cocktail with fresh fruits and citrus, the lustful White Lotus combines pear brandy, prosecco simple syrup with other flavors. All cocktails are between $13 -$16.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Ramen Hood opens its second location in Chandler

The locally owned fast casual Ramen Hood is celebrating the opening of its second location at 1940 W. Chandler Blvd. The first location of the build-your-own ramen shop opened in 2018 in north Scottsdale and and Founder and CEO James Xie couldn’t be happier. Xie was inspired by his love of food and Japanese culture when he decided to open the upscale concept.

“We’re excited to officially celebrate our second location in Chandler, and what better time than during National Noodle Month,” said Xie. “You don’t have to be an experienced traveler to enjoy real ramen – we use a combination of traditional and contemporary methods while using fresh, quality ingredients, just like ramen shops in Japan. Best of all, you can create your own signature bowl with as many ingredients as you want.”

To celebrate the opening and National Noodle Month a March 29th grand opening is planned from 4-7 p.m. 20% of the days proceeds will be donated to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children. Expect a ribbon cutting with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce at 4-5 p.m. and a ramen eating contest at 5:30. Those interested can see the rules on their Facebook page and contact the restaurant via social media. The first 25 to attend will receive a $10 gift card and all month long customers who mention National Noodle Month will receive 10% off. For more information visit their website.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Gastromé Market bringing specialty wine & cheese to Gainey Ranch

The finishing touches are being taken care of for new wine and cheese market in Scottsdale’s Gainey Ranch neighborhood. Gastromé Market will open on Saturday September 10th with a grand opening celebration from co-owners Jenny Le and Tiffany Chavez. Over 5,000 square feet will include the market, a restaurant, a temperature controlled Eurocave for wine and a classroom. Come mid-Fall the outdoor patio will be available to enjoy our beautiful weather.

“This has been a true labor of love for us, and we can’t wait to get the doors open and meet the community,” says Le. “We’ve worked hard to create an inclusive environment where you can feel free to ask whatever you want – you won’t find any stuffiness or intimidation here.”

The inviting space will encourage guests to grab a bottle of wine and more to enjoy in one the nooks and alcoves throughout the market. For those on the run, the grab-n-go counter will let customers take lunch or dinner with them. Cheese cases will showcase domestic and international cheeses, the bakery offers pastries from around the world and a gift basket station will let you create the perfect gift.

Passionate experts will assist customers with choosing boutique wines, curated meats & cheeses and handcrafted items from local artisans. Gastromé Market will offer fun classes and seminars including food & wine pairings and how to build a charcuterie board.

Grand opening at Gastromé Market

The open the doors at 10 a.m. on the 10th and the first 100 guests through the doors will enjoy a champagne toast on every visit once a week for up to four people for a year. Throughout the event guests can sample wine & cheese, speak with the vendors and shop the wide range of goods.

“Whether you’re in search of something specific or you just want to see what we’re all about, stop by this September and we’ll show you around,” Chavez said. “We’re wine and cheese lovers ourselves, and we’re really passionate about food and drink, in general. Our goal is to make you as excited about it as we are, and if we can get you to try something new, even better!”

Gastromé Market is at 7704 Doubletree Ranch Rd. The market opens at 10 a.m. and the restaurant at 11 a.m. For more information visit their website.

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.

 

Goodyear welcomes newest Babbo Italian Eatery this week

Local restaurant Babbo Italian Eatery is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the grand opening of its eighth location on Thursday, April 7th. With the opening of the Goodyear location all eight restaurants will donate 100% all the day’s proceeds to the Seena Magowitz Foundation.

“The Seena Magowitz Foundation is an incredible organization that seeks to spread awareness about pancreatic cancer and helps extend the quality of life for those inflicted with this disease by investing in research and amplifying its message,” said owner of Babbo Italian Eatery, Ken Pollack. “Their mission is important to our entire family and we are very proud to partner with them on April 7—and beyond.”

For the Day of Giving, Foundation Founder and CEO Roger Magowitz will personally match all donations received dollar for dollar. “The foundation accepts the challenge in pursuit of an eventual cure and we are excited to partner with Babbo Italian Eatery to help spread that awareness,” said Magowitz. “Our vision is inspiring vigilance and keen awareness on how people can minimize the risk of getting the most brutal of cancers which has the lowest average five-year survival rate of any other cancer. If not us, then who?”

The Goodyear restaurant will accommodate up to 236 guests looking to dine on house-made Italian food. Classic dishes include Spaghetti & Meatballs and house-made Focaccia bread along with new, modern Italian dishes Chicken Chipolte Pasta and Wild Mushroom Spaghettni. The 6,000 square foot restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and a private dining room for up to 74 people.

The Goodyear location is at 15705 W. McDowell Rd. 85395 on the southwest corner of Pebble Creek Pkwy. For more information or to view their modern Italian menu visit their website.

 

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards opens Scottsdale tasting room

Phoenix area wine drinkers now have the opportunity to taste and buy award-winning wines from Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. This Friday January 7th the doors to their new Scottsdale tasting room will open welcoming Archive Club members and the public starting at 11:30 a.m. They already have a popular tasting room in Cottonwood and the Scottsdale location will be the 6th tasting room along the Scottsdale Wine Trail in downtown and Old Town Scottsdale.

Winemaker Jason McCluskey uses grapes from the winery’s Bonita Springs Vineyard near Willcox for their red, white and rose wines. Two newly released wines are being poured for the grand opening and select food items will be served along with specials on charcuterie boards. In addition to Arizona Stronghold wines, the winery makes Provisioner Wines in white and red.

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards’ Scottsdale tasting room is at 4225 N. Marshall Way 85251 and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. For more information visit their website.

Mesquite Fresh Street Mex opening 8th location in Northwest Phoenix

The locally owned Mr. Mesquite has announced it’s now going by Mesquite Fresh Street Mex and will open its 8th location at the end of August. The grand opening is scheduled for August 28th at 10:30 a.m. at 1730 W. Happy Valley Rd. Phoenix.

“We are thrilled to expand the Mesquite brand in Arizona with our eighth location,” said Ahmad Alatrash, co-founder of Mesquite Fresh Street Mex. “Northwest Phoenix is a thriving area with strong businesses, services and a great community around it. We look forward to connecting with residents and sharing our authentic meets modern Mexican concept with the neighborhood.”

The 1,930 square foot fast casual restaurant will serve meats grilled over mesquite wood for a unique and smoky flavor. Tacos, killer burritos, protein bowls and quesadillas make up the menu. Family meals will also be available and tacos start at $2.19 each. All ingredients are of the highest quality and a prepared every day.  Grand opening celebrations will include giveaways and the first 200 people will win a free taco for week for six months.

The restaurant is looking to hire 30 people for the new location joining over 150 other employees throughout Arizona. “We are seeking ambitious and driven individuals ready to join a collaborative team,” said Naser. “We pride ourselves in a family-driven environment and place a large emphasis in creating a supportive and fun atmosphere for our staff.”  For more information about job openings and the grand 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.

PHX Beer Co. goes to the dogs

The Scottsdale location with its dog friendly patio is now serving grass fed burgers ($8) and grilled chicken ($5) for man’s best friend. They’ve also started making their own dog bones for purchase at all locations. Puppy friendly ingredients include the breweries spent grain, peanut butter, whole wheat flour and eggs. A portion of sales of single 3 oz. or 18 packs bones are donated to the Arizona Small Dog Rescue.

Los Sombreros Mesa Grand Opening party

Wednesday December 16th is the Grand Opening of the third location of the regional Mexican restaurant. From 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. guests can get 50% off food & drink when you dine-in or take-out except for family meals. Reservations are recommended. The celebration continues Thursday – Sunday with House Margaritas only $3.

Pedal Haus Brewery celebrates with Ugly Sweater Party

The downtown Tempe brewpub celebrates its 5 year anniversary with its traditional party. Wednesday December 16th party goers can win $50 for the Ugliest Sweater, enjoy live music starting at 6 p.m. and Happy Hour all night starting at 3 p.m. VIP tickets are $5 and includes 2 drinks and slice of cake with proceeds going to Rob Dollar Foundation.

Koibito Poke bottles 2 popular sauces.

Customers can now take a bottle or 2 home with them of Island Teriyaki or Spicy Shoyu sauces. Both are gluten-free and made with natural ingredients for the best tasting and healthy sauces. Each bottle is $6.99 and can be purchased at any of their locations around the valley.

New seasonal menu at Pita Jungle

Customers favorite dishes from the past are now on the new “Pita Jungle Favorites, Hello Again” menu at all Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff locations. The new Mediterranean Ramen joins the return of Seared Ahi Tuna Hummus, Burrito of the Sea and Baba Gnoosh.

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.

VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen spices it up in Tempe

Restaurateur Ron Lynch is no stranger to opening restaurants having opened over 100 Tilted Kilt’s across the country.  Having left Tilted Kilt, Lynch has opened VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen. The restaurant on Elliot Rd. near Costco serves up Cajun, Creole & Caribbean cuisine.

VooDoo Daddy's Steam Kitchen
Jambalaya. Photos credit Janet Zhou-Wilt

“We are excited about our location and have really put a lot of work into this menu,” said owner and founder, Ron Lynch. “If there’s one thing to know about Cajun food it’s that the dishes have to be just right. Our patio will be a place for families to people watch, sip some custom blended ice teas, porch wines, nitro cold brew coffee or a craft beer and enjoy a nice bowl of gumbo or jambalaya.”

Lynch brought with him James Heyl to prepare the menu full of savory and spicy dishes. Heyl brings with over 25 years of restaurant experience. Dishes include Po’ Boys, gumbo, red beans & rice and pan roasts from the restaurants steam kettles.

The bright yellow 3,150 square foot restaurant is decorated with murals of late night jazz players dancing on piano keys. Dark wood floors and brick walls adorn the inside of the fast casual restaurant.

VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen official grand opening

VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen is now open but will have an official grand opening on Thursday May 16th at 11 a.m. That day a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Tempe Diablos. The 501-c non-profit civic organization enhances and promotes the Tempe community. In 2018 the Diablos donated $900,000 to Tempe area charities for scholarships, teacher awards and needs based services.

VooDoo Daddy's Steam Kitchen
Pork Po’boy

“The recipe for a great restaurant is incredible food and drinks, a perfect location and rich atmosphere,” said Lynch. “VooDoo Daddy’s has all of that and more. We couldn’t be more excited for this launch.”

VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen is at 1325. W. Elliot Rd. Suite 106 Tempe 85284. The restaurant is open Sun. – Thurs. from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. & 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat. For more information see their website.

Scoopwell’s Dough Bar’s grand opening offers FREE dough for a year

After finding loyal fans for their cookie dough Scoopwell’s Dough Bar is opening Saturday January 12th at Phoenix’s Uptown Plaza. Kendra and John Scheer started Scoopwell’s Dough Bar in early 2018 as a pop-up at Tempe Public Market Cafe. The pop-up was a success selling out and the husband and wife team decided to open a permanent store front.

All photos courtesy of Awe Collective

“We can’t wait to open in Uptown Plaza,” said Kendra Scheer. “Whether you checked us out earlier this year, or you’ve never tried edible cookie dough before, we promise to save you something sweet.”

Scoopwells’ offer 11 different dough flavors and even more sweet toppings. Gourmet flavors include Lemon Poppyseed, Brownie Batter and Rainbow Sprinkle are made from scratch. Delicious seasonal flavors and other year round favorites will be served. Mix-in Twix bars, peanut butter chips, pretzels and others for even more enjoyment.

When the doors open at 10:00 a.m. sharp the first 50 people in line will get Free Dough For A Year. The punch card they receive will be good for 1 small cup of dough a month. If you’re not one of the first 50, you’ll receive a free collectible gift and entered to win an Uptown Plaza gift bag.

For an even sweeter deal Scoopwell’s will be handing out gifts and giveaways all weekend long.

Find Scoopwell’s at 100 E. Camelback Rd #164 Phoenix 85012.