The Vig to Open Fifth Restaurant in the Valley

The Vig, already with three Phoenix locations in Arcadia, Fillmore, and Uptown, as well as one in Scottsdale at McCormick Ranch, is preparing for an April opening of their fifth restaurant in the McDowell Mountain Ranch area of Scottsdale, near the corner of Bell Rd. & Thompson Peak Pkwy.

The mountain views are going to be a draw for this location and The Vig has already planned for those that love the trails nearby.  According to Jessie Palm, director of PR & Marketing for Genuine Concepts via ABC15:

"Because it is relatively close to the mountains, the restaurant will have lockers and a locker room for guests to change, get cleaned up and have lunch or dinner, she said."

The photos shown here by The Vig highlight the Pozole and the Cheeseburger with Fries.  Check out menus for each location, which include sandwiches, salads, pasta, tacos, and seafood, at the main Vig website.

Freddy's Opens in Anthem, Another Location Coming to Gilbert

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is expanding in the Phoenix Metro area.  Though it was originally planned to open late last year, the Anthem location just opened today at 39520 W Daisy Mountain Dr. Anthem, AZ 85086, Adding to their already firm presence in Gilbert, Freddy's is adding another spot at 1363 N Arizona Ave. Gilbert, AZ 85233 within the next few months.  According to an earlier press release from Freddy's: 

"Both free-standing locations will seat 100 guests with additional seating on the patio. Drive-thru service will also be available. Freddy’s is known for its lean ground beef steakburgers, Vienna Beef hot dogs and crispy shoestring fries, as well as a dessert treats prepared with a choice of chocolate or vanilla frozen custard that is churned fresh several times throughout the day."

Along with their fry seasoning, something Freddy's remarkably leaves out is their incredible fry sauce.  As much as they are known for everything listed above, they are very much known for the sauce, especially in the Phoenix area since fry sauce is still not as much of "a thing" here as it is across other parts of the country.

The hours for both Freddy's locations are the same: Sunday - Thursday 10:30am to 10:00am and Friday & Saturday 10:30am to 11:00am.  Check here for the menu and additional locations. 

Rehab Burger Therapy Opens 2nd Location

Rehab Burger Therapy, winner of three "Best Burger in Arizona" awards last year, has branched out from it's Old Town Scottsdale roots.  Just a few short days ago, the trio of friends who opened the first restaurant in 2012, opened a second location at 21 E. 6th St. #146 Tempe, AZ 85281.  With everything from chips & salsa, wings, salads, and pasta to burgers, sandwiches, and alcoholic beverages, this menu really has something for everyone.  Here is just a taste:

• Nelson's Verde Con Pollo - A flavorful blend of green chili's, cheeses, and tender grilled chicken served with fresh corn chips for dipping
• Alfredo San Carlo - Fettuccini alfredo with a southwestern twist topped with tomatoes, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
• The Porkster Burger - A relapse burger grilled to order, then covered in rehab's own bbq pulled pork and cheddar cheese.
• Hangover Burger - Fried egg, bacon, colby jack cheese, and hatch green chili
• Venice Beach Club - Sliced turkey breast, bacon, havarti, iceberg lettuce, tomato, and sprouts served on toasted beach bread with your choice sauce

Happy Hour is everyday from 11am to 6pm except Thursdays, when Happy Hour lasts all day.  Checkout the hours, other menu items, and more at their website.  

Food News From Around the Valley

In case you missed them, here are some stories from the past couple of weeks via AZCentral and the East Valley Tribune:

Brat Haus Now Open in Scottsdale

Fourth Habit Location Opened in Phoenix

Harvey American Public House Now Open in Gilbert

Il Bosco Pizza Opens Next to Handlebar J in Scottsdale

Pearl Sushi Lounge & Bomber Bar Opens Chandler Location

Third Raising Cane's Location to Open in August, Fourth Location in Works

Three Dutch Bros. Coffee Locations Opening in Mesa, Phoenix

Culver's Opens 14th Location in Arizona

Photo by: Culver's

In a milestone for the Wisconsin-based chain, the 14th restaurant in Arizona also happens to be their 450th location.  Located at 1025 Avondale Blvd. Avondale, AZ 85323, Culver's is planning on opening roughly 25-30 restaurants this year, but there is no word on how many of those will be in Arizona. 

Of note, rather than going the Jack in the Box route of a Bacon Shake or the Burger King route of a Bacon Sundae, which is currently being tested in select markets, Culver's has decided to be a bit more traditional and promote the Culver's Bacon Deluxe and a separate Chocolate Shake. 

Smashburger Opening Two New Arizona Restaurants

Denver-based Smashburger has plans for at least two more openings in our state. The first one will open a week from today on April 11 in the Desert Ridge area at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050.  Meanwhile, another location will open in the area of 24th St. & Baseline Rd. on May 25.  Additionally, three more Smashburger restaurants are rumored to be on the way after these, the 9th and 10th locations, open in Arizona.

Smashburger was recently in the news for offering their Fresh Mex Burger and Fresh Mex Chicken Sandwich nationwide.

Detours Tavern Opening in Scottsdale (Exclusive Sample Menu)

Looking to open in early April, Detours Tavern will be located at 2922 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251.  Detours will offer organic, all-natural meat selections and hopes to promote healthy food choices.  The newest restaurant and bar in South Scottsdale will have televisions, a patio, and a family friendly atmosphere.

Having seen a preliminary menu, the AZFoodDude can once again provide you with an exclusive look at a sample list which includes appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches & burgers, entrees, pizza, and dessert:

Appetizers

• Crisp Tender Calamari ($8)
• Artichoke Dip w/Flatbread ($8)
• Homemade Hummus w/Pita Chips ($7)
• Beer Battered Onion Rings ($7)

Salads

• Field Greens w/Feta Cheese & Pecans ($9) - Add Grilled Chicken ($2)
• Grilled Salmon Over Field Greens ($11)

Sandwiches/Burgers

• 1/3lb Detour Burger ($8) - Detour to a Bison Burger ($2.50) - Ground Turkey ($2) - Add Bacon ($1)
• Green Chili Burger ($8) - Detour to a Bison Burger ($3) - Ground Turkey ($2)
• California Burger on Grilled Parmesan Bread ($9) - Detour to a Bison Burger ($3) - Ground Turkey ($2)
• Chicken Salad Pita w/Sprouts ($8)
• Grilled Chicken on Sourdough ($9)
• Portobello Burger w/Roasted Red Pepper ($10)

Entrees

• Pork Loin Medallions w/Shallots & Apples ($12)
• Grilled Chicken Breast Marinated in Tequila Lime ($12)
• Sirloin Steak ($13)
• Fish of the Day ($14)

Wood Fired Pizza/Flatbread

• Roma Tomatoes, Basil, Roasted Red & Green Peppers ($7) - Add Shrimp ($2) - Chicken ($1)
• Sausage, Pepperoni, & Country Bacon ($9)
• Chicken & Artichoke Hearts ($10)
• Build Your Own ($8) - Additional toppings are ($1)

Desserts

• Assorted Pies, Cakes, & Muffins ($6-$8) 

More information can be found on the Detours Tavern Facebook page.

Smashburger Offers Fresh Mex Burger & Fresh Mex Chicken Nationwide

Available from now until April 29, the Fresh Mex Burger and Fresh Mex Chicken will be available at all Smashburger locations across the country.  The Fresh Mex Burger has been the local burger option on the menu in San Diego for some time, but now all Smashburger patrons will be able to order the:

Smashburger's Fresh Mex Burger & Fresh Mex Chicken Sandwich

100 percent Certified Angus Beef burger...topped with fresh avocado, chopped cilantro, onions, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and spicy chipotle mayo on a Mexican roll, served with a wedge of lime. Guests may also opt for a Fresh Mex chicken sandwich served with the same savory combination on one of Smashburger’s juicy marinated chicken sandwiches.

If you're looking for some free stuff, check out Smashburger's Facebook page today and "Like" them to get a coupon for a free entree with the purchase of the Fresh Mex Burger or Fresh Mex Chicken Sandwich.

New Deals at Ruth's Chris & Fleming's Steakhouses

Tenderloin Skewers over Spring Greens

Yesterday, Ruth's Chris Steak House announced their new "Sizzle, Swizzle, and Swirl" Happy Hour.  The new happy hour menu:

...will feature brand new bar bites alongside signature items for $7.00 each, as well as hand-crafted cocktails, premium wines and select beers. After Happy Hour, Sizzle, Swizzle and Swirl menu offerings can be enjoyed at the bar at regular pricing.

The items on the menu include:

• USDA Prime Burger with Fries - Tenderloin Skewers over Spring Greens - New England Lobster Roll with Fries - Three Petite Prime Sliders - Sliced Filet Steak Sandwich with Fries - Seared Ahi Tuna, and Spicy Lobster. 

On the drink side you will find "hand crafted cocktails, such as the Classic Cosmo, the Pomegranate Martini, and Ruth's Manhattan made with premium spirits, and daily fresh-squeezed juices."

You can find the two Ruth's Chris locations in Arizona here.

Filet Mignon & North Atlantic Lobster Tail Dinner

Meanwhile, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse is celebrating spring break by offering Filet Mignon and North Atlantic Lobster Tail Dinner along with an appetizer and a side for $34.95 until April 7.  From the press release:

...guests can start the Spring Break Celebration with their choice of the Wedge Salad with crisp iceberg lettuce with grape tomatoes, red onions and crumbled blue cheese or French Onion Soup baked with gruyere and parmesan cheeses.  The generous filet mignon—Fleming's leanest meat—and broiled lobster tail with drawn butter are accompanied by a choice of French Green Beans with shiitake mushrooms and porcini essence or Fleming's Mashed Potatoes topped with blue cheese, parmesan-peppercorn or roasted garlic. 

Keep in mind that you will not find the Spring Break Celebration selections on the regular menu as they are only available upon request.

Check out one of the five Arizona Fleming's locations here.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/14/2692955/new-premium-happy-hour-at-ruths.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/14/2692955/new-premium-happy-hour-at-ruths.html#storylink=cp

Dollar Menu Changes at McDonald's

Being touted as a to way help customers continuing to struggle in this economy, according to a Fox Business article, McDonald's is altering their Dollar Menu and adding an "Extra Value Menu,"

On March 26, McDonald's also will debut an "Extra Value Menu".  That menu will include 20-piece chicken McNuggets, double cheeseburgers, chicken snack wraps, Angus snack wraps, medium iced coffees and snack-sized McFlurries, plus up to four regional options, that were previously listed elsewhere on its menu.

"The choices have been available for quite some time, we're just making it easier for customers to find them and enjoy them," Golden said, adding that the prices on those items will not change. All Extra Value Menu items will be priced above $1 and many will be below $2.

While prices on those items will not change, there is something that caught the AZFoodDude's eye:

McDonald's will change national advertising for its Dollar Menu, removing small drinks and small french fries and replacing those items with fresh baked cookies and ice cream cones, Neil Golden, chief marketing officer for McDonald's USA, told Reuters in an interview.

To begin with, if your McDonald's is only offering SMALL drinks for $1 you should know there is probably a good chance you can drive a mile in any direction and find one of the many McDonald's that offers ANY size drink for $1.  Also, pulling small french fries and the small drink off the Dollar Menu (raising the prices) and replacing them with cookies and ice cream cones?  Just a thought, but are you more likely to drive to McDonald's because you want fries and a drink or cookies and ice cream?  Finally, at the risk of being nitpicky, aren't ice cream cones currently under a dollar?  Not for that much longer it seems.

Freddy's Scottsdale Location Revealed

Freddy's Mint 'n Cookie Concrete

After almost 10 months of reporting on a promised Scottsdale location by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, the AZFoodDude can now report that the restaurant will be located at 9890 N. 90th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85258.  In the same shopping center as IHOP, Schlotzsky's, Taco Bell, etc, Freddy's is hoping to take its own share in an area busy with food options.

An opening date is not known at this time, however, providing the Scottsdale location opens before the proposed Mesa location mentioned here, this will be the eighth Freddy's in the state.  Stay tuned for updates.

You can check out other stories on previous Freddy's openings here and here.

Update (7-15-12): Freddy's has removed the upcoming(?) Scottsdale location from their website with no further details available.

Kate Upton Helps Carl's Jr. Sell Their New Southwest Patty Melt

Just out this week, Carl's Jr. has begun offering their newest menu item, the Southwest Patty Melt.  The Southwest Patty Melt is now available at all Carl's Jr. and Hardee's locations and includes "a charbroiled beef patty, with sliced jalapeños, grilled onions, pepper-Jack cheese, and spicy Santa Fe sauce, all on grilled sourdough bread."

Additionally, following in the footsteps of Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton and Padma Lakshmi, Kate Upton is the newest pop-culture beauty to help the chain market their products. 

Glenn Cole, founding partner of the new creative agency by CKE Enterprises, owners of over 3200 Carl's Jr. and Hardee's locations, summed up their brand marketing this way, "While our competitors try to out-kid-meal each other, we're going to keep making noise and delivering young hungry guys what they want."

If you can't wait for the commercial to come out this weekend, Carl's Jr. has a behind the scenes look at the TV spot.

Finally, Carl's Jr. is offering a printable $1 off coupon for any size Southwest Patty Melt combo.

Beef 'O' Brady's Opens First Restaurant in Arizona

Beef 'O' Brady's is planting roots in Arizona.  Opening recently at 13699 N. Litchfield Rd. Surprise, AZ 85374, Beef's, the name it affectionately gained from regulars in 1985 when it first opened in Brandon, Florida, is hoping to be the new place where families, friends and sports fans can gather to enjoy "good food" and "good sports."

According to the company press release:

The Surprise Beef ‘O’ Brady’s...will feature large screen TVs, complemented by smaller screens for viewing from anywhere in the restaurant. It will also have interactive video games for children an outdoor patio and a menu offering Buffalo wings, pizza, hand-breaded chicken tenders, salads, a variety of sandwiches and burgers and mix-and-match desserts.

You can view the full menu here. With over 210 locations nationwide already, all indications point to the fact that this will not be Beef 'O' Brady's only Arizona location.

New Mesa Restaurant to Serve Hot Dogs, Bratwurst, & More

Photo by Fritz's Footlong

Opening at 10am this Friday, February 17, Fritz's Footlong is taking over the former location of Smokey's Bar & Grill at 1734 E. Main St. #5 Mesa, AZ 85203.  Fritz's will be serving Johnsonville bratwurst, all beef Sabrett hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, soda, beer, and according to their Facebook page, will have over 20 toppings to choose from.

Please note, as you can see from the photo to the right, Fritz's is open from 10am to 10pm daily and does not accept credit cards or debit cards, they are cash only. 

Freddy's Opens 2 More Restaurants, Promises Mesa Location

Photo by Freddy's - Marana, AZ

Just this past November, the AZFoodDude updated you on the newest upcoming Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers locations in the state.  Now, the AZFoodDude can report that the two Freddy's locations mentioned in the previous article, one at 3476 W. Frye Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226 and the other in the Tucson area at 3725 W. Orange Grove Rd. Marana, AZ 85741 are now open. 

While still having no further news on the previously noted Scottsdale location, Freddy's has announced the opening of their first spot in Mesa.  At this time however, there are no address details.  Stay tuned for updates.

Scottsdale Restaurant Boom Continues

The AZFoodDude recently reported on the soon to come Grassroots Restaurant at 8120 N. Hayden Rd. Suite E-100 Scottsdale, AZ 85258, and the recently opened Caldero, but there are quite a few other restaurants coming to Scottsdale in the near future...

The House - 6936 E. Main St. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 - The owner of Zinc Bistro and The Mission is jumping into another venture.  Described as less expensive than his other restaurants, Chef Matt Carter promises, "an international menu of shareable dishes, everything from paella and poutine to charcuterie and macaroni and cheese." The House is looking to open this upcoming spring.

Au Petit Four - 7217 E. 4th Ave. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 - Planning to open by the end of the year, Au Petit Four is probably best known for their pastries, some of which include, "Bavarian flan, eclairs, brioche, apple turnovers, palmiers, scones, custard creams, tartines and pain Suisse, a sweet croissant dough folded over dark chocolate chips then baked." In addition, this French themed cafe specializes in grab-n-go dishes.

CB&C's Burger Challenge - Photo by: CB&C 

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers - 20745 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 - Having opened late last month, CB&C specializes in Build Your Own Burgers.  While building your burger or eating one of the other various menu items such as Prime Rib Sliders, Asian Chicken Salad or Kosher Hot Dogs, you can watch TV on one of their 15 plasma HD televisions. 

Calistro California Bistro - Scottsdale Rd. & McDonald Dr. - Set to open at the Hilton Village Shopping Center in January or February, Calistro will feature, "earth-friendly, farm-to-table Mediterranean theme with wood-fired oven dishes and healthy touches, such as using silken tofu instead of butter, cream or mayonnaise." This will be Calistro's second location and the prices are aiming to be near or lower than Houston's and J. Alexander's.

Cask 63 American Eatery and Wine Bar - 8877 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 - Slated to open in January, Cask 63, which was first reported to be "Highgrove Grill," will be opening where Bloom recently closed.  AZCentral got a look at a preview menu which included, "wild mushroom flatbread layered in Fontina cheese sauce, caramelized onion, balsamic reduction and truffle oil ($11), tuna Nicoise salad ($14), Clear Springs Farms rainbow trout Meuniere or Amandine ($15, $18), Madeira braised beef short ribs with warm beet salad and candied apple and fig ($16, $23), filet mignon with parsnip puree ($28), and lobster pot pie ($26)."  Along with these items, there will be a daily taco special, a daily sea bass recipe and a daily oyster bar.

Smashburger to Open in North Phoenix

Smashburger will be opening at 2470 W. Happy Valley Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85027 on Wednesday, December 14.  This is the seventh of around thirty locations that the local franchisee hopes to open within the next five years.  If you've never been to a Smashburger, the press release gives an idea of what the chain offers:

Smashburger’s signature recipes and create your own burgers are smashed fresh, served delicious every time. But Smashburger is more than just burgers. Customers can also enjoy a selection of tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, and fresh tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries, fried pickles, Haystack Onions, and Veggie Frites (flash-fried and seasoned asparagus spears, carrot sticks and green beans). The restaurant will also serve a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including local beers, wine, hand-spun Häagen-Dazs shakes and IBC® root-beer floats in frosted mugs.

In addition to this upcoming opening, Smashburger has 2 other locations "coming soon."  They will be located at 9918 W. Happy Valley Rd. Peoria, AZ 85383 and 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Arizona Expansion Heats Up

Photo by Freddy's - Gilbert, AZ

Back in May, the AZFoodDude reported on some opening and upcoming Freddy's restaurants.  While there is no more information at this point about the Scottsdale location mentioned in the earlier post, the location at 129 E. Williams Field Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85295 has recently opened, bringing the current number of operating stores to five.

In addition to the Scottsdale location, the AZFoodDude can report that there are two new upcoming Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers restaurants.  The first one is in Chandler at 3476 W. Frye Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226 and the second will be the first restaurant in the Tucson area at 3725 W. Orange Grove Rd. Marana, AZ 85741.

Check out the menu of the Kansas-based chain started in 2002 by WWII veteran Freddy Simon and his sons.

Paradise Valley Burger Company Opens in Phoenix

Paradise Valley Burger Company recently opened over at 4001 E. Bell Rd. #102 Phoenix, AZ 85032. This is the first Paradise Valley Burger Company to open and, according to AZCentral, "chef-owner Bret Shapiro seems determined to not only push the envelope on creative recipes, but to figure out how to mix everything possible with beef."

To get an idea of just exactly what Chef Shapiro is mixing with beef and to see what else is offered, you can check out the menu. In addition to burgers, you will also find chicken, pulled pork, sloppy joe and even a shrimp club.

Paradise Valley Burger Company is open Monday - Saturday from 11am to 8pm and closed on Sundays.

New at Jack in the Box: Outlaw Burger & Outlaw Spicy Chicken

Beginning today and only for a limited time, Jack in the Box is introducing the Outlaw Burger and Outlaw Spicy Chicken Sandwich. In a press release by Jack in the Box, the new sandwiches are described this way:

Inspired by the kind of bold flavors that emanated from chuck wagons and open prairie campfires, the new Outlaws at Jack in the Box feature either a jumbo beef patty or spicy crispy chicken fillet topped with a Bourbon BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, hickory-smoked bacon, American cheese and onion rings and are served on a sesame seed bun.

 At the the main Jack in the Box site, you will see a button for a $1 off coupon for either Outlaw sandwich.

Nutrition
Outlaw Burger: 725 calories, 39 grams of fat and 28 grams of protein
Outlaw Spicy Chicken Sandwich: 771 calories, 32 grams of fat and 37 grams of protein