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. 

Grabbagreen Opening in Gilbert - 2 More to Follow

Coming in March, Scottsdale-based Grabbagreen will be opening in Gilbert at 75 E Rivulon Blvd.**** near the recently opened L.A. Fitness and Jersey Mike's in the Rivulon development in a continuation of their rapid expansion.  And they are not stopping there.  Two more locations will be opening up with one in the Pinnacle Peak area of Scottsdale and the other located in Phoenix.  What is Grabbgreen?  They describe themselves this way:

"Grabbagreen’s Eat Clean® menu is preservative-free, naturally gluten-free and GMO free. The whole food menu is based on super food ingredients and offers a full selection of grain and green-based bowls with fresh hormone-free and antibiotic-free proteins provided by local farms, fresh-pressed juice, handcrafted smoothies and acai bowls, breakfast, and healthy kid-friendly items."

Check out the menu which includes grain or green-based boxes, breakfast, smoothies, and juices.  Nutritional information is also provided on the website.  Some menu highlights:

• Patagonia - Black Bean, Cilantro, Corn, Quinoa, Red Onion, Red Pepper, Steak, Chimichurri
  
  Sauce (Pictured, Credit: Grabbagreen)
• So Cal - Avocado, Chicken, Cucumber, Flax, Mint, Red Pepper, Spinach, Feta, Quinoa Noodle, Balsamic Flax Sauce 
• Moroccan Mac & Cheese - Chicken, Cheddar Jack, Feta, Quinoa Noodle, Harissa Sauce 
• Gangnam City - Bean Sprout, Brown Rice, Chia Seeds, Cucumber, Edamame, Kale, Spinach, Steak, Sesame Sauce
• Amalfi Coast - Chia Seeds, Cucumber, Kalamata Olive, Red Onion, Red Pepper, Spinach, Tomato, Feta, Mediterranean Pomegranate Sauce
• Energy Elevator Smoothie - Agave, Banana, Cacao, Flax, Almond Milk, Espresso, Vanilla, Whey Protein
• Immunization Station Smoothie - Agave, Banana, Kale, Strawberry, Carrot Juice, Immune Powder

****Google Maps does not like 75 and defaults to 275 E Rivulon Blvd. - However you look at it, this is located at the NE corner of the Santan 202 & Giblert Rd.

Update (3/13/17): Grabbagreen in Gilbert is now open.

Even Stevens Opens 3rd Arizona Location

Just over a week ago, Even Stevens opened up their third Arizona sandwich shop.  This newest location is in Tempe near the ASU campus at 1015 S. Rural Rd. right by the soon to be opening restaurant, The Halal Guys, which was reported on here. 

Even Stevens is a restaurant which makes it a priority to give back to the community and every sandwich you buy helps with that mission.  For the Tempe location, the local non-profit partners are Tempe Community Action Partnership, Tumbleweed Center for Youth, UMOM, and Operation Care Food Bank.  As of this writing, they have donated over 1 million sandwiches to various groups since they first opened in Utah in 2014.  Here is how it works directly from their website:

1. You buy a sandwich.
2. At the end of every month, we tally sandwich sales. Funds for sandwich making ingredients - bread, meat, cheese and produce -are then placed into a Sysco food account.
3. Our non-profit partners access the account and order sandwich-making ingredients as they need. A few days later, a truck delivers the order to their doorstep. Free of charge.
4. Non-profit staff and volunteers build sandwiches.
5. Individuals in need are fed and our non-profit partners can put their money where their passion is.

In order for this to work, you need to know what's on the menu, which includes everything from sandwiches, salads, sides, and breakfast items.  Some notables: 

• Mihami Vice - Roast pork, ham, whole mustard, swiss, pickle spears, baguette.
• Sprang Chicken - Chicken, provolone, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, greens, honey mustard, multi-grain bread.
• JP Grilled Cheese - Melty white cheddar, poppin' cream cheese, garlic, roasted jalapeños, French bread.
• Jackfruit Torta - Jackfruit carnitas, pepitas, guacamole, salsa morita, radish, cilantro, lettuce, pickled onions, sweet bun.
• The Goathugger Salad - Roasted beets, spinach, arugula, candied pecans, goat cheese vinegar, rye toast.
• The Breakfast Sandwich - Two eggs scrambled or medium, choice of bacon, ham, sausage, avocado, or pork belly (add $1).  Tangy maple mustard, cheddar cheese, Hawaiian bun.
• The Undergrad Breakfast Burrito - Flour tortilla, two eggs, bacon or sausage, white cheddar, tater tots, house sauce, sriracha. 
• Party Tots - A hot heap of tots piled with cheese, bacon, and avocado slices.

Along with the above and craft beer, Even Stevens uses local companies and products in their restaurants.  At all three Arizona restaurants, these include Peixoto Coffee, Noble Bread, Cotton Country Jellies, and Santan Brewing.  

Is the Tempe location a little out of your way?  Want to know which non-profits the other two Arizona spots are working with?  Check out the Phoenix location (21 W. Van Buren St. Phoenix, AZ 85003) or the Gilbert location (384 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234).

Should you go here? Is it worth it?  Let this fellow who knows a little something about "Even Stevens" (though he is in no way affiliated with the restaurant) answer your question:

Togo's Returns to Arizona

The official grand opening is set for Saturday, August 18, but Togo's in Gilbert is now ready for business.  The AZFoodDude reported on the second coming of Togo's to the Valley back in January and now with the first location having opened at 1520 W. Guadalupe Rd. #101 Gilbert, AZ 85233, the franchisee has his sights set on opening two more Togo's restaurants in the Valley.  The hours for the restaurant are:

• Monday - Friday: 10am - 9pm
• Saturday: 10:30am - 7pm
• Sunday: 11am - 5pm

According to the press release, "To celebrate Togo's arrival in Arizona, two lucky Gilbert customers will win free sandwiches for one-year. Additionally, the local community is invited to attend the official Grand Opening all-day celebration, taking place on Saturday, August 18, 2012 with music, prizes, local fundraiser event and more!"

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/12/4556141/togos-arrives-in-arizona-with.html#storylink=cpy"

To celebrate Togo's arrival in Arizona, two lucky Gilbert customers will win free sandwiches for one-year. Additionally, the local community is invited to attend the official Grand Opening all-day celebration, taking place on Saturday, August 18, 2012 with music, prizes, local fundraiser event and more!

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1ecq1)

To celebrate Togo's arrival in Arizona, two lucky Gilbert customers will win free sandwiches for one-year. Additionally, the local community is invited to attend the official Grand Opening all-day celebration, taking place on Saturday, August 18, 2012 with music, prizes, local fundraiser event and more!

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1ecq1)

To celebrate Togo's arrival in Arizona, two lucky Gilbert customers will win free sandwiches for one-year. Additionally, the local community is invited to attend the official Grand Opening all-day celebration, taking place on Saturday, August 18, 2012 with music, prizes, local fundraiser event and more!

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1ecq1)

Togo's, which is based in San Jose, CA and first opened in 1967, is known for their "West Coast" hot or cold sandwiches, but also offers up soups, salads, chips, cookies, and brownies.  You can check out the full Togo's menu here.

Valley Restaurant Openings, Closings & More

Courtesy of AZCentral and the East Valley Tribune, here are some of the food happenings from around the the Phoenix Metro area:

Los Dos Molinos Moving into Recently Closed Padres Modern Mexican Cuisine Location

Central Bistro to Open this Summer at 32nd Street & Camelback in Old Zen 32 Spot

Kelly's at SouthBridge Now Open in Old Town Scottsdale

Multiple Valley Restaurants Will Open at Sky Harbor Airport

Harvey American Public House Opens in Gilbert

Praying Monk Restaurant & Bar Now Open in Scottsdale

Another Food News Update

To kick off the new week, here is another local food news update.  All stories are courtesy of AZCentral:

Chipotle Has Opened in Gilbert's SanTan Village

Three New Restaurants Open in Moon Valley Area

Fuego Cantina Opens in Former Chuy's Spot in Phoenix, Fuego CityScape Coming in June

Tempe Marketplace's D'Arcy McGee's Closes

Spotted Donkey Location Closes "Temporarily"

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.

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.

Postino Winecafé Coming to Gilbert

Postino Winecafé already has two locations in Phoenix and come October, they will have a third. To be located at 302 N. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85233, Postino Winecafé will be taking over a spot that has had five different restaurants in the past 14 years. For those of you trying to remember what restaurants have been in the building, the East Valley Tribune has the past tenants:

Original tenant Mohogany Run lasted the longest, three years. Hearthrob Cafe, Rock City Bar & Grill and GrainBelt GrillHouse failed quickly. Even a place named for Arizona Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez — Gonzo’s All-American Grill — was open for only 11 months.

Other businesses in the area have high hopes for Postino due to its reputation at the other two locations at 3939 E. Campbell Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85018 and 5144 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85012.

In addition to the wine, Postino has soup, salad, paninis and desserts. You can check out the menu here and have a look at the Saturday and Sunday Brunch menu.

Carl's Jr. Opens Two New Valley Locations as Profits Rise

Carl's Jr. and Hardee's sales are up recently due in large part to a particular new item on the menu. The turkey burgers, introduced back in March by the parent company, CKE Restaurants Inc., have helped put Carl's Jr. in the black for the first time in nine quarters. According to the Los Angeles Times, CKE President Andy Pudzer stated:

...the turkey burger, developed in consultation with Men's Health magazine, was meant to be indulgent as well as more healthful. He credited it with nudging sales at Carl's Jr. into positive territory. He said the Hardee's locations are doing better, overall, than the Carl's Jr. outlets because they are in parts of the country that are having a stronger economic recovery than California, where Carl's Jr. is heavily concentrated.

In related local news, Carl's Jr. has opened up two new locations in the Phoenix area. One in Gilbert at 5378 S. Power Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85295 and one at 1015 N. Dobson Rd. Mesa, AZ 85201 in the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center.

Also, checkout the AZFoodDude's report on the new Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich at Carl's Jr.

Menu Changes at Some Phoenix Area Restaurants

Gordon Biersch - The Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant has introduced a Caribbean centered menu available until July 31. There are currently four locations in the valley, one each in Tempe, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Glendale and Gilbert.

Macayo's - Another menu shake up that will last until July 31 is happening over at Macayo's. The new menu includes items under 500 calories and salsa specials which include winning salsas from local competitions. Check out the new menu items here.

The Vig - With two locations in Phoenix, The Vig is rolling out a new menu which has items such as a Southwestern grilled chicken salad, a jerk chicken sandwich, Korean BBQ Seoul Sliders and even stuffed potato skins that include cheetos, just to name a few.

Verona Chophouse - The restaurant at 1077 S. Kyrene Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226 inside the Lone Butte Casino in Chandler is trying to add more authentic Italian entrees to its menu. AZCentral reports some of the new items include, "wild mushroom fettucine, chicken scallopini and shrimp penne carbonara." Note that Verona Chophouse is closed on Mondays.

Brio Opens Third Arizona Restaurant in Tucson

Brio Tuscan Grille opened today at 150 W. Wetmore Rd. Tucson, AZ 85705 at the Tucson Mall. From the CEO of the Bravo/Brio Restaurant Group:

"We believe the Tucson market is the perfect community to continue to grow the BRIO brand in Arizona...We look forward to offering Tucson locals and visitors a unique dining experience, providing Tuscan inspired cuisine, hospitable and professional service and a warm and inviting ambiance."

This is Brio's third location in the state of Arizona. The other two Brio's are at 2150 E. Williams Field Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85295 and 15301 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

Prices are listed on the menus to the left on this site. For your convenience, here is the dinner menu.

Bruegger’s Lightens Up With New 'Skinny Bagel'

Bruegger’s, known for their New York-style bagels, is introducing a lighter "skinny" version that cuts 100 calories from the bagels and sandwich combinations they offer. From the Bruegger's press release:

"Guests can order any of Bruegger’s 15-plus varieties “skinny,” due to Bruegger’s unique process.  Instead of changing the recipe...Bruegger’s cuts the bagels using a patented knife, removing approximately one-third of the bagel’s center but preserving its unique eggshell crust and delicious toppings. The result? Guests have a lower calorie option without sacrificing variety or taste."

Currently, Bruegger's has 12 Arizona restaurants, 10 of which are in Tucson.  The two locations in the valley are in Phoenix and Gilbert. Check the link above for exact locations and hours of operation.

Venezia's Pizza Challenge 5/15 - 2 People / 24" Pizza

This Sunday, May 15th, all four valley Venezia's New York Style Pizzeria locations will be having a National Pizza Party Day Challenge where two people can dine in and try to eat a 24" pizza with any variety of toppings they choose within an hour for half price. This challenge is open to anybody and if you can do it, you get your picture on the Wall of Fame and a free Venezia's t-shirt. For additional information, check out Venezia's Facebook page.  The four valley locations are:

744 W. Ray Rd. #101 Gilbert, AZ 85233

2721 S. Ellsworth Rd. #107 Mesa, AZ 85209

27 E. Southern Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282

5057 E. McKellips Rd. Mesa, AZ 85202

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Opens 1 With More to Come

Freddy's already has 3 locations in the state, but recently a fourth spot opened up at 1340 Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, AZ 85395.  That's not all though, a look at Freddy's website shows plans for two more locations that are described as "coming soon."  One of the new restaurants is slated for Scottsdale, but no address is yet listed.  The other restaurant will be at 129 E. Williams Field Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85295.

Free Meal on 5/4 at Joe's Real BBQ in Gilbert

This Wednesday, May 4th, head over to Joe's Real BBQ for their Customer Appreciation Day at 301 N. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234 in order to get a free sandwich, two sides and a drink between the hours of 11am - 3pm and 4pm - 8pm.  There is no catch in order to get the free meal, however the BBQ will be holding a book drive that day for the Loving Through Literacy organization. Again, it is not necessary for you to donate a book in order to get the free meal.