Five Restaurants Coming Soon to Metro Phoenix

Though information is light, here are some quick hits on 5 restaurants soon to open in the Phoenix Metro area:

1. When in Rome - Brought to you by the folks from Tomaso's, When in Rome will be located at 23655 N Scottsdale Road # 120 Scottsdale, AZ 85255.  A specific opening date is not yet known, however North Scottsdale Lifestyle magazine has more on Tomaso himself and gives some hints as to what ingredients we can expect to find on the menu.

2. Casa Anejo - Planning for a May opening at 5602 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014 next to The Colony, Casa Anejo makes it clear tacos and tequila will be on the menu.  Though at this this time, the venture by the same folks who opened Stock & Stable last year, Evening Entertainment Group, details are still limited.

3. Panera Bread - A new location is coming to the Paradise Valley Mall area.  Located at 4512 E. Cactus Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85032, this will only add to Panera's increasing presence in the valley after having recently converted several Paradise Bakery locations into Panera Bread locations.

4. Artezania Kitchen & Cantina - Not much is yet known about this upcoming restaurant attached to the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Hotel in North Scottsdale at 7677 E Princess Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 next to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort. According to the purveyors, Artezania Kitchen & Cantina, "is a fresh ingredient concept incorporating a modern twist on southwest cuisine with a specialty craft beverage program focusing on Tequila and Mezcal."

5. Döner Dudes - To open near the Tempe ASU campus, right between the Vista Del Sol student housing and the Adelphi Commons at 681 E. Apache Blvd. #107 Tempe, AZ 85281, Döner Dudes, "is a fast-casual restaurant serving authentic Turkish Mediterranean food to our guests. Our atmosphere is casual yet professional at all times." Wondering what a döner is? It is a Turkish kebab, "cooked on a vertical rotisserie are the Arab shawarma, Greek gyros, and Mexican Al pastor."

Chico Malo to Open in CityScape

Photo by: Chico Malo

Looking at an April opening, Chico Malo is set to open in Downtown Phoenix in the former spot of The Corner at 50 W. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 just behind the Grabbagreen.  According to Chico Malo,

"Chico Malo, a lively take on Mexican cooking, opens at CityScape this spring. Culture Shock Hospitality will bring the heat in DTPHX with breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch with an array of flavor combinations from all over South America. Expect highlights including ceviche, street corn, chilaquiles and tiraditos, a Peruvian crudo. Diners can also build their own guacamole or choose from a lengthy lineup of taco options." 

This is Culture Shock Hospitality's first restaurant and it will be interesting to see how the location does after The Corner's struggles.  One of the big draws is certain to be the fact that this will be the only restaurant in the area offering South American fare.

An additional note, if you are looking for work, Chico Malo is starting interviews tomorrow, March 9, where they will be hiring 125 employees.

Uberrito to Open in Phoenix Arcadia Neighborhood

Headquartered in Texas, Uberrito is set to expand with their second spot outside of the Lone Star State, which just so happens to be their second spot in Arizona.  To be located in the Arcadia Gateway Shopping Center on the southwest corner of Indian School Rd. & 44th St. near the soon to be opening Smashburger and Doughbird, Uberrito hopes to make their mark on the fresh-Mex market and beyond:

"Über is a German word that means “above” or “beyond.” Burrito is a Spanish word that means, well, “burrito.” Überrito stands for who we are and where we go—above and beyond burritos. In this land of fresh ingredients, we defy the predictable preconceptions of beans and tortillas to create bold new flavor inspirations. Cuban to Cajun, Mexican to American—we offer taste combinations you won’t find anywhere else."

At Uberrito you can create your own burritos, bowls, salads, and nachos and for those who want something pre-designed, they have their "Ten Tasty Tacos" available as well.

Wondering where that first Arizona Uberrito is? You will find it at 4912 E. Shea Blvd. #108 Phoenix, AZ 85028.

Related: Four More Restaurants Coming to Same Arcadia Shopping Center

Update 3-9-17: Along with the specials happening on opening day, Uberrito is having a free "Sneak Eat" event two days prior to the March 23rd grand opening of their new Arcadia location at 4325 E Indian School Road, #150 Phoenix, AZ 85018.  If you register here, on Tuesday, March 21st you and one other person, if you so choose, will be able to enjoy "one free burrito, bowl, salad, or nachos combo per person" between the hours of 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm.  Again, you must be registered at the link in order to participate.  See additional details at the registration page.

Update 3-19-17: According to Uberrito the location of the "Sneak Eat" event mentioned in the previous update has been moved,"due to outside complications."  The event will now take place for anybody who signed up at the same time you signed up for, but at the existing Phoenix location at the northeast corner of Tatum Blvd. & Shea Blvd. - 4912 E. Shea Blvd. #108 Phoenix, AZ 85028. 

Smokin Fins Grand Opening in Chandler March 6th

Ready to open on March 6th at 11am, Smokin Fins is bringing the Colorado-based restaurant which is part of an Idaho-based "Fins" restaurant group to Chandler at 900 N. 54th St. #1 Chandler, AZ, 85226.  Influenced by Asian, Mexican, and Pacific Northwest cuisine, Smokin Fins describes themselves this way:

"Smokin Fins is a regional restaurant concept featuring a unique menu that blends ocean fresh seafood, sushi and house smoked specialties such as baby back ribs, turkey and slow smoked pork"

Photo by: Smokin Fins

The extensive menu according to Smokin Fins makes them a "food and beverage destination with something for everyone!" Check it out here.  Some notables:

• Key Lime Calamari - Hand-cut calamari, lightly breaded, with Fins Signature key lime aioli
• Smoked Bison Meatballs - House made Bison meatballs blended with smoked gouda cheese and baked in a tomato ragout w/ fresh arugula and shaved parmesan
• Vegas - Lobster-crab salad, habanero cream cheese, and rice rolled in seaweed and tempura fried; topped with spicy tuna, wasabi soy sauce, eel sauce and spicy aioli
• Pulled Pork - Korabuta pork slow smoked for ten hours, topped with appleslaw, red onion, and Dr. Pepper bourbon BBQ sauce. Served with fries
• Argentinian Flank Steak - Sliced American Kobe flank steak marinated and grilled, served with house charred vegetables and mashed potatoes. Covered in red and yellow Peruvian street sauce
• Lemon Caper Halibut - Alaskan Halibut over Chef’s signature risotto with a lemon caper beurre blanc, fresh Roma tomato, basil, and parmesan cheese
• Smoked Salmon Chopped Salad - Arugula, Israeli couscous, tomato, roasted corn, pepitas, house smoked salmon, and parmesan cheese. Tossed together in bacon herb dressing.

Other menu items include burgers, soups, dessert, wine and beer, of which they have five local brews. Hours for Smokin Fins will be 11am to 10pm Monday - Saturday and 11am to 9pm Sunday.  

El Pollo Loco Opening 3 New Arizona Restaurants

Baja Shrimp Tacos - Photo by: El Pollo Loco

Already with 23 locations in Arizona, El Pollo Loco is set to open 3 more within the next couple of months.  The locations are:

• 4302 W. Cactus Rd. Glendale, AZ 85304
• 15255 N. 64th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85254
• 7204 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 

For those who do not know, El Pollo Loco got its start on a pretty well known street in Los Angeles, 

"In 1980, the very first American El Pollo Loco opened on Alvarado Street in Los Angeles where El Pollo Loco quickly became a local favorite. With authentically prepared flame-grilled, citrus-marinated chicken, freshly prepared ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere customers knew they had a unique dining experience unlike any other in their neighborhood.  As word spread, so did our popularity and locations -- establishing El Pollo Loco as a true local brand throughout California."

The current promotional menu is centered around Baja style shrimp.  This includes a Shrimp Wrap, a Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl, a Shrimp Tostada, and Shrimp Avocado Tacos.

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.

Food Trucks at the Scottsdale Arts Festival This Weekend (3/9 - 3/11)

Starting on Friday at 10am, the 42nd Scottsdale Arts Festival will kick off at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and include 181 artists, 22 bands and entertainers from Arizona, and perhaps most importantly, 12 food trucks from the Phoenix Street Food Coalition.  The participating food trucks are:

Epic Hot Dogs - Hey Joe! Filipino Street Food - Jamburritos Cajun Grill Express - Luncha Libre - Mojo Bowl - Pin-Up Pastries - Taste Rite - Spice It Up - Sweet Republic - Tom's BBQ - Whiskey Ranch BBQ & Wood-Fired Pizzas - The Maine Lobster Lady - Not scheduled for Friday - Buzznbeez Good Food - Not scheduled for Friday

The festival takes place on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm.  The price of food is separate from the price of entry.  Tickets to the event are $7 for any single day and $10 for any two days.  Additional ticketing information and online purchasing can be found here.  Scroll to the bottom of this page for parking and trolley information.

Garcia's Mexican Restaurant Opens New Tempe Location

Garcia's Mexican Restaurant has opened up their 8th Arizona location in Tempe at 1706 E. Warner Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284.  The location features favorites people have come to expect from the Garcia's menu, including everything from nachos, chimichangas, burritos, and tacos to fajitas, quesadillas, and tamales.  Additionally, this particular location has a patio for outdoor dining.

Since 1956, Garcia's has been cooking up Mexican dishes in the Valley, opening up their first restaurant in Phoenix.  Check here for other Garcia's locations around the state. 

Five New Restaurants Around the Phoenix Area

Pete's Thai Cuisine - Located at 12032 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85020, Pete's has a diverse menu with over 80 items to order.  Open from 11:30am - 9pm, Sunday - Thursday and 11:30am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, a lunch buffet is offered from 11:30am - 3:30pm Sunday - Friday.  More at AZCentral.

Amalfi Pizzeria - Opening in December at Chandler Heights Rd. & Alma School Rd., according to the East Valley Tribune, "The authentic Italian menu will feature fresh, made-from scratch bread, pasta, pizza and more."

North - Sam Fox' second North restaurant in the valley opened on November 14 at 4925 N. 40th St. Phoenix, AZ 85018. According to AZCentral, "Unlike the five other Norths...the Arcadia North won't follow corporate's modern Italian template. Instead, (Chef) Curtiss has gone more traditional, and less fussy. 'It's my stripped-down interpretation of regional Italian cuisine,' says Curtiss, whose father is Italian. The fare is "really simple and fresh."

O.H.S.O. Eatery + nanoBrewery - Recently opened at 4900 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018, the eatery will have a classic American feel with a touch of South American. AZcentral has more information, including the fact that nobody knows what "O.H.S.O." stands for.

Caldero - Taking over the spot where Banana Leaf Asian Bistro was at 7111 E. Thomas Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257, Caldero will have, "traditional recipes spanning from Mayan to North Mexican." AZCentral has a good list of menu items.  The stated hours on Caldero's Facebook page are 11am to 2am daily.

Five New Chipotle Restaurants in Arizona

AZCentral recently reported that there are five new Chipotle restaurants that have opened or are opening very soon in the state, four in the Phoenix Metro area and one in Prescott.  Below is a list of opening dates and addresses:

• November 9 - 3440 E. Baseline Rd. Mesa, AZ 85204
• November 22 - 3395 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226
• December 2 - 351 N. Montezuma St. Prescott, AZ 86301
• December 6 - 1 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
• December 14 - 1515 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85003

Chipotle Mexican Grill first opened in Denver, CO in 1993 and now has over 1,100 restaurants worldwide, with nearly 50 of those being in Arizona once all the above mentioned stores are open.

Additional Restaurants Coming to Scottsdale this Fall

Back in July, the AZFoodDude reported on some new restaurants moving into Scottsdale. Now, over the past couple weeks, there has been news of even more openings...

Twin Peaks - Claiming to have "Eats, Drinks, and Scenic Views," Twin Peaks is moving into the location where Earl's was for 14 years at 15784 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Slated to open later in the fall, this will be the first time the Twin Peaks Girls (the scenic views) will be serving up their American comfort food in Arizona. The Dallas-based restaurant has locations in five other states.

Inca's Peruvian Cuisine - AZCentral reports the restaurant serving up South American cuisine will be opening up their second restaurant at 7325 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254 this fall, with the original being in Tucson at 6878 E. Sunrise Dr. Tucson, AZ 85750. With such a diverse menu, comprising elements of pre-Inca, Inca, Spanish, Basque, African, Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, French and British cooking, Inca's Peruvian Cuisine is hoping to make its Peruvian cuisine a hit in Scottsdale.

Distrito - Looking to open in October, Distrito will be located in the newly named, Drinkwater Hotel (most recently called Hotel Theodore) at 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Jose Garces, a winner on Iron Chef America last year, is being brought in by the owners of the hotel to get the ball rolling on the upcoming restaurant. There is already a Distrito in Philadelphia and the menu will be generally the same except, "Unique to Scottsdale...will be Mexican barbecue (barbacoa), slow-cooked meats roasted in a patio smoke pit. Garces is promising adobo-rubbed beef brisket; pork spare ribs with chipotle-cider mustard barbecue sauce; and Yucatán-style rotisserie chicken with an orange guajillo chile glaze."

Grimaldi's Pizzeria to Chandler, La Casita Serves Up Mexican Food in AJ

Grimaldi's Opens Eighth Restaurant in Arizona - Earlier this week, Grimaldi's opened their eighth restaurant in Arizona at 7131 W. Ray Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226. Beginning in 1905 in New York, Grimaldi's Pizzeria is now based in Arizona. Don't let that fool you though, they've wanted to make sure the recipe stayed exactly as it was to the point that they hired a chemist to recreate the water with the same mineral composition so the dough tastes just as it does in New York.

La Casita of Apache Junction Opens - Located at 495 W. Apache Tr. Apache Junction, AZ 85120, La Casita opened up last month and is serving Mexican food 7 days a week. Check out La Casita on Facebook.

New Rural Arizona Restaurants & Stores (6/29)

Little Caesars Pizza - Located at 1547 E. US Highway 70 Safford, AZ 85546, the Eastern Arizona Courier reports the takeout pizza chain opened up yesterday (6/28). They are known for their Hot-N-Ready $5 Pizzas and if you are interested, there is a coupon for $1.99 crazy bread and sauce. (The coupon is good at any location)

El Milagrito - Open from 8am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, El Milagrito serves Mexican and Southwestern style food. The recently opened restaurant, known as "The Little Miracle" in English, is located at 1201 E. Hall St. Show Low, AZ 85901

MoJoe's Grill - Now located at 307 S. Beeline Hwy. Payson, AZ 85541 where Famous Sam's used to be, the Payson Roundup reports that MoJoe's Cafe has moved from its spot on Main Street and is now known as a MoJoe's Grill. Open from 11am to 8pm everyday, MoJoe's has everything from BBQ to hamburgers to shakes.

Jerome Olive Oil Traders - Last year, Verde Valley Olive Oil Traders opened in Cottonwood. This year after the success of that first store, the owners have opened another location in Jerome. Located at 403 Clark St. #B12 Jerome, AZ 86331, the Jerome location is open from 11am to 4pm Sunday through Thursday and 11am to 5pm Friday and Saturday. If you bring in an old bottle they will clean, refill it and give you $1 off of a new oil.

Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Chipotle Restaurants Opening at End of June

Previously reported by the AZFoodDude here and here, Chipotle is about to open at the Scottsdale Pavilions at Talking Stick. Not only is Chipotle set to open there on June 27th, which is ahead of the rumored July opening, but the Paradise Valley Mall location is set to open just a few days later.  From the press release:

"Scottsdale and Phoenix, Ariz., residents will soon each have a new Chipotle (Chi-POAT-lay) Mexican Grill to call their own, bringing the total number of Chipotle locations in Arizona to 45. Chipotle, the burrito restaurant known for serving Food With Integrity, will open at The Pavilions at Talking Stick on Monday, June 27...and at the Paradise Valley Mall in Phoenix on Thursday, June 30..."

Both locations will be open from 11am to 10pm daily, but you may want to make it a late lunch on opening day:

"To say thank you for welcoming additional Chipotle locations to each neighborhood, the new restaurants will hold promotions on their respective opening days. The first 100 customers who purchase a burrito after 3 p.m. will receive a free biodegradable, BPA-free water bottle and a free burrito card they can bring back to use anytime following opening day (fax and online orders are not eligible)."

The address for each location is as follows:

9010 E. Indian Bend Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85256 - Google Maps has this shown incorrectly on the map, it is actually just east of Pima Road on Indian Bend, right next to Lamps Plus.

4622 E. Cactus Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85032

'Food Truck Day' at Whole Foods in North Scottsdale Today

If you've spent anytime in southern California, there's a good chance you've come across something of this nature. On Thursday, June 16th, from 11am - 1:30pm in the Whole Foods parking lot located at 8688 E. Raintree Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85260, the Phoenix Street Food Coalition is teaming up with the supermarket to have their second "Food Truck Day." This event comes after the success of their first event at the Raintree Whole Foods back in May and looks to continue every third Thursday of each month. Here is a list of participating vendors:

• Beet StrEat - Local foods from local producers
• Bella Strada - Italian
• Carte Blanc Gourmet Tacos - Mexican
• Jamburritos - Cajun
• Short Leash Hot Dogs - Specialty Hot Dogs
• Torched Goodness - Creme Brulee

Two New Restaurants in Downtown Phoenix

Two Asian restaurants, Kokoro Sushi & Noodle Bar and Thai Basil are heading to downtown Phoenix. Kokoro Sushi & Noodle Bar has Japanese and Korean items on the menu including everything from calamari tempura to spicy Korean beef to a large sushi menu. It will be at 455 N. 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 next to Mi Amigos and looks to open this week with hours of 11am to 9pm.

Thai Basil on the other hand will, as you might expect, focus on Thai dishes. This will be Thai Basil's third restaurant in the valley as they already have locations in Scottsdale and Ahwatukee. To be located at 114 W. Adams St. #104 Phoenix, AZ 85003 next week, the hours will be as follows:

• Mon-Thu - 11am to 3pm & 5pm to 9pm
• Fri-Sat - 11am to 9:30pm
• Sun - 11:30am to 9pm

For much more information, check out the AZCentral article.

Señor Frog's to Open in Las Vegas

If you've been to one of the many popular Caribbean or Mexican tourist spots, such as Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, the Bahamas or Puerto Rico, then you've probably seen one. In a few months though, you'll only have to travel a few hours northwest, depending on where you live in the state. Our neighbors in Las Vegas are soon to have a Señor Frog's Bar and Grill. There's no date certain yet, but it looks to open later this year at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.

This will be the second Señor Frog's on the U.S. mainland, with the other restaurant in Myrtle Beach, SC. Never been to one? Known for a crazy party atmosphere, they also have a very large variety on their menu even though they are Mexican-themed. Everything from BBQ, burgers and pasta, to the obvious Mexican dishes. If you'd like to see for yourself, check out Señor Frog's Menu.

Update (6-23-11): Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island, hopes to open Señor Frog's in December.
Update (4-10-12): After plenty of delays and speculation it seems that we can finally count on Señor Frog's Las Vegas opening later this month.  Of note, from the time the AZFoodDude originally wrote this story to now, another Señor Frog's location was announced and opened in Orlando, thus making the Señor Frog's in Las Vegas the third location on the U.S. mainland.

Now Open: Fiiberto's at Scottsdale/Talking Stick Pavilions

Previously mentioned here and updated here and here by the AZFoodDude, the Filiberto's at the Scottsdale/Talking Stick Pavilions is now open for business.

It will be interesting to see how things go between Filiberto's and the already established Taco Bell across the street. Is there enough room in your heart...or stomach for both?

Also, check here to see some of the other restaurants coming to the Scottsdale/Talking Stick Pavilions.

Phoenix Street Food Trucks in Downtown Phoenix Today 5/20

After holding an event yesterday at the Whole Foods in north Scottsdale, Phoenix Street Food will be holding 2 events today (5/20) in downtown Phoenix.

The first event will be at the Phoenix Public Market, located at 14 E. Pierce St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 & up to Central & McKinley from 11am - 1:30pm. The vendors participating in this event are:

• Jamburritos - Cajun
• Paradise Melts - Sandwich melts
• Riteway Catering - Po'boy sandwiches
• Sweet Republic - Ice Cream, Sorbet, Yogurt
• Short Leash Hot Dogs - Specialty Hot Dogs
• Sunshine & Spice - Breakfast & Asian - (say "Congratulations" and get $1 off)
• Torched Goodness - Creme Brulee

Update (5-26-11): While the particular trucks may not always be the same, this tends to be a regular event at the Phoenix Public Market on Fridays afternoons.

The second event will be on Roosevelt Row for Third Friday at 408 E. Roosevelt St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 from 6pm - 10pm. The participating vendors include:

• Carte Blanc Gourmet Tacos - Mexican
• Hey Joe! - Filipino
• Tom's BBQ - BBQ

If you don't already, you can follow Phoenix Street Food on Facebook and Twitter.

'Food Truck Day' at Whole Foods in North Scottsdale Tomorrow

If you've spent anytime in southern California, there's a good chance you've come across something of this nature. On Thursday, May 19th, from 11am - 1:30pm in the Whole Foods parking lot located at 8688 E. Raintree Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85260, the Phoenix Street Food Coalition is teaming up with the supermarket to have their first "Food Truck Day." The event is billed as a chance to "change your typical lunch plans" and choose from a variety of foods.  Here is a list of participating vendors:

• Beet StrEat - Local foods from local producers
• Bella Strada - Italian
• Carte Blanc Gourmet Tacos - Mexican
• Jamburritos - Cajun
• Phoenix Cheesesteak Company - Cheesesteak
• Sweet Republic - Ice Cream, Sorbet, Yogurt
• Short Leash Hot Dogs - Specialty Hot Dogs
• Torched Goodness - Creme Brulee