Cool Gelato Italiano Now Open in Scottsdale

Earlier this week, Alberto della Casa and Letizia de Lucia, a married couple who have worked in the food industry in both Italy and the U.S. for a combined 35 years, opened Cool Gelato Italiano at 7373 E. Scottsdale Mall #125, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.  According to the press release:

Cool will feature 20 distinct flavors designed by Alberto and Letizia in collaboration with Italy’s champion gelato artisan recognized by the Italian Academy of Gelato. Cool will also highlight authentic sorbet made with fresh fruits, gelato sandwiches, gelato affogato and more.

Additionally, Cool is aiming to be as fresh and all natural as possible:

Cool’s gelato is made fresh daily onsite. The gelato is produced in small quantities and because of its freshness requires no preservatives. No artificial colors or chemical additives are used.

Cool Gelato Italiano has indoor and outdoor seating and is open Sunday - Thursday from 11am to 11pm and 10am to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Panda Express Debuts New Peppercorn Shrimp, Free Offer to Follow

Starting today, you'll be able to walk into Panda Express and order their new Peppercorn Shrimp, which is described as:

Made with plump, marinated shrimp, tender asparagus, chopped yellow onions and sweet red bell peppers tossed in a sizzling wok with a signature sauce made from bold, Thai green peppercorns and Asian spices.

Also, on Wednesday, February 22, the press release mentions that Panda Express fans on Facebook will be able to use a coupon to try the Peppercorn Shrimp for free:

To celebrate its grand entrance, Panda Express will offer a free entrée serving of the Peppercorn Shrimp dish to Facebook fans on Feb. 22, which is also the first day of Lent. Guests who "like" Panda Express on Facebook can download the free entrée coupon, which will be available on Feb. 15. 

That said, if you are not on Facebook or if you just want the coupon, it is also available on the Panda Express website.

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. 

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. 

Teriyaki Madness Looks to Arizona for Expansion

Started in 2003, Las Vegas-based Teriyaki Madness is looking to expand across the southwest and Arizona looks to be a key part of that expansion.  Currently, Teriyaki Madness has seven locations, but hopes to open three more this year, have a total of 25 by 2015, and to have over 200 total restaurants in the next 10 years.  At this point, it is not known if any of the three set to open this year will be in Arizona, but stay tuned for updates. 

According to their press release, "Teriyaki Madness is providing an alternative to traditional fast food with its fresh, Asian-inspired dishes, such as chicken teriyaki and spicy chicken, both served with made-from-scratch sauces and a secret blend of spices. The average ticket price for lunch ranges from $10-$12 while dinner is around $13."  Check out the Full Teriyaki Madness menu here.

Saladworks Coming to Arizona

Photo by Saladworks - BLT Salad

With over 100 locations in 11 states, Saladworks is hoping to open 5 restaurants in Maricopa County by 2016 with the first location opening by the end of this year.  The location set to open this year isn't known just yet, but Scottsdale looks to be a safe bet since the franchisee mentioned in the QSR article is a Scottsdale resident. 

First opening in Cherry Hill, NJ in 1986, Saladworks specializes in salads, including the ability to create your own, but also has focaccia sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and soups.  View the full Saladworks menu here.

New Menu Items: Popeyes, Domino's, Whataburger, Cinnabon, Dunkin'

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - Garlic Pepper Wicked Chicken - "Garlic Pepper Wicked Chicken includes thin strips of marinated, all white-meat chicken, hand-battered and breaded. Popeyes is also introducing its new Garlic Pepper Parmesan Dipping Sauce." A $3.99 combo with the chicken and dipping sauce, Cajun fries, a buttermilk biscuit, and a mini bottle of Tabasco pepper sauce is available until February 19.

Domino's Pizza - Parmesan Bread Bites - "The bite (or two) size, brand new, permanent menu item is there for the sharing - which, based on the goodness of freshly baked bread topped with garlic and Parmesan, may not be easy."  Also, if you order the two medium, two topping pizzas deal for $5.99 each, Domino's is offering the Parmesan Bread Bites for $1.

Whataburger - Chicken Fajita Taco - Coming in at 420 calories, the Chicken Fajita Taco "features sliced, grilled chicken breast; roasted poblano and red bell peppers; and grilled onions wrapped in a tortilla." 

Cinnabon - Cinnabon Flavored Iced Coffee & Cinnabon Flavored Coffee Chillatta - Available through May 20, "The Cinnabon Flavored Iced Coffee has hints of brown sugar, vanilla and Makara® cinnamon, making it the most bon-like coffee yet. The Cinnabon Flavored Coffee Chillatta is a frozen, blended beverage that contains Makara cinnamon and vanilla flavors blended with a ribbon of caramel and topped with whipped cream."

Dunkin' Donuts - New Bakery Sandwiches - The four new sandwiches are described in the press release, "Dunkin' Donuts' new Ham & Cheese Bakery Sandwich features Black Forest ham, white cheddar cheese and Creamy Dijon sauce on a French roll, while the new Turkey, Cheddar & Bacon Bakery Sandwich features turkey, white cheddar cheese, bacon and Ancho Chipotle sauce on a French roll. Customers can also order Chicken Salad and Tuna Salad Bakery Sandwiches, featuring chicken salad or tuna salad on a bagel...All bakery sandwiches are served oven-toasted and made-to-order on a French roll, bagel, or croissant."