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. 

Taco Bell's Dorito Taco Has "Been Huge" During Testing Phase

Taco Bell's Dorito Taco, which is similar to a Taco Supreme with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese and reduced-fat sour cream, but in a shell made from Nacho Cheese Doritos Chips, will be rolled out nationwide on March 8 and with a lot riding on it for the Mexican chain founded 50 years ago in 1962.  Since taco sales have been sliding for a few years and same store sales fell 2% last year, much of which is thought to be related to the junk lawsuit regarding Taco Bell's beef, the Dorito Taco is said to have a lot riding on its cheesy shell:

Wounded brands such as Taco Bell can take years to recover. What the 5,600-unit fast-food behemoth is about to try is almost unprecedented. It's making so many major changes at the same time that next to the wildly successful McDonald's turnaround of the past decade, this could rank as one of fast food's most complex turnaround attempts in decades. Its likelihood of success — or failure — rests on the head of a Doritos chip.

Two commonly ridiculed "junk" foods — the Doritos chip and the Taco Bell taco — are being rolled into one. In this case, one plus one might not equal two. For Taco Bell, it may equal millions of dollars in incremental sales. The year has hardly begun, but there's already industry chatter about the Doritos-laced taco emerging as one of the nation's top new products this year.

Continuing, the USA Today article points out just how successful the Dorito Taco has been during the testing phase:

Test-market results around Toledo, Ohio, San Bernardino and Bakersfield have been outside the bun. About three in 10 consumers are ordering the new tacos — an enormous number for a new product. In northwest Ohio, where 14 stores are selling the new tacos, sales of Doritos Locos Tacos outnumber conventional tacos, says franchisee Don Unruh. "It's been huge," he says. 

In more good news for those that like other types of Doritos, Taco Bell plans to "extend the line to Cool Ranch and, ultimately, even more of the current 123 Doritos flavors worldwide."

While some analysts say it will be difficult for Taco Bell to make a real comeback while their target demographic is some of the hardest hit by high unemployment, between the breakfast roll out, the Dorito Taco and upscale, Chipotle-like menu items that are currently being tested in Louisville, KY and Bakersfield, CA, it would be fair to say Taco Bell is trying to make their 50th year, the year they turned it around.

UPDATE (3-7-12): Taco Bell is inviting people to a midnight launch of the new Doritos Locos Tacos tonight.  Also of note, originally Taco Bell only promoted a supreme version of the taco but according the the latest press release, a slightly cheaper version similar to a regular taco with just ground beef, lettuce and cheese will also be available.

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. 

Tilted Kilt Opening at Phoenix CityScape in Late June

Tempe-based Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery is almost ready to open in downtown Phoenix at 2 E. Jefferson St. #22-217 Phoenix, AZ 85004. According to their Twitter feed, they are headed for a late June opening in the CityScape development.

Currently, Tilted Kilt has four valley locations with one each in Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe and Peoria. Never been to the one of their eateries? You can check out the large menu here, which includes Irish Nachos, Drunken Clams, roasted garlic fries, burgers, chicken, the Tilted Guilt dessert and plenty of alcohol.