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."

The Funky Monk Set to Open in Mid-March in Tempe & Tucson

I know you want to say funky monkey, but there is no monkey. While details are sparse, we do know a couple of things so far. First, The Funky Monk in Tucson will open on March 16th at 350 E. Congress St. Suite A, Tucson, AZ 85701, while The Funky Monk in Tempe will be opening the next day on March 17th at 526 S. Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ 85281.

Next, we know these two establishments are from the same folks who developed Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, Wasted Grain, Crab & Mermaid, Bourbon & Bones, and Pacific Beach Shore Club out in San Diego.

Lastly, the locations, especially the Tempe spot near ASU leads one to believe this will be a bar-centric establishment.  As more details become available the AZFoodDude will pass them along.

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.  

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:

The Halal Guys Set to Open First Arizona Restaurant

With over a dozen restaurants to come in Arizona over the next few years, The Halal Guys are set to open their first later this month.  The menu may look small but if you have ever been to New York City, then you know the lines are the exact opposite.  Known for their chicken and gyro meat platters and sandwiches topped with red and white sauce, The Halal Guys are looking to capitalize on the ASU area with the restaurant to be located at 1015 S. Rural Rd. Tempe, AZ 85281.

While they are currently in the hiring process, if the Yelp page is accurate, the hours for the Tempe location will be 11am to 11pm Sunday - Thursday and 11am to 2am Friday & Saturday.

According to their website:

"The Halal Guys legend began in 1990, when the three founding partners opened up a hot dog cart on West 53rd & 6th Avenue in New York City. As business grew, they recognized a huge demand from Muslim cab drivers looking for a halal food meal. That is when the famous platter of chicken and gyro over rice was born. And let’s not forget about the famous white and red sauces!"

When a hard open date is set, this post will be updated.

UPDATE 1-14-17: The Halal Guys will open on Friday, January 27th at 11am.  

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"

Food News From Around the State

The AZFoodDude knows it's been quiet here, so with a free moment today, here are some food headlines from around the state over the past week or so.  All stories are courtesy of AZCentral:

Tucson Restaurant, Janos, Closing After 29 Years

May's Vitamin T in Downtown Phoenix Shuts Down, Plans to Open Praying Monk in Scottsdale 

El Santo Cantina, Patio Bar, & Restaurant Has Opened Near Scottsdale Airport 

Three Different Restaurants Specializing in Barbecue Opening in Chandler

Chef Chu Closes Sens Asian Tapas & Sake Bar, Opening SoChu House and Lantern

Ranch House Grille in Arcadia, Closed Since November 2010, Has Now Reopened

Two New Babbo Italian Eatery Locations Opening in the East Valley

New Pub Opens in Tempe Tomorrow (4/12)

Mad Hatter Brew Pub Logo

Mad Hatter Brew Pub is a brand new pub in the middle of Tempe, near Sun Devil Stadium that is set to open tomorrow, April 12.  No information about specific menu items is available right now, but what the AZFoodDude does know is that Mad Hatter Brew Pub is located where Dave's Electric Brewpub used to be, 502 S. College Ave. #103 Tempe, AZ 85281, it will be open with a patio for lunch and dinner, and it will be "serving fresh and delicious food as well as unique brews." 

You can follow Mad Hatter Brew Pub on Facebook and Twitter.

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. 

Dairy Queen's Orange Julius Opens in Peoria

Coming on the heels of their opening in Tempe, Orange Julius has opened another location at 10100 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway #1320, Peoria, AZ 85383.  If you've never been to an Orange Julius, you can check out the menu focusing on fruit beverages and smoothies here, but also of note, from the press release: 

The DQ Orange Julius store in Peoria features DQ favorites, such as the iconic Blizzard Treats, MooLatte frozen coffee-flavored beverages, Blizzard Cakes and a wide variety of other soft-serve items, as well as the full line of Orange Julius premium fruit smoothies and fruit-blended beverages.

While known for their original Orange Julius, currently, the smoothie of the month is the Strawberry Delight Light Smoothie, which is made of strawberry and banana, a nonfat dairy blend and Splenda brand sweetener.

The location is open Sunday - Thursday from 10:30am to 10:30pm and 10:30am to 11:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Dairy Queen's Orange Julius Opens in Tempe

Yesterday at the Arizona Mills Mall at 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir. Tempe, AZ 85282, Dairy Queen's Orange Julius opened their 14th location in the state.  If you've never been to an Orange Julius, you can check out the menu focusing on fruit beverages and smoothies here, but also of note, from the press release:

The location offers all of the amazing Dairy Queen soft-serve treats and cakes as well as Orange Julius products including an array of fruit beverages and smoothies. In addition, the store also will serve Dairy Queen signature Iron Grilled Sandwiches as well as hot dogs.

While known for their original Orange Julius, currently, the smoothie of the month is the Strawberry Delight Light Smoothie, which is made of strawberry and banana, a nonfat dairy blend and Splenda brand sweetener.

The location is open Monday - Saturday from 10am to 9:30pm and 11am to 7pm on Sundays.

Bloom Closes in Scottsdale, Highgrove Grill to Take Place

Bloom, over at 8877 N. Scottsdale Rd. #402 Scottsdale, AZ 85253 closed over the weekend.  From AZCentral:

According to Fox, the move resulted from a combination of circumstances. On the one hand, Fox acknowledged that after a decade, Bloom needed to be "remodeled and renovated." On the other hand, he said, "we were at a crossroads," because Bloom "is not a brand we are going to grow." So when he got an offer from Highgrove Grill to take over the lease and buy the furnishings and equipment, he accepted "with mixed emotions."

Hoping to open in a few weeks, Highgrove Grill will be an "American eatery and wine bar."

AZ Restaurants Serving "Breakfast for Dinner" Tonight to Benefit AZCA

Tonight (11/4), Hickman's Family Farms will be sponsoring their third annual "PJ's & Eggs - Breakfast for Dinner" events at multiple restaurants around the state to benefit the Arizona's Children Association.  Participating restaurants will be open from 5pm to close for the event and according to Hickman's Family Farms:

Customers having “breakfast for dinner” will be asked to bring a pair of new pajamas to the restaurant to be donated to AzCA’s foster care children. In return, customers will be entered to win gift certificates from participating restaurants. They will also be given a “Free Dozen Eggs” certificate, courtesy of Hickman’s Eggs, to be redeemed at any grocery store where Hickman’s eggs are sold...Participating restaurants will donate a portion of the proceeds from “PJ’s & Eggs” to AzCA foster care programs, which supports purchasing basic supplies to fulfill needs of the children in its statewide foster care program.

There are 16 participating restaurants in the state, 10 in the Phoenix Metro area, four in Tucson, and one each in Prescott and Wickenburg. A full list can be found here if you scroll down on the page.

Just Opened: Capriotti's in Scottsdale

Capriotti's has opened their newest location in Arizona at 15227 N. 87th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85260. For a little background on Capriotti's:

In 1976, in Wilmington, Delaware, Lois and Alan Margolet opened up the first Capriotti's Sandwich Shop. Named after their grandfather, Phillip, Lois and Alan wanted to set themselves apart by catering to "real turkey lovers." Now, 35 years later, Capriotti's serves a whole host of sandwiches.  Everything from tuna, roast beef, salami or cheesesteak to their top-selling Bobbie, which was voted "The Greatest Sandwich in America" in an AOL-Lemondrop poll in November of 2009.

In addition to the Scottsdale location, Capriott's has three other restaurants in the Phoenix area. The Scottsdale location has hours of 10am-8pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-7pm on Sundays.

Paradise Bakery Opening in Old Town Scottsdale, Tempe & Tucson

Paradise Bakery & Café, the Scottsdale-based restaurant, is planning to open in the old building at 7145 E. Indian School Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 that housed Fuddruckers as recently as last fall. Looking at a November opening, the location will be one of over 70 locations that the growing company has throughout the country.

In addition, Paradise Bakery will be opening two other locations in the state later this fall. One in Tempe at 1825 E. Guadalupe Rd. Tempe, AZ 85283 and Tucson's second location at 4362 N. Oracle Rd. Tucson, AZ 85705.

Check out other Paradise Bakery locations and have a look at the menu of baked goods, sandwiches, paninis, soups, pasta, salads as well as breakfast goods, espresso and smoothies.

Dunkin' Donuts Opening at ASU on Friday

The East Valley Tribune reports that Dunkin' Donuts is set to open their first ever campus location at Arizona State University this Friday, August 19.  Specifically located at 681 E. Apache Blvd. Tempe, AZ 85281, the shop will be open from 4am to 9pm Monday through Saturday and 5am to 9pm on Sunday.

Pita Jungle Opening at Norterra in September

Photo by J Group Media

Local chain, Pita Jungle, which started in Tempe in 1994, is set to open their 13th restaurant in the state at the Shops at Norterra, located on the northeast corner of W. Happy Valley Rd. and the I-17. The planned September opening will bring Pita Jungle's Mediterranean menu and healthy eating drive to another busy Phoenix area shopping center. This comes after Pita Jungle recently opened their first restaurant outside of the state in Pasadena, CA with another location soon to open in Newport Beach, CA.

Have a look at the Pita Jungle menu which includes varieties of hummus, pitas, burgers and even pizzas and check out some of their other locations, which includes one in Tucson and one in Flagstaff.

Yogurtini Now Open in Downtown Phoenix, Planning Another Location

Yogurtini recently opened their fifth location in downtown Phoenix inside the CityScape development at 1 E. Washington St. #180 Phoenix, AZ 85044. The self-serve yogurt shop is also planning on opening a sixth location in the near future in the area of West Happy Valley Road & the I-17 at the Shops at Norterra.

Yogurtini was started in Tempe, AZ by Natasha and Chelsey Nelson. There are 16 flavors and over 70 toppings available daily with at least one non-dairy and one no sugar added flavor. Below is a list of the other current locations:

• 720 S. Rural Rd. #120 Tempe, AZ 85281
• 5870 W. Thunderbird Rd. #A3 Glendale, AZ 85306
• 9120 E. Indian Bend Rd. #E1 Scottsdale, AZ 85250 (Google maps incorrectly places this after the Loop 101 going east, it is actually located next to the UltraStar Cinemas)
• 475 E. Bell Rd. #170 Phoenix, AZ 85022

U.S. Egg to Open in Chandler Later This Year

The locally and family owned and operated, U.S. Egg Restaurant will be opening a fourth location in the Phoenix metro area, according to an announcement on their website. On their Twitter feed, the location is said to be in the area of Chandler Blvd and Kyrene Rd. While there are currently three U.S. Egg Restaurants around town, the first one opened up in 1991. Here are the addresses of the current restaurants:

• 131 E. Baseline Rd. Tempe, AZ 85283
• 402 E. Greenway Pkwy. Phoenix, AZ 85022
• 3238 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251

U.S. Egg is open daily from 6:30am to 2:30pm and specializes in all kinds of breakfast and lunch items. You can check out the wide variety on the U.S. Egg menu here. Some FYI, one of the items they are known for is their protein pancakes.

Update (10-26-11): The location is now open at 5840 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226

Tempe Applebee's Gives Man With Terminal Brain Cancer Free Dinner

There isn't much to say as the headline pretty much says it all. The Applebee's at 909 E. Broadway Rd. Tempe, AZ 85282 took care of the entire dinner for a married couple that wanted to celebrate the husband's 500th day of life after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Before the couple arrived, a third party notified the Applebee's store that the couple would be coming in. Here is a small excerpt of the letter the wife wrote to Applebee's after the dinner, from her blog, Learning to Hope:

We had been told ahead of time that they would 'comp' us one meal and appetizer; and I had enough saved for the occasion that I was more than willing to pay for just one of us to eat out. Your staff decided they could do better, and they did. 

The sweetest surprise came when the evening manager (Jeff) not only came over to congratulate my husband on being alive, but that our entire dinner was on the house.

I urge you to read the touching letter in its entirety, written by the wife over at her blog, Learning to Hope.