Eight months into 2017, we've had more than 50 restaurants either open their doors for the first time in the Valley or open second, third, and fourth locations.
The openings include everything from modern Japanese cuisine to Chicago deep-dish pizza, Mexican cuisine, Hawaiian-inspired poke, and fast-casual breakfast joints.
What can we expect for the rest of the year and into 2018? So far, we've found more than 40 restaurants with plans to open around the Valley. View our map and scroll through our list to see where and when!
Have a restaurant tip? Send an email to Josh.Frigerio@abc15.com and let him know!
Scramble
CHANDLER
Scramble, a breakfast and lunch joint - The local quick-casual restaurant, part of Icon Hospitality Group, will open a location within The Shoppes at Casa Paloma near Ray Road and 54th Street. It is slated to open spring 2018.
Flavors of Louisiana - The locally-owned Cajun restaurant first opened in Avondale. A franchise restaurant is slated to open in October 2017 in a shopping center near Chandler Blvd. and Kyrene Road.
Flix Brewhouse - Flix is a Texas-based dine-in movie theater, restaurant and microbrewery. Its first Arizona location will be part of Overstreet, a new entertainment development near Arizona Avenue and Chandler Blvd. Flix is slated to open in December 2017.
The Local - The Local is going to be a sports-themed restaurant and lounge in downtown Chandler. It took over the space previously occupied by now-closed Chicago 55. It will have 25 televisions, plus a projection screen on the patio, said owner Mike Smith. It will feature local craft beer, local produce and have an upscale bar menu. It is scheduled to open September 2017.
Hash Kitchen - The Scottsdale-based brunch restaurant is bringing its Bloody Mary bar and cereal cocktails to Chandler's Raintree Ranch Center near Ray Road and Loop 101. It is slated to open spring 2018.
Equal Parts - Equal Parts is a "rustic Northern Italian" concept that will be equal parts restaurant and bar, according to restaurateur Julian Wright. He partnered with the owners of Worth Takeaway in Mesa. It replaced Vintage 95 which closed in April. Equal Parts is slated to open fall 2017.
We've plotted out all of the new restaurant openings in the map below.
OHSO/Sixty First Place Architects, LTD
GILBERT
Culinary Dropout at The Yard - Sam Fox's Fox Restaurant Concepts plans to open its largest Culinary Dropout -- 25,000-square feet -- at The Yard in downtown Gilbert. The first floor will have the restaurant, bar and two "yards" for backyard-type games. The second floor will house The Coop, a 150-person event space. It is slated to open in 2018.
The Brass Tap - The Tampa, Florida-based craft beer concept will open a second location along Gilbert Road in a new building between Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row and Bergie's Coffee Roast House. The Gilbert location will be more than twice the size of the Mesa spot, and will have a full kitchen and bar. It is slated to open by the end of 2017.
O.H.S.O. - O.H.S.O. stands for Outrageous Homebrewer's Social Outpost. The restaurant-brewery-distillery concept will open its fourth location in a new 10,000-square-foot building near Gilbert Road and Vaughn Avenue. It is slated to open early 2018.
Steak and Stone Steakhouse - The Mesa barbecue restaurant and steakhouse is opening a second location in Gilbert near Warner and Gilbert roads. One of its signature dishes is the filet mignon, which is served raw on a 500-degree stone. The guests then cook each piece, which takes mere seconds. It will open September 2017.
Flying Basset Brewing - A local brewery coming to Ray and Cooper roads in Gilbert. It is owned by Rob Gagnon, a pilot, and his wife, Sara, a nurse at a local hospital, according to its website. It is slated to open in fall 2017.
Rott n' View Rooftop Bar - Rott n' View will be a rooftop bar on top of Building 313 off Gilbert Road, according to a liquor license filed with the town. The building itself is between Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row and a coffee shop. It will also house The Brass Tap's new location. It is not known when Rott n' View will open.
OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen - The Tucson-based Asian concept focused on modern Japanese cuisine will open a second Valley restaurant at the Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert. Since Epicenter is still under development, exactly when the restaurant will open is not known. In August 2017, OBON opened a location at Scottsdale Quarter.
Bird Provisions and Bar - Bird is a "modern American eatery...with Southern influences," according to its website. It's another concept from Tucson-based Fukushu Restaurant Concepts, who also own OBON Sushi. Bird will open be at Epicenter at Agritopia. Since Epicenter is still under development, it's not known when Bird will open.
Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soups - Owner Aaron Pool's fast-casual Mexican restaurant will join Bird and OBON at Epicenter at Agritopia. The opening will mark a third location for the concept. Epicenter is not slated to open until 2019. Editor's note: This entry was added after this story initially published.
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers
GLENDALE
Boba Tea Lounge - The owners behind Crave Waffle Sandwich Creations at Westgate Entertainment District have shut down that concept and will reopen as Blendz, a Boba tea house and dessert shop. It is slated to open September 2017.
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers - The neighborhood sports bars and restaurant will open its first location in the West Valley at 67th Avenue and Deer Valley Road. The 5,793-square-foot restaurant will have seating for 276 people, including its patio, and 60 televisions. It is slated to open in the fall.
Flix Brewhouse
PEORIA
Flix Brewhouse - The Texas-based dine-in movie theater and microbrewery will open a second location in Peoria. It will be part of an unnamed development near Happy Valley Road and Lake Pleasant Parkway. Construction has not started so it is not known when the project will be completed.
Little Miss BBQ
PHOENIX
Ahipoki - The Valley poke restaurant is expanding again with a location at CityScape in downtown Phoenix. Poke is a Hawaiian dish composed of raw fish, rice or salad, and various toppings. It is slated to open on Monday, August 21.
NCounter - The neighborhood breakfast and brunch restaurant plans to open a location in north Phoenix near the Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road. A second location recently opened in downtown Phoenix. It is expected to open September 2017.
Lou Malnati's - The Chicago deep-dish pizza restaurant plans to open a second location dedicated entirely to carryout, delivery and catering. It will share part of the building with Kitchen 56 near 56th Street and Indian School Road. It is slated to open fall 2017.
Woody's Macayo's - Local Mexican chain, Macayo's, is moving its test kitchen to its new restaurant in central Phoenix. The restaurant is said to have a design similar to the original Macayo's that opened in the 1950s. It's also named after founder Woody Johnson. It is expected to open October 2017.
Bobby Q's - The Valley barbecue chain will open a third location within Phoenix's Biltmore Plaza near 32nd Street and Camelback Road. It takes over the space formerly occupied by Mexx32. It is slated to open fall 2017.
Over Easy - The Valley breakfast restaurant plans to open a fifth location near 24th Street and Camelback Road. It is scheduled to open September 2017.
Scramble, a breakfast and lunch joint - The local quick-casual breakfast restaurant, part of Icon Hospitality Group, will open another location at "24th and Camelback," an office complex near 24th Street and Camelback Road. It is slated to open in December 2017.
Taco Chelo - A Mexican restaurant in the Roosevelt Row art district in downtown Phoenix. It's a collaboration between restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin (St. Francis, Phoenix Public Market), chef Suny Santana and artist Gennaro Garcia. It is slated to open summer 2017.
State 48 Brewery - The Surprise brewery is expanding to downtown Phoenix. The brewery has leased space at the Welnick Building near Fourth Avenue and Van Buren. It is slated to open early 2018.
Buddyz, A Chicago Pizzeria - The Chicago-style pizza restaurant will open its third pizzeria in Ahwatukee, a neighborhood of Phoenix, near Desert Hills Parkway and Chandler Blvd. It is slated to open August 2017.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery - The Colorado-based breakfast restaurant will open a fifth restaurant within the Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center near Interstate 10 and Ray Road. It is expected to open in September or October 2017.
Pomegranate Cafe - The local vegan and vegetarian eatery has plans to open a second location near 7th Street and Missouri Avenue in Phoenix. As long as construction stays on track, it should open fall 2017.
Original ChopShop Co. - The Phoenix eatery known for its health bowls will open two restaurants in Arcadia and Paradise Valley. The Arcadia eatery will be near 32nd Street and Campbell Avenue and is slated to open in November 2017. The restaurant in Paradise Valley will be near Shea and Tatum Blvds. and is slated to open early 2018.
Barrio Queen - The local Mexican restaurant will open a third location at Desert Ridge Marketplace near the Loop 101 and Tatum Blvd. The restaurant is slated to open late summer 2017.
The Porch - An "upscale yet relaxed gastropub" set to open in Arcadia, according to its website. The restaurant will be near 40th Street and Indian School Road. It is slated to open summer 2017.
The Covenant - A new neighborhood restaurant serving wood-fired fare in Paradise Valley. Co-owner Carri Gardner said the eatery will have an "elegant, but comfortable" atmosphere. It will also serve craft cocktails, wine and beer. It is slated to open September 2017.
Hash Kitchen - The Scottsdale-based breakfast concept will open a fourth restaurant near 44th Street and Indian School Road. It is slated to open winter 2017.
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers - The sports bar and burger restaurant will open four restaurants in the Valley between 2017 and 2018. Of the four, two will be in Arcadia and Paradise Valley. The Arcadia location will be near 40th Street and Indian School Road. The Paradise Valley restaurant will be near Cactus Road and Tatum Blvd. It is not known when both locations plan to open.
Rubicon Deli - Rubicon is an upscale sandwich shop based in San Diego, California. It will expand to Arizona with two locations, one in Phoenix and Scottsdale. The Phoenix location will be near Central and Virginia avenues. It's slated to open early 2018.
Little Miss BBQ - The Valley Texas-style barbecue restaurant will open a second location in Sunnyslope, a neighborhood of Phoenix. It will be near 7th Street and Dunlap Avenue, said owner Scott Holmes. He said the new location will open early 2018.
Mission Possible Cafe - A Southwest-inspired restaurant that benefits the Phoenix Rescue Mission. The cafe's employees will be part of the mission's programs to learn skills in the food industry. The cafe will be near Van Buren Street and 15th Avenue. It is slated to open in fall 2017.
Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soups - Owner Aaron Pool is bringing his fast-casual Mexican concept to 40th Street and Camelback Road marking a second restaurant in the Valley. It is expected to open fall 2017.
Editor's note: This entry was added after this story initially published.
Larder & Delta - Chef Stephen Jones closed his restaurant at Desoto Central Market with the intent to reopen as a standalone restaurant somewhere in Phoenix. He is still looking for a space, but hopes to open in early 2018. Editor's note: This entry was added after this story initially published.
Welcome Diner - The people behind Welcome Diner announced in May 2016 their plans to expand to a second "Welcome Diner" within Phoenix's Garfield District. Michael Babcock said then that the diner would be near 10th Street and Pierce, the same intersection where Gallo Blanco reopened. It is not known when Welcome Diner plans to open.
Lou Malnati's
SCOTTSDALE
Lou Malnati's - The Chicago pizzeria has plans to build a 10,000-square-foot dine-in restaurant at Chauncey Lane, a new development coming to Scottsdale Road and Chauncey Lane. The opening will mark the pizzeria's third location in Arizona. The location will also have carryout, delivery and catering. Right now, the opening is slated for summer 2018.
Famous 48 - A new concept from Square One Concepts (Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, The Funky Monk, Wasted Grain), Famous 48 is an American tavern-style restaurant. It replaces Scottsdale's Craft & Mermaid. It is slated to open fall 2017.
Modern Market - The Colorado-based health restaurant will open a third location at the Scottsdale Promenade near Scottsdale and Bell roads. The eatery touts its use of quality ingredients and simple dishes. It is not known when it will open.
Original ChopShop Co. - Original ChopShop has plans to expand with four locations in the Valley. One of those locations with be at the Scottsdale Promenade near Scottsdale and Bell roads. It is slated to open December 2017.
Rubicon Deli - The California-based premium deli is expanding to Arizona with two locations. One in Phoenix and the other in Scottsdale near Scottsdale Road and Greenway Parkway. The Scottsdale eatery is slated to open by the end of 2017.
Casa Amigos - When LiveWire, a Scottsdale concert venue, closed, it was announced that a Mexican restaurant and bowling alley would replace it. Casa Amigos is described as a "high energy Mexican restaurant." It will be the newest concept for Evening Entertainment Group, which also runs Sandbar Mexican Grill and Casa Anejo in Phoenix. It is slated to open fall 2017.
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila - The Scottsdale Mexican restaurant is expanding with a second restaurant near the Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road. It is slated to open November 2017.
Editor's note: We added this after the story initially published.
Mowry & Cotton - The restaurant replaces Il Terrazzo at The Phoenician resort. It will feature "an array of regionally sourced and cured American dishes," according to a news release. It is slated to open fall 2017.
Editor's note: We added this after the story initially published.
Chef's Lounge - Chef Joshua Hebert closed Posh Restaurant and is transforming the space into a commissary space for other chefs. It will also host pop-up dinners and cocktail, wine and culinary classes, according to a release. It is not known when it is slated to open.
Editor's note: We added this after the story initially published.
Tempe Public Market Cafe
TEMPE
Tempe Public Market Cafe - Chef Aaron Chamberlin, the owner behind St. Francis and Phoenix Public Market Cafe, is expanding the market/cafe concept to Tempe. It will be housed in a 3,200-square-foot building near Warner and Rural roads. It will be similar to the Phoenix cafe with a dining room, patio and bar. It is slated to open fall 2017.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - The dine-in movie theater, restaurant and bar concept will open a second location in Tempe in 2018. It will be part of The Collective, a 50,000-square-foot entertainment development coming to Rural and Baseline roads.
TRES - Tres, which means three in Spanish, will open within Discover Park off Price Road between Elliott and Guadalupe. The menu will feature influences of the desert southwest, Spain and the Mediterranean, according to a release. It will offer three meal sizes -- hence its name -- including small plates, quick bites and full portions. It is slated to open fall 2017.
Varsity Tavern - The Texas-based restaurant and bar, similar to Fox Restaurant Concept's "Culinary Dropout at The Yard" will take over the former Hooters space on Mill Avenue in Tempe. It will occupy the second and third floors. It is slated to open in 2018.
Quarterie - Translated to "district" in Italian, Quarterie aims to be a "local red sauce joint," according to owner Erick Geryol, who also owns Boulders on Broadway, Boulders on Southern and Spokes in Tempe. His fourth restaurant will be traditional Italian with some modernizations. It will take over the space where Riazzi's Italian was. The deal is still being worked out, but Geryol hopes to be open in October or November 2017, depending on how long renovations take.
** Editor's note: This entry was added after the story initially published.
