Opening
Akamaru
“Where traditional Japanese flavors blend seamlessly with modern innovation,” describes this restaurant’s ethos. Izakaya menu available in the evening.
15689 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, akamaruscottsdale.com
Back Alley BBQ
For Texas-style BBQ with Southwestern flair, visit this new restaurant in Chandler where pitmasters Shaun O’Neale and Ken Davis put out a tidy selection of smoked meats and sandwiches.
111 W. Boston St., Chandler, eatbackalleybbq.com
Bad Jimmy’s
A fourth location of this popular smash burger joint has opened in Tempe in the former Gadzooks space.
505 W. University Dr., Tempe, badjimmys.com
Cleaverman and Filthy Martini Bar
Pretty Decent Concepts (Filthy Animal, Wren & Wolf) has opened a 10,000-square-foot steakhouse and adjacent bar at the Arizona Center in Downtown Phoenix with chef Ivan Gonzalez and executive chef Jared Porter at the helm.
455 N. Third St., Phoenix, cleaverman.com
Dutchman’s County BBQ
This new barbecue spot specializes in smoked brisket, St. Louis spareribs, pulled pork and more. The restaurant also offers sandwiches, salads, tacos and quesadillas.
1615 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, dutchmansbbq.com
Dave’s Italian Eatery
For a “modern take on Italian classics,” like pizza and pasta, visit Dave’s for dine in or take out.
929 N. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert, @davesitalianeatery
Effin Egg
Florida-based breakfast chain has opened a branch in Phoenix serving up all your breakfast faves. In the former Freshly Laid space.
3701 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, @effineggaz
Estelle
Jocque Concepts (The Montauk, Diego Pops) has opened a two-story open-air bar and restaurant with Mediterranean and Mexican influences in Old Town Scottsdale.
4439 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale, estellescottsdale.com
Humble Bistro
This popular wine bar has opened a fourth location near Mortgage Matchup Center in Downtown Phoenix. Look for handcrafted pizza, fresh pasta, sandwiches and more.
222 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, humblebistro.com
J. Alexander’s
Tennessee-based J. Alexander’s returns to the Valley, offering wood-fired fare, hand-crafted cocktails and signature American cuisine. J. Alexander’s had a location in Scottsdale’s Borgata shopping center until closing in 2013.
7111 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, jalexanders.com
Luna Grill
San Diego-born fast-casual Mediterranean chain makes its way to Mesa and serves up pita sandwiches, kabob plates, bowls, salads and sides along with family-sized meals.
9317 E. Ray Rd., Mesa, lunagrill.com
Night Owl Pizza & Drinks
Night Owl has landed on Mill Avenue, serving up New York-style pizza by the slice, wings and smash burgers along with cocktails, local brews and wine.
2700 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, nightowlaz.com
Original Chop Shop
Midtown Phoenix now has an Original Chop Shop, dishing out breakfast entrees, customizable bowls, salads and sandwiches. This location has a Fast Fuel Pick-Up Window for takeout orders.
2817 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, originalchopshop.com
Pickleman’s Gourmet Café
Missouri-based sandwich shop opens first Valley location in Glendale, offering sandwiches, salads, pizzas, mac and cheese bowls and soup.
7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale, picklemans.com
STK Steakhouse
This Scottsdale steakhouse that closed a few months ago on the Scottsdale Waterfront, has reopened in the vacated RA Sushi space in Old Town Scottsdale.
3815 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, stksteakhouse.com
Tipsy Taps & Grill
A new sports bar has taken over the DTC Sports Grille space in Tempe, where they serve burgers, wings, salads and sandwiches.
7192 S. Price Rd., Tempe, tipsytaps.com
Villa Meola Coffee
The Meola family is partnering with Gelato Cimmino (stores in Gilbert and Old Town Scottsdale) and has added coffee drinks with a small food menu.
339 Gilbert Rd., Gilbert; 7140 E. Main St., Scottsdale, villameola.com
Closing
Gadzooks has closed its Arcadia location to make way for a new concept, Poolboy Taco, with Aaron Pool at the helm.
Mifan Claypot Kitchen in Downtown Phoenix has closed after three years.
Tucson-based Papa Locos Indian-Mexican fusion restaurant has closed its only remaining outlet.
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen at Gainey Village has shuttered.
California-based TOGO’s Sandwiches in Gilbert has closed, leaving no remaining outlets in Arizona.
