Discover the latest in Phoenix’s culinary scene as popular food chains venture out to the Valley. From coffee shops to iconic drive-thrus, Phoenix is becoming a hot spot for diverse dining experiences, whether for takeaway or sit-down. Stay ahead of the curve with these updates on the newest openings and upcoming arrivals in your neighborhood, and see whether your favorite chains are making their way to you.
1. Better Buzz Coffee
California’s favorite coffee shop has arrived in the Valley! A monumental opening for Better Buzz Coffee, its first location outside of California, opened on Feb. 16, 2024, at Glendale Avenue near Seventh St. in Phoenix.
A lively environment with loud music and bright designs has made this caffeine corner a fan-favorite, because “Life’s better buzzed in Phoenix,” as their neon light drive-thru sign states. Enjoy the “Best Drink Ever,” classic Americano with Better Buzz’s signature creamy vanilla powder, or any other flavorful drink from the menu. Better Buzz launched a new line of energy drinks at its Phoenix location, giving guests the chance to caffeinate in a variety of ways. Start your morning the right way and grab a breakfast sandwich, acai bowl or avocado toast.
717 E. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. www.betterbuzzcoffee.com
2. Bojangles
The beloved Carolina-born restaurant chain with craveable and freshly made Southern chicken, biscuits and tea, is coming to Phoenix. Bojangles prides itself on serving distinctive flavor profiles with wholesome, high-quality products made from scratch. Enjoy the signature Cajun-style fried chicken meals, sandwiches and biscuits with coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy sides, and indulge in some Southern sweet tea to perfect your flavorful meal. The location of future Valley Bojangles is to be determined and a project date has not yet been announced.
3. Buc-ee’s
Goodyear has officially secured Arizona’s first location of Texas’s favorite convenience store. Buc-ee’s retail store and gas station will be located at a 75,400-square-foot location just off Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue. With 47 stores in Texas, Alabama, Florida and many other states, Valley residents are ecstatic to have a Buc-ee’s venture out West.
The lovable Buc-ee’s beaver mascot, hot food and the 2012 “Best Restrooms in America” award caught Internet users’ attention far and wide. In addition to everyone’s favorite gas station snacks, Buc-ee’s specialties are also offered in-store. Beaver Nuggets, a sweet version of “Corn Nuts,” and the authentic Texas-style barbecue make this gas station stand out.
The exact location for the Goodyear Buc-ee’s has not yet been released. www.buc-ees.com
4. Eureka!
The California-born restaurant Eureka! made its Arizona debut in Tempe on Feb. 19, 2024. Delight in customer favorites such as the St. Louis BBQ Ribs and French Dip or taste test their appetizers like the Mac N’ Cheese balls or Spinach Artichoke Dip. Finish off your meal with a Route 66 Root Beer Float or a Bourbon Barrel Cake. With a speciality menu, featuring contemporary American options, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
690 S. Novus Pl., Tempe. www.eurekarestaurantgroup.com
5. Fazoli’s
Fazoli’s opened a new Valley location on Dec. 12, 2023, outside of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Mesa. Known for its unlimited breadsticks and affordable, fast pasta dishes, this chain is beloved by many.
Fazoli’s first location, located in the airport, was only available to travelers. Now, Fazoli’s is available to Valley residents, without having to worry about taking off their shoes at security.
953 N. Dobson Road, Mesa. www.fazolis.com
6. Randy’s Donuts
The iconic Randy’s Donuts is coming to the Valley very soon, setting up camp on 7th Street and Bethany Home Road in Phoenix. Once opened, you won’t be able to get enough of their donuts. Ranging from the classic glazed to the premium Bacon Maple Long John, Randy’s is sure to become a part of your morning routine.
5709 N. 7th St., Phoenix. www.randysdonuts.com
7. Salt & Straw
The Portland-based ice cream shop is set to open its first Arizona location at the Epicenter at Agritopia this summer. Enjoy the classics such as vanilla, sea salt caramel or chocolate gooey brownie, or try your hand at unique, one-of-a-kind flavors like honey lavender or strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper. Beat the heat and try a new, exotic flavor this summer.
3150 E. Ray Road, Gilbert. www.saltandstraw.com
8. Smalls Sliders
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is ready to go long with his expansion of Smalls Sliders, his burger business. With high-quality ingredients used to make their sliders, which are always fresh to order, and the superior spuds waffle fries, try out a combo meal or give in to their specialties on the individual menu. On a hot Arizona summer day, one of the Smalls Slider shakes might help you escape the heat. Part packs of sliders are also available for purchase online.
The exact location and opening date for the Arizona Smalls Sliders have not yet been released. www.smallssliders.com
9. The Crack Shack
The Crack Shack, a San Diego-based restaurant chain, is coming to metro Phoenix in 2024. Conceptualized by celebrity chef Richard Blais and beloved by visitors, this restaurant concept was a casual sister restaurant to Juniper and Ivy. Blais and his team combined their collective love of fried chicken to open this casual, counter-service restaurant.
Enjoy their expansive menu, including the Cali Drip sandwich featuring pollo asado, fries, chipotle-bacon mayo, pickled onions and jalapeños, with Oaxaca queso on a crunchy torta. Or, if that’s not your vibe, pick up the Anti-Salad Power bowl, featuring smoked chicken, soft-boiled egg, heritage gains, salsa, avocado and arugula.
1902 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix & 8980 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. www.crackshack.com
10. White Castle
A new 3,220-square-foot Castle is coming to the Valley! White Castle lovers are getting an early Christmas gift after White Castle announced plans to open its third Arizona location in Goodyear. Located at the intersection of McDowell Road, just north of the I-10 in Goodyear, this new location will break ground in the coming months and open in late 2024.
White Castle opened its first Arizona location in October 2019 at 9310 E. Via de Ventura in Scottsdale, followed by its latest Tempe outpost at 8735 S. Jewel St. in November 2023.
1420 N. Bullard Ave., Goodyear. www.whitecastle.com
