Gilbert’s innovative twist on a classic corner store, Air Guitar, now features a crave-worthy lineup of toasted sandwiches, farm-fresh salads, smoothies, and breakfast croffles (a croissant cooked in a waffle iron), availble at Backstage Kitchen. ‘Life’s Little Luxuries’ also includes a new beverage program with wine and craft beer available for on-site consumption, as well as coffee from the team at Steadfast.
“Backstage Kitchen is our rebellion against boring shopping and stale vibes,” Creative Director Kate Ringel said. “The community wanted more, so we gave ’em the full-throttle, no-apologies version.”
Now, Air Guitar allows guests to use the space as a coffee shop, dining destination, and gathering place. Backstage is an all-new hospitality experience from co-founders Craig and Kris DeMarco, who founded Postino WineCafé and Upward Projects, in collab with Eric Seitz of Bro Retail, Culinary Experience Creator and Manager Eric Henderson and Valley chef Aaron Chamberlin.
“Killer snacks, off-the-hook sushi, coffee strong enough to start a riot, and now sandwiches stacked like power chords,” Ringel said. “Air Guitar isn’t just a store – it’s the neighborhood’s backstage pass to hang, fuel up, and raise a little hell.”
Highlights include The Gilbert Grinder, a sub-sandwich packed with imported salami, ham, turkey, tomato, pepperoni, provolone, iceberg, pepperoncini, red onion, and olive oil; the AC Caprese with mozzarella, tomato, basil pesto, and balsamic; and the Eggs & Bakey Sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese on a croffle. For those looking for a coffee alternative, fresh smoothies and salads are sure to hit the spot.
Air Guitar is located at Epicenter in Gilbert’s famed Agritopia neighborhood and was founded in 2021. For more information, visit airguitar4life.com.
