PoNy’s Michés is moving into downtown Phoenix’s former FEZ space, bringing a full bar and a bigger menu as it expands from its Goodyear roots.

Camello opens at The Esplanade in early February, bringing a neon‑soaked Mexican dining room, a dance‑ready bar and large‑format steaks to Phoenix's Biltmore corridor.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is opening at Union Street in Norterra, bringing hand-cut steaks, weekend prime rib and an Alex's Lemonade tie-in to North Phoenix.

New York based 16 Handles will open three frozen yogurt shops across metro Phoenix in 2026, starting with a Chandler location this spring.

Food Network chef Nik Fields is opening a Phoenix tasting room stocked with her signature wine collection, the Business Journal reports.

Someburros opens in Surprise near Loop 303, starts serving Tuesday and will celebrate with giveaways and live mariachi on Feb. 21.

Family‑owned Dolce Vita Gelato will open a second Valley location in Tempe next Thursday, launching with a noon grand opening and complimentary scoops. The shop brings the Mesa‑born gelato counter to south Tempe.

Phoenix's dining scene saw closures of local favorites and arrivals of national chains, along with notable controversies and community support for embattled eateries.

Arizona and California have seen many bars and eateries shut down due to economic stress and changing consumer habits, with some closures linked to lease issues, tariffs, and inflation.

A child was sexually assaulted by a registered sex offender at Orangewood Elementary School in Phoenix, leading to criticisms of public safety measures.

Phoenix area restaurants are offering dine-out and take-home options for Christmas, catering to a trend of convenience and variety in holiday dining. Options range from high-end courses to casual and fast-food specials.

Phoenix Fire Department partners with St. Mary's Food Bank for a Holiday Food Drive, collecting non-perishable food items at local fire stations to alleviate food insecurity.

"Inside Goodyear" podcast highlights the evolving culinary scene in Goodyear, according to influencer Melissa Anaya from EatDrinkAZ, showcasing the city's dining and entertainment growth.