Michelin-starred chef Akira Back is eyeing the Valley after a two-night pop-up at Wild Horse Pass that showcased his Japanese‑Korean fusion.

Bojangles is opening two Phoenix‑area restaurants in 2026: a Gilbert outpost and a West Valley location near 99th and Indian School. Operators say openings will roll out this year.

Maricopa County inspectors cited six Valley gas stations for priority food‑safety violations after finding broken refrigeration and plumbing that left ready‑to‑eat items at unsafe temperatures.

After a January closure announcement, Oro Brewing reversed course and reopened its Main Street taproom following strong community support. The brewery will operate as a community-first taproom while it sorts production.

Harlem Coffee Co. will stop in‑person pop‑ups and step away from its downtown cart after nearly three years. Regulars and local outlets are reacting to the change.

A Phoenix-era Bob's Big Boy diner famed for its towering statue and double-decker burgers has closed, underscoring the shrinking footprint of the brand in Arizona.

Kevin Binkley is hosting six-guest chef's-table dinners in Central Phoenix with seasonal multicourse menus and tickets around $330.

Arizona's Family's Dirty Dining roundup flagged a Phoenix sushi spot and a Tempe golf-course eatery for "risk-factor" health-code violations after Maricopa County inspections.

Lupe will take over the former Barrio Café dining room on 16th Street. Silvana Salcido Esparza has endorsed the incoming chef as a keeper of the kitchen’s roots.

Maricopa County inspection reports from Feb. 16, 2026 show moldy cauliflower, lettuce and ginger and eggs stored unrefrigerated at three metro Phoenix grocery stores.

Buffalo staple Ted’s Hot Dogs is opening a 3,500‑sq‑ft Chandler restaurant — its first Arizona expansion in 40 years — and will use the build as a template for national growth.

Caesars Sportsbar opens this March at Harrah's Ak‑Chin, bringing big‑screen viewing, a craft cocktail program and an elevated menu rooted in regional favorites.

Luna Grill plans to take over the former Teriyaki Madness space at SanTan Village in Gilbert. The company hasn't announced an opening date yet.