Demonstrated by the Valley’s newest fast-casual restaurants, quick-service can still equate to delicious and high-quality. From creative rice bowls to Middle Eastern-inspired kebabs, these five fast-casual concepts in Phoenix are dishing up diverse, delectable, and approachable menus to the masses.
Ricemill
Phoenix
Blending Asian traditions with contemporary flavors and French techniques, Ricemill is set to open in Downtown Phoenix on March 22. Located at Collier Center, Ricemill–founded by Harry Yu, who also founded Miss Dessert–will offer guests a reinvented rice bowl experience. First, diners choose the base, followed by premium proteins, and then a variety of fresh and flavorful veggie toppings. The final step is to pick from Ricemill’s array of housemade sauces—choose one or combine options like Signature Szechuan Mala Sauce, House K-Style Hot Sauce, Honey Chili Aioli, Yuzu Miso Sauce, and Caramelized Scallion Sauce. This fast-casual concept in Phoenix will host an exciting grand opening celebration on March 22 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with DJ beats, an appearance from the Phoenix Suns dancers, and more fun activations throughout the day. For more information, visit www.eatricemill.com.
Feta Cowboy
Tempe
From the team behind Arizona’s longtime favorite Pita Jungle comes Feta Cowboy. The fast-casual dining concept, now open in the McClintock Fountains retail plaza in Tempe, blends the Mediterranean and the Southwest in signature bowls, burritos, and pitas, as well as a variety of dips and seven flavorful sauces. The fresh, family-friendly concept offers convenient assembly-style ordering, a main dining room, and a spacious patio that can accommodate up to 94 guests. Feta Cowboy is open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. For more information, visit www.fetacowboy.com.
Edo Japanese Grill
Chandler
Edo Japanese Grill is now open at Chandler Festival, marking the US debut of Edo Japan, one of Canada’s premier fast-casual franchises. Edo Japan is known for its fresh, flavorful Japanese-inspired cuisine, with a menu of sizable, signature teriyaki chicken and shaved beef bowls, flavorful poke bowls, customizable bento boxes, crispy Tokyo fried chicken, picture-perfect bubble tea, and freshly made, hand-rolled sushi. Dine-in and take-out options are available. For more information, visit www.edojapanesegrill.com.
Faava Mediterranean
Chandler
From the creators of Chandler’s widely adored Feringhee Modern India, Faava Mediterranean is an homage to the rich and diverse flavors of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The fast-casual dining concept, which just opened its doors in Chandler, has a focus on shared mezze and reflects the communal spirit of Middle Eastern dining, while also being available on all major online delivery platforms for added convenience. Faava Mediterranean is open six days a week, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit faava.us.
Strad Pizza
Scottsdale
Entrepreneur and hospitality industry veteran, Freddy Nguyen, has partnered with supercar enthusiast and YouTuber, James “The Stradman,” to co-create Strad Pizza in Scottsdale. Strad Pizza offers a fresh twist on classic New York-style slice pizza–available in both 20-in. pies and by the slice–with a side of supercars. The menu is rounded out with quirky-flavored pizza knots, including sweet offerings like Cinnamon Toast Crunch Knots and Stuffed Nutella Knots, as well as vintage sodas and signature Strad Swirls soft serve ice cream. Strad Pizza celebrates its grand opening on April 12, from 6 to 9 p.m., and the event will feature a supercar show, DJ Meet 2 Nice U, pizza and soft drinks, special Strad Pizza merch, and an appearance by The Stradman. For more information, visit www.stradpizza.com.