October Restaurant Openings and Closings in Metro Phoenix

Last month was a celebration for pizza lovers, and a letdown for chicken and waffle enthusiasts. Queen Creek residents have a shorter commuter to their nearest pizza cookie, while Jorge's Chicken and Waffles shuttered its doors after a less than a year in business. La Grande Orange Hospitality's newest seafood...

By Lily Altavena

November 3, 2015

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Last month was a celebration for pizza lovers, and a letdown for chicken and waffle enthusiasts. Queen Creek residents have a shorter commuter to their nearest pizza cookie, while Jorge's Chicken and Waffles shuttered its doors after a less than a year in business. La Grande Orange Hospitality's newest seafood project, Buck & Rider, is also now open on Camelback Road.

Openings

Buck &Rider, Phoenix
The new upscale seafood spot is from La Grande Orange Hospitality, and it just opened on Camelback Road near 44th Street. The menu includes a raw bar, rolled sushi, and plated provisions.

La Piñata, Phoenix
La Piñata closed its 19th Avenue location and opened in the former home of Mary Coyle Ol' Fashioned Ice Cream on North Seventh Avenue. La Piñata's menu is very similar to what was served at the old location.

Smoke's Poutinerie, Glendale
Catching a hockey game anytime soon? No need to grab cheese whiz-topped nachos anymore, when Smoke's Poutinerie is dishing out french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. Smoke's offers 30 types of poutine, including variations with steak, pork, and bacon.

Pie Five Pizza, Scottsdale
This Dallas-based concept just opened its first Arizona location in North Scottsdale close to the Kierland Commons. Pie Five promises fresh pizza in five minutes. Another Pie Five is set to open in Mesa.

Salad and Go, Mesa
This local chain of drive-thru salad restaurants opened its fourth Valley location at 5259 East Brown Road in Mesa early last month.

Oregano's Pizza Bistro, Queen Creek
Queen Creek residents don't have to drive a long way to get Chicago deep dish anymore. Oregano's serves deep dish, thin crust, and pan pizza, along with pasta, salads, and sandwiches. And you can't forget the pizza cookie.

Chambers on First, Phoenix
The Turf Irish Restaurant & Pub is no more — it's now rebranded as Chambers, with a brand new American-style menu. The new atmosphere is more food-focused.

Closings

Bragg's Factory Diner, Phoenix
The two-year-old diner on Grand Avenue shuttered its doors in early October. The owners said its location contributed to the closure, with Grand Avenue being a "tough sell." It was announced that a new Barrio Cafe will open in the spot.

Jorge's Chicken and Waffles, Tempe
After a few months, the spot serving fried chicken in waffle cones shuttered its doors. According to a sign posted on the restaurant, it is closed for remodeling,

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