Georgann Yara
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A hot and hip burger joint is bringing its craveable smashburgers and slightly irreverent vibe to central Tempe.
Bad Jimmy’s is slated to move into a space on University Drive, about a half-mile west of Mill Avenue, according to large banners posted on the east and north sides of the building. The red and white signs boasting the restaurant’s logo promise “Bad Jimmy’s Coming Soon.”
The structure was previously home to Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup, which closed in February. A “No Trespassing” notice dated Feb. 14 was still posted to the doors on Sunday.
At the new spot, Bad Jimmy’s owner and chef James Piazza will find ample space from where to serve up his succinct crowd-pleasing menu of flat-top griddled burgers made with Arizona-raised K4 Ranch beef patties embellished with a bevy of accouterments, crispy waffle fries, wings, soft serve and Mexican Coke.
It boasts 1,972 square feet plus a 370-square-foot patio to accommodate al fresco diners when the weather cooperates.
The Tempe location will be the fourth in Piazza’s burger empire, which has flexed its expansion muscles over the last few months.
Bad Jimmy’s got its start in 2021 as a pop-up setting up shop around the Valley. Piazza opened his first brick-and-mortar location in downtown Phoenix, in the former home of the Breadfruit & Rum Bar in 2023.
In March, a second Bad Jimmy’s opened its doors on Indian School and Miller roads in Scottsdale. A third debuted in north Phoenix on Seventh Street just north of Bethany Home Road earlier this month.
The hybrid model of part burger haven and part cocktail bar hangout has proved successful for Pizza’s establishment. Today, his burger bars are a mainstay on Phoenix New Times’ Top 100 restaurants list.
Bad Jimmy’s
Opening soon: 505 W. University Drive, Tempe
