Meet Sophia’s, a new brunch spot coming to midtown

A new brunch spot is taking shape in midtown Phoenix. Off Seventh Street on Thomas Road, a ribbed metal frame now houses a midcentury modern cafe with patio seating and large windows that pull in the morning light. Sophia’s, named after the owner’s three-year-old granddaughter, is set to open in December.

The idea started close to home for Dave Chamberlin, who owns a real estate management company next door. Wanting something fresh for the neighborhood, he teamed up with his wife, Flor Aparicio, and his brother, chef Aaron Chamberlin, to create a space that feels both familiar and fresh.

Aaron has long been part of the Phoenix dining landscape. He currently owns Taco Chelo, which has locations in downtown Phoenix and Tempe, and previously helped launch well-known spots such as Phoenix Public Market Cafe, St. Francis and Ghost Ranch.

After a decade of working closely on various projects, the brothers eventually went their separate ways, splitting their businesses in 2019. But when the concept for Sophia’s began to take shape, Dave knew his brother, who has decades of experience in kitchens and restaurants, was just the person to turn to.

“It’s been a long process, but I think it’s turning out really well,” Aaron said. “The building is amazing, and the design and the feel… I think that we’re going to have really good food as well.”

Inside, the cafe feels open and calm. A green marble counter anchors the space, designed for coffee orders, quick bites and casual meals. The drink selection ranges from espresso and tea to a small lineup of wine, beer and cocktails. 

The food menu features just over a dozen dishes; some lean gluten-free, vegan or more health-focused, while others are simply meant to be comforting. Everything served during breakfast and lunch is prepared in the seed oil-free kitchen, which utilizes many organic and locally sourced ingredients.

One of Aaron’s favorite dishes on the menu is inspired by a memory that has followed him for years.

“Growing up, my mother made us fried rice all the time,” he said. “I have three little boys, (and) I started making them fried rice, but they actually liked it for breakfast. When it came time to start creating this menu, I would eat breakfast fried rice and I started realizing it has really good nutrition and it makes me feel good. I can take on the day and it’s not bogging me down. I started with that and began jazzing it up more than I would for my kids by adding some homemade pickles, radish sprouts and a fried egg on top.”

For something sweeter, the stuffed French toast with dulce de leche offers what Aaron calls “pure luxury.” On the lunch side, the crispy chicken schnitzel reflects his long-standing affinity for Caesar salad.

“I love Caesar salad and I always have, (but) I think that a lot of people don’t make good ones… I always find there’s not enough chicken. What if we reverse this and make it way more about the chicken and less about the Caesar salad?” he said. “(Ours is) a big pounded-out chicken breast that’s breaded, crisped up in a pan with a Caesar salad on top of it. It has a lemon on the side and tons of Parmesan and garlic and anchovies.”

Although the team has not officially announced the opening date, they are still aiming to welcome guests in December.

“We’re feeling pretty confident, and we’re working on the food and building the team. We’re super excited,” Aaron said. “We think it’s going to be a really fun spot for people.”

Sophia’s, A Brunch Counter

Opening in December
336 E. Thomas Road, BLDG 3