Dominic Armato
Audio By Carbonatix
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Little Pickle, the Jewish deli that temporarily delighted diners, returned to the Esplanade in Phoenix on Monday.
“We never imagined a pop-up would spark this much passion, but the response was overwhelming. People connected with it – it felt like a slice of New York,” founder Rick Phillips said in a press release. “The Little Pickle is the kind of deli food I grew up with, it’s our love letter to the East Coast, reimagined for Phoenix.”
When Little first arrived at Esplanade, the Biltmore-adjacent office and shopping complex, in December 2022, it quickly gained an enthusiastic following for its pastrami sandwiches, house-smoked salmon and New York-style bagels.
The business park, however, was slated for a massive renovation and the deli closed in April 2024.
After just over a year, “we can’t wait to welcome everyone back – this time for good,” Phillips said.
Little Pickle’s popular bagels, salmon and pastrami are all back on the menu. Several sandwiches are available, including a breakfast bodega-style egg sandwich and classic deli stackers with egg salad or house turkey.
The fast-casual restaurant is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to counter service, Little Pickle offers online ordering and catering.
This is the first of three side-by-side Esplanade restaurants from 151 Hospitality, the group from Phillips and Peter Hearn. A new American bistro and martini bar called The Mercer and a luxe, high-energy Mexican restaurant called Camello are in the works.
Little Pickle
Opens May 19
2501 E. Camelback Road