February 2016 Restaurant Openings and Closings in Metro Phoenix

Metro Phoenix, it's been quite a month for restaurant closings. In February, we said goodbye to La Perla in Glendale, a Short Leash Hot Dogs location in Central Phoenix, and Stingray Sushi at Scottsdale Quarter. But February was also a good month for gourmet heavyweights, especially of the burger persuasion, since both Shake Shack in Scottsdale and Hopdoddy in Phoenix opened for business.

Openings

Postino Winecafe, Scottsdale  
Another Postino has opened close to North Scottsdale, specifically in the Kierland Commons. The spot is known for its selection of affordable wines and bruschetta. 

Shake Shack, Scottsdale
Metro Phoenix has been waiting for popular East Coast burger chain Shake Shack to open in the area — and the day finally has come. You can grab a famous frozen custard or an all-natural antibiotic-free Angus beef burger at the new Scottsdale Fashion Square location. 

Pork on a Fork, Phoenix 
You can find more smoked meats in Phoenix, courtesy of the newest Pork on a Fork location. The restaurant serves everything from pulled pork, smoked brisket, and smoked sausage by the pound to barbecue bowls and burritos. 

Worth Takeaway, Mesa 
Downtown Mesa now has a lunch spot that offers nitro cold-brew coffee and gourmet sandwiches on Main Street. Its menu offers unique sandwiches and a few breakfast items.

Smokehaus, Scottsdale
This BBQ spot opened in Old Town Scottsdale next to Brathaus, serving a large menu of craft beer and smoked meats, including pork and tri-tip.

The Brickyard, Chandler 
The wait is over for this restaurant in downtown Chandler, which has a globally inspired menu and serves food until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. 

Maria's Frybread and Mexican Food, Phoenix 
Frybread enthusiasts can head to Thomas Road to to this new spot, which even has a drive-thru.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Phoenix 
Burgers, shakes, salad, and fries — Hopdoddy is ready for you, Phoenix. The chain's new location is now open inside the Town & Country shopping center on the southeast corner of Camelback Road and 20th Street.

Piccolo Family Italian Ices, Scottsdale
This spot, now open on Via Linda in North Scottsdale, serves Italian ice and pizza. 

Drexyl, Scottsdale 
The new spot at The Shops Gainey Village classifies its menu as "modern American," with offerings including a kale chopped salad, burgers, and other meats.

Closings

La Perla, Glendale 
The Mexican spot closed after more than 60 years in business, reportedly due to issues involving unpaid rent. It was known for its bright atmosphere and Mexican fare.

Forge Pizza, Phoenix 
Forge Pizza at Biltmore Fashion Park shuttered in February after less than a year in business. The restaurant specialized in wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas. 

Short Leash Hot Dogs, Phoenix 
The third location of the hot dog chain closed after just a few months on Central Avenue in Phoenix — but another Short Leash is still open on Roosevelt Avenue.

Over Easy, Tempe 
Beloved breakfast joint Over Easy is done at The Yard in Tempe. A Fox Restaurant Concepts spokesperson said the company will take over the space.

Stingray Sushi, Scottsdale
Sushi fans looking for maki and sashimi at Scottsdale Quarter can forget about Stingray, which is now closed. There are still locations open at Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix and in Chandler.