Some well-known spots expanded with new locations, bringing their burgers, Hawaiian food and wine to new neighborhoods. One fine dining destination moved across town and opened in a new home. And a well-known chef and restaurateur debuted a brand new concept.
These are the July restaurant openings we're most excited about.
Malegria Cafe
1031 Grand Ave.On July 3, Malegria Cafe soft opened on Grand Avenue. This new spot has taken over the tiny space previously home to SnapBack Pizzeria and Grand Avenue Pizza Co. before that. Now, owner Melina Ruan Serrano is serving up dishes that pull inspiration from her Mexican, Guatemalan and Salvadoran heritage. The cafe offers coffee drinks and horchatas, breakfast sandwiches, tacos, enchiladas and a rotating selection of pastries.Minnow
4501 N. 32nd St.The modern, architectural building that was home to Provision Coffee for years, has a new tenant. Minnow, an all-day matcha bar and sushi restaurant, opened on July 8. The new concept comes from In Good Spirits Hospitality, the company led by Bernie Kantak. The chef and restaurateur is known for his other Valley concepts, Citizen Public House, Beginner's Luck and The Gladly. At Minnow, customers order through touchpads at the counter, choosing between matcha and pastries in the morning, and sushi and cocktails later in the day.
The line of customers common at the Mesa spot has found Hapa's new North Phoenix location.
Hapa Food Co.
Hapa Food Co.
3375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite C1In Mesa, a tiny restaurant buzzes with life. Fans line up to get their poke and malasadas from Hapa Food Co. Now, customers have another spot to find the popular restaurant's Hawaiian fare. Hapa's owners, Michael and Leslie Zander, opened their new eatery on Shea Boulevard just east of State Route 51 on July 8. Double the size of the original, it serves a similar menu of Island eats with more seats to stay and enjoy plates of chicken katsu or kalua pig with rice and mac salad. 
All of Bad Jimmy's restaurants have a retro diner aesthetic. At the new spot, it's on a bigger scale.
Sara Crocker