Belly says goodbye to Gilbert. Another Valley restaurant to move in

The Asian-inspired eatery will soon be replaced with a Latin restaurant from Scottsdale.

January 1, 2025

Image: The teams behind The Mission, Epicenter and Belly - (from left) Brian Raab, Chef Matt Carter, Joe Johnston and Robert Cissell - have come together as the restaurant space evolves.

The teams behind The Mission, Epicenter and Belly - (from left) Brian Raab, Chef Matt Carter, Joe Johnston and Robert Cissell - have come together as the restaurant space evolves. Epicenter

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When Belly closed its original location on Camelback Road and Seventh Avenue in late October, the restaurant invited customers to find its Asian-inspired food in Gilbert, at their second location.

But on Dec. 31, the Epicenter restaurant closed as well.

Belly opened in Phoenix in late 2020, with takeout only, due to pandemic restrictions. Gradually, it welcomed customers inside its small two-story space. The owners added a second location in Gilbert in September 2022. Both served a modern fusion menu inspired by the flavors of Vietnam, Thailand and Japan.

Belly was opened by Instrumental Hospitality Group, founded by chef Michael Babcock and Wayne Coats formerly of Welcome Diner, plus industry pros Robert Cissel and Paul Waxman.

Coats left the company in July 2021. Chef Michael Babcock helmed the kitchen until he parted ways with the group in July 2023. Now, the restaurants have said goodbye to the Valley.

click to enlarge

Belly opened its Gilbert restaurant in September 2022. The restaurant closed after a final service on New Year's Eve.

Belly Kitchen & Bar

What will replace Belly?

In Gilbert, Belly was part of the Epicenter at Agrigopia development, which is filled with other local restaurants and stores. And Belly's space won't sit empty for long.

Scottsdale Latin restaurant The Mission is set to move in, bringing a redesigned space, expanded seating, a mission-style storefront and bar.

Part of the Valley restaurant collection helmed by chef Matt Carter, which also includes Zinc Bistro and Fat Ox, The Mission has locations in Old Town Scottsdale and Kierland Commons. The Latin-inspired eatery is known for its tableside guacamole, whole-roasted pig brunch and agave-centered bar program. In Gilbert, it will offer lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

“We’ve always admired the vision behind Epicenter at Agritopia. When we first explored joining the project, we were excited by its potential, but the timing wasn’t right then. We’re thrilled that it has come together now. Expanding The Mission to this incredible location feels like the perfect next step for us," Carter said in a news release. "We can’t wait to share our passion for Latin cuisine with the greater Gilbert community."

Belly owner Robert Cissell shared excitement that the space will continue to house a local restaurant.

“We’ve loved being part of the Epicenter community and are incredibly proud of what our team has built," Cissell said in the release. "We’re excited for what’s next and know that The Mission will be a fantastic addition to this community."

Belly's last day was New Year's Eve. The Mission is scheduled to open in the space in late 2025.

The Mission

Opening late 2025
3150 E. Ray Road #180, Gilbert

Tirion Boan is the Food Editor of Phoenix New Times where she’s worked since May 2022. Tirion keeps a close eye on restaurant openings and closings, offers dining recommendations and reports on metro Phoenix food news and trends. She also publishes major annual lists like Top 100 Bars and Top 100 Restaurants, and contributes to the Best of Phoenix project. Tirion previously worked for publications including The Arizona Republic and The Tucson Weekly. She holds a bachelor’s of arts in journalism from the University of Arizona.

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