Bite Club: Culinary Gangster offers a taste of Chicago and much more

• The concept started as a food truck in Chicago, and Rocco Raschillo opened a brick-and-mortar with his father in Scottsdale in 2022.

Zoom in: The menu features craft burgers like the spicy gangster — with jalapeños, sweet chili and habanero sauces — and a peanut butter and jelly burger with bacon.

• Raschillo told Axios they have a "really official street gyro like back home," with an authentic taste he hasn't found in the Valley.
• Yes, but: Not everything on the menu traces its origins to Chicago. And Raschillo noted they have healthier offerings like salads, wraps and quinoa bowls.

Best bites: I ordered the jalapeño popper burger, topped with the eponymous peppers, cream cheese and fried onions.

• Cream cheese on a burger was new for me, but the flavors and textures meshed well.

• The gangster fries, topped with bacon, cheddar sauce and their signature spice blend, were also delicious.

What's next: Raschillo is franchising his restaurant, which will bring a third Valley location in Buckeye, though the exact location and opening date haven't been determined.

• Three franchise locations are also heading for Pennsylvania, he told Axios, with the first expected to break ground soon in Lancaster.

Catch up quick: Culinary Gangster took over the spot previously occupied by Full Speed Chicken and Ribs.