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Restaurants and boutique retail slated to replace old Los Olivos car wash

The Corner at Midtown, featuring restaurants and retail, will replace the old Los Olivos car wash.

News

The site of a demolished central Phoenix car wash that closed nearly a decade ago is finally getting new life as a retail and restaurant hub with a downtown feel.Why it matters: The vacant land on the northwest corner of Third Street and McDowell Road is a prime location in a booming central Phoenix neighborhood.

McDonald's teases collab with Devin Booker and Nike

A cryptic Sedona video hints at new turquoise kicks.

In a trippy, cryptic video, McDonald&#x27;s is giving us a preview of an upcoming collab with Suns star Devin Booker and Nike.Zoom in: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iconic turquoise arches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.scenic.org/2025/06/26/sedonas-turquoise-arches-show-how-communities-maintain-control/" data-vars-content-id="d18d724e-9eb5-4365-9252-c35f99bde7a1" data-vars-headline="McDonald&#x27;s teases collab with Devin Booker and Nike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.scenic.org/2025/06/26/sedonas-turquoise-arches-show-how-communities-maintain-control/" target="_blank">iconic turquoise arches</a> in Sedona — which is one of the few McDonald&#x27;s locations without golden arches — appear to be central to whatever it is the fast-food chain, basketball star and footwear company are cooking up.

"Classic" Pizza Hut is returning to Arizona

Retro Pizza Hut restaurants are planned for southern Arizona amid a nationwide revival.

If you grew up eating at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="old-school Pizza Hut restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/10/pizza-hut-classic-virginia-locations" data-vars-content-id="874df07a-591f-4cb9-96f5-27ef1694a1ad" data-vars-headline="&quot;Classic&quot; Pizza Hut is returning to Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/10/pizza-hut-classic-virginia-locations" target="_self">old-school Pizza Hut restaurants</a> with the red roofs and classic decor, get ready for a big dose of nostalgia.The big picture: There&#x27;s been a wave of conversions in recent years as owners have gone retro, transforming restaurants back to the &quot;Pizza Hut Classic&quot; version with checkered tablecloths, Tiffany lamps, red cups and other old-school features.

Terrible's gas stations are coming to the Valley

Nevada-based Terrible's is expanding its gas station and convenience store empire to the Valley.

Terrible&#x27;s is bringing its gas stations, convenience stores and unforgettable name to the Valley.The big picture: Terrible&#x27;s — known for decades as Terrible Herbst until a recent name change — is a southern Nevada institution that&#x27;s spread throughout the West.

Spellbinder wins Axios Phoenix craft beer bracket challenge

The hazy IPA from Wren House  took the crown.

Axios Phoenix beer drinkers have spoken, and the best craft brew in Arizona isssss... <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spellbinder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wrenhousebrewing.com/product/spellbinder-4pk-16oz-cans/119" data-vars-content-id="8aa6a40c-0a13-45b3-b95d-95694f705995" data-vars-headline="Spellbinder wins Axios Phoenix craft beer bracket challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wrenhousebrewing.com/product/spellbinder-4pk-16oz-cans/119" target="_blank">Spellbinder</a>!State of beer: The hazy IPA from Wren House beat out OG Arizona craft beer Kilt Lifter from Four Peaks and Pedal Haus&#x27; Day Drinker, which recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won a World Beer Cup medal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/29/two-arizona-brews-win-world-beer-cup-honors" data-vars-content-id="8aa6a40c-0a13-45b3-b95d-95694f705995" data-vars-headline="Spellbinder wins Axios Phoenix craft beer bracket challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/29/two-arizona-brews-win-world-beer-cup-honors" target="_self">won a World Beer Cup medal</a>.

Din Tai Fung frenzy hits Scottsdale: How to score a table

Here's how to score a table at the buzzy new dumpling spot.

The biggest flex in Phoenix these days? Scoring a table at Arizona&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Din Tai Fung" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/19/din-tai-fung-nyc-review-grand-opening" data-vars-content-id="e98d9983-f794-49c9-ac8e-530fdcf9b326" data-vars-headline="Din Tai Fung frenzy hits Scottsdale: How to score a table" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/19/din-tai-fung-nyc-review-grand-opening" target="_self">Din Tai Fung</a>, which officially opened at Scottsdale Fashion Square last week.The big picture: The extremely popular dumpling and noodle house has foodies, social media influencers, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="teenagers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Scottsdale/comments/1sxtz06/comment/oir02qv/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web3x&amp;utm_name=web3xcss&amp;utm_term=1&amp;utm_content=share_button" data-vars-content-id="e98d9983-f794-49c9-ac8e-530fdcf9b326" data-vars-headline="Din Tai Fung frenzy hits Scottsdale: How to score a table" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Scottsdale/comments/1sxtz06/comment/oir02qv/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web3x&amp;utm_name=web3xcss&amp;utm_term=1&amp;utm_content=share_button" target="_blank">teenagers</a> and Asian immigrants clamoring for a chance to try its world-renowned xiao long bao — delicious (and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Instagram-worthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWxPoBaD7aW/" data-vars-content-id="e98d9983-f794-49c9-ac8e-530fdcf9b326" data-vars-headline="Din Tai Fung frenzy hits Scottsdale: How to score a table" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWxPoBaD7aW/" target="_blank">Instagram-worthy</a>) soup dumplings.

Phoenix's soon-to-be tallest tower lands top-floor restaurant

The tallest building in Arizona will feature a two-floor restaurant at the top.

Arizona&#x27;s new tallest building — slated to open by the end of the decade — will include a top-floor restaurant from one of the Valley&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="buzziest restaurateurs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/01/23/wren-and-wolf-steak-restaurant-downtown-phoenix" data-vars-content-id="d72a7227-2a1c-45a7-a95a-cb0996152cf2" data-vars-headline="Phoenix&#x27;s soon-to-be tallest tower lands top-floor restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/01/23/wren-and-wolf-steak-restaurant-downtown-phoenix" target="_self">buzziest restaurateurs</a>, the developer announced this week.The (really) big picture: The project, called Arro, will span 1.8 million square feet across two towers on Second Avenue south of Fillmore Street.

Craft beer is in decline, but maybe less so in Arizona

Arizona's craft beer market may be well situated to weather a nationwide decline in the market.

The craft beer market continued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its historic decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" data-vars-content-id="ab15109b-f808-4821-8ea9-3cf09629a9ad" data-vars-headline="Craft beer is in decline, but maybe less so in Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" target="_self">its historic decline</a> in 2025, but the brewers in Arizona may be less tapped out than their counterparts in other states, per an industry group. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="persistent downward trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" data-vars-content-id="ab15109b-f808-4821-8ea9-3cf09629a9ad" data-vars-headline="Craft beer is in decline, but maybe less so in Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" target="_self">persistent downward trend</a> is startling the once-booming industry and forcing brewers to rethink their business models and expand into non-beer beverages.

Where politicians eat in Phoenix

When the powerful come to town, they eat Mexican food.

When the powerful come to town, they eat Mexican food.<ul><li>That&#x27;s according to an Axios review of presidential and vice presidential meal choices during Phoenix visits dating back to 1987.</li></ul>

Arizona bartender heads to national speedy cocktail contest

Gilbert bartender Krissy Shelberg will compete in a national speed cocktail contest

One of Arizona&#x27;s speediest bartenders is heading to New Orleans this summer to compete in a national cocktail-making competition.Why it matters: The only thing better than a stiff drink is someone making it for you — quickly.

Sound off: James Beard snubs AZ restaurants

Which chefs or eateries should have been James Beard Award finalists?

None of Arizona&#x27;s 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Award nominees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/21/12-arizona-chefs-and-restaurants-named-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="58261d95-568b-441d-bfa8-11c4f99ed37e" data-vars-headline="Sound off: James Beard snubs AZ restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/21/12-arizona-chefs-and-restaurants-named-james-beard-semifinalists" target="_self">James Beard Award nominees</a> moved on to the finalist round announced yesterday.Why it matters: Our restaurant scene is expanding fast, with inventive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chef-driven concepts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/13/arizona-center-new-restaurants-steakhouse-cocktail-bar" data-vars-content-id="58261d95-568b-441d-bfa8-11c4f99ed37e" data-vars-headline="Sound off: James Beard snubs AZ restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/13/arizona-center-new-restaurants-steakhouse-cocktail-bar" target="_self">chef-driven concepts</a>, high-end <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international cuisine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phoenixmag.com/2024/01/20/dine-around-the-world-without-leaving-the-valley/" data-vars-content-id="58261d95-568b-441d-bfa8-11c4f99ed37e" data-vars-headline="Sound off: James Beard snubs AZ restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phoenixmag.com/2024/01/20/dine-around-the-world-without-leaving-the-valley/" target="_blank">international cuisine</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new ventures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/05/07/taco-boys-phoenix-restaurant-marisco-boys" data-vars-content-id="58261d95-568b-441d-bfa8-11c4f99ed37e" data-vars-headline="Sound off: James Beard snubs AZ restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/05/07/taco-boys-phoenix-restaurant-marisco-boys" target="_self">new ventures</a> from the teams behind legacy institutions — and it&#x27;s deserving of national acclaim.

Chicago treat: Ice cream by the slice coming to Arizona

The Original Rainbow Cone, a Chicago institution, is bringing its sliced ice cream to the Valley.

Cool off with a few slices of ice cream, courtesy of a Chicago institution that&#x27;s coming to the Valley.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Original Rainbow Cone" data-vars-click-url="https://rainbowcone.com/" data-vars-content-id="41bba44a-0c66-4a73-9e4f-873aef1b32c0" data-vars-headline="Chicago treat: Ice cream by the slice coming to Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rainbowcone.com/" target="_blank">Original Rainbow Cone</a> will open its first Arizona location March 30 in Surprise.

A bracket that tracks Axios readersâ picks for Arizona craft beer across four rounds in a May 11-14 survey of 580 readers. Spellbinder beat Day Drinker 55% in the final. The widest margin was Best Friendâs 76% first-round win; the closest was Barrio Rojoâs 51% edge.

Food and Drink 🍽

McDonald's teases collab with Devin Booker and Nike

"Classic" Pizza Hut is returning to Arizona

Spellbinder wins Axios Phoenix craft beer bracket challenge

Din Tai Fung frenzy hits Scottsdale: How to score a table

Phoenix's soon-to-be tallest tower lands top-floor restaurant