Don Guerra’s Barrio Bagel & Slice, a drive-thru bagel and pizza slice shop from James Beard Award-winning chef and baker Don Guerra,  begins construction this month in a former Sonic Drive-In at 689 N. Arizona Ave., Gilbert, with opening expected in late March.

The restaurant concept will feature a menu based upon the artisan Barrio bagels, Barrio breads and pizza by the slice, all baked onsite with heritage grains grown and milled in Arizona.Don Guerra's Barrio Bagel & Slice Shop is coming to 689 N. Arizona Ave., Gilbert.

Don Guerra’s Barrio Bagel & Slice is result of a partnership between Guerra, who is dedicated to developing and supporting the grain chain throughout Arizona, and Oren Molovinsky, a nationally renowned restauranteur, farmer, developer and contractor.

“We want our wholesome high-quality, healthy foods to be accessible to our entire community,” Guerra said in a release. “Barrio Bagel & Slice is the next step in the evolution of our mission to be community supported and customer centered while redefining the concept of fast casual dining.”

The buildout from a previous Sonic Drive-In features ample covered parking and design that includes hand-painted murals from the likes of Signs by Kurt and Great Not Good Co.

It will have user-friendly ordering and a scratch-made menu. The restaurant owners intend it to be a drive-thru concept that diners truly want to frequent, versus opting for it out of convenience or necessity.

Diners can enjoy pizzas and bagels topped to their preference with made-from-scratch ingredients. 

Barrio Bagel & Slice is also built to cater to the on-the-go diner, offering carryout as well as  a drive-thru experience. Mobile ordering and third-party delivery will also be available.

Don Guerra’s Barrio Bagel & Slice also presents the opportunity for guests to purchase bread daily. Barrio Bagel & Slice is the first and only outlet to offer Guerra’s fresh-made bread for retail purchase seven days a week. They will be available daily after 9 a.m. until sold out.

Diners can begin their day at Barrio Bagel & Slice with freshly made and customizable Sonoran-style Barrio Bagels in a variety of flavors with toppings of choice. Other items include breakfast bagel sandwiches, avocado bagel toast and combos.

A variety of tea, coffee and cold brew options can round out any morning meal.

Signature pizza slices, built on Sicilian-style focaccia dough, are availabe for the lunch and dinner crowds, including margherita and pepperoni as well as potato and onion, “verde,” vegan pesto, or a pizza bagel.

Signature sandwiches—made on guests’ choice of a Sonoran bagel, torta roll or sourdough focaccia panini—salads and sweets are available as well. Diners can also choose from a variety of combos available from breakfast through dinner.

A second Barrio Bagel & Slice, set to open in Tucson, is in the  planning stages.

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