Goodyear’s dining scene finds its flavor

They want more variety and more distinctive concepts.”

James P. Smith – Goodyear economic development director

Business

Six new tenants sign leases at Goodyear’s GSQ

For years, Goodyear residents have asked for more dining options closer to home. Now, many of those requests are starting to show up in actual restaurant announcements.

As Goodyear’s population and employment base continue to grow, the city is attracting restaurant groups that may not have considered the West Valley five or 10 years ago. At the same time, residents are asking for more than simply more places to eat.

“The market is reaching a point where it is catching up with the growth in Goodyear,” said James P. Smith, Goodyear economic development director. “We have experienced continued residential growth, a growing employment base and more people choosing to spend their time and money closer to home.”

Smith said residents are looking for more variety, including locally owned and Arizona-based restaurants, trendy non-chain concepts, seafood, steakhouses, healthier options and places that offer more of an experience.

That demand is becoming especially visible at GSQ, Goodyear’s downtown district surrounding Civic Square.

First Watch, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill are already open. Other concepts in the GSQ pipeline include Fogo de Chão, CAVA, California Fish Grill, Flower Child, Magdaleña, Postino, Miel de Agave, Paris Baguette and Spinato’s.

Goodyear regularly surveys residents about the restaurants and businesses they want to see, and Smith said that feedback is part of the city’s recruitment strategy.

“We take that information directly to restaurant groups, real estate brokers and property developers,” he said.

Postino, Flower Child and Spinato’s all ranked among the restaurants most requested by residents and are now planned for GSQ.

“What has been interesting is that residents aren’t simply asking for more restaurants,” Smith said. “They want more variety and more distinctive concepts.”

Flower Child has consistently ranked among the city’s most requested restaurants, Smith said, while Magdaleña reflects the kind of more distinctive dining experience residents have said they want.

Black Rock Coffee is also expected to open soon, while Farmer Boys and several other restaurant projects remain in development. Some openings could still happen before the end of 2026, while others may move into early 2027 depending on construction and development timelines.

GSQ may be the most visible concentration of new dining, but restaurant growth is not limited to downtown.

McDowell Road remains Goodyear’s primary retail corridor, while Canyon Trails and the PebbleCreek Parkway area, including Ballpark Village, continue to see activity. Smith said interest is also moving farther west and south toward Cotton Lane, Loop 303 and Estrella.

A Sprouts-anchored shopping center planned for Estrella is expected to create another opportunity for the city to recruit additional restaurants and retail to that part of Goodyear.

“With residential growth, major employers and destinations generating additional traffic in those areas, we expect the geography of Goodyear’s dining scene to continue expanding,” Smith said.

Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen is one example of an established Arizona company making a West Valley move.

The Tempe-based, family- and employee-owned restaurant plans to open its seventh Valley location at GSQ in the fourth quarter of 2027. The ground-up restaurant is expected to add 75 to 95 part- and full-time jobs.

Anthony Spinato, CEO of Spinato’s, said the company had heard for years from customers who were driving long distances to reach its other locations. “We are grateful that so many of our longtime, loyal guests have taken the time to drive far from their homes to dine at our restaurants,” Spinato said. “We heard them, and we are so excited to welcome them to our new Goodyear location next year.”

He said the Civic Square setting helped sell him on the location.

“I just fell in love with the civic square,” Spinato said. “It’s just a great place where families and friends go out and gather.”

Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo said Spinato’s was one of the concepts residents requested most often through the city’s retail survey.

“Their decision to open at GSQ reflects the continued momentum of our downtown and the strong demand for quality dining experiences in Goodyear,” Pizzillo said.

Smith said the city does not wait for restaurant groups to come calling. Economic Development works with operators, brokers, property owners and developers to identify possible sites, provide demographic and market information, and connect companies with the appropriate city departments. Staff also attend industry events and meet directly with restaurant groups.

For entrepreneurs and smaller businesses, the city’s InnovationHub offers mentoring, workshops, networking and one-on-one assistance, while Economic Development can help with site information, research and connections to other resources.

The final location decision belongs to the restaurant and property owner, Smith said, but the city tries to make sure companies have the information they need to evaluate Goodyear.

The larger goal is a dining scene that feels more specific to the community, not just bigger.

“National brands are important, and residents certainly continue to ask for them,” Smith said, “but we’re also hearing a strong desire for restaurants that give Goodyear more of its own identity.”

Ultimately, he said, the city wants a mix of familiar names and independent concepts that give people a reason to make Goodyear the destination.

Restaurants, Smith said, that make people say, “You have to go to Goodyear to try this place.”