Verrado Marketplace’s dining district set for Oct. 15 debut

Verrado Marketplace’s dining and entertainment area, The District, is scheduled to debut Oct. 15, with more businesses expected to open at the Buckeye shopping center before year’s end, according to developer Vestar.

Salt, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Shake Shack will be the first businesses to open in The District.

The 500,000-square-foot shopping center is at the northeast corner of Interstate 10 and Verrado Way.

A Safeway grocery store and Emersa, a cocktail lounge featuring digital displays and projections, are expected to open in November.

Harkins Verrado Theatres and BackLot, a 65,000-square-foot movie theater and entertainment complex, is expected to open by the end of the year, along with OHSO Brewery & Distillery, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

The additions will join businesses already open at the center, including Target, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Ross Dress for Less and Ulta Beauty.

Vestar says the completed development will have more than 55 businesses. Planned outdoor amenities include a splash pad, a performance stage and a half-acre community green space.

The developer also plans to introduce its Sip & Stroll program, allowing guests 21 and older to enjoy alcoholic beverages in designated common areas.