Chandler Fashion Center has announced major remodels and layout changes in 2026 meant to elevate the center’s culinary and retail mix, indoors and on the perimeter.

Macerich, one of the largest mall developers in the Phoenix area,  announced the center is launching a redevelopment initiative to reinvigorate the “dining and entertainment district,” according to a news release.

That area is near the Harkins Theatres on the south side of the property.

As part of the redevelopment project, the Fashion Center, which is starting its 25th year of operations, will introduce a mix of full-service restaurants and fast-casual concepts, with expanded patios for all-season dining.

The new dining lineup includes Taiwanese restaurant brand Din Tai Fung, known for its handcrafted Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings. That dumpling-showcase kitchen restaurant set to open in 2027.

Additional culinary brands will be announced in early 2026, the release states.

Other highlights include a remodeled lower-level lawn and event area, designed to host a range of events from live concerts and family-friendly gatherings to community celebrations.

A new interactive splash pad by day will be transformed into an illuminated water feature by night.

Guests will be able to enjoy new shaded retreats surrounded by landscaping, fire pits and lounge seating.

In the meantime, the first step toward creating this engaging new courtyard gathering area will be an inviting walking path that provides access from the east parking lot located between the new restaurants and Macy’s.

Construction is slated to begin in January and is expected to result in minimal interruptions to shopper experience, the release states.

The Fashion Center is where Scheels opened in September 2023 and more recently, high-end brands such as gorjana, TravisMathew and Vuori.

Soon, J.Crew Factory will add a new option for men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. Johnny Rockets will bring its burgers and shake flavors to the center’s food court, with an opening planned in early 2026.

The center will welcome Seafood City, a first-to-market Filipino grocery store that includes selection of in-house restaurants that will serve Pan-Asian dishes, bakery treats and popular street foods. Attractions will include live tanks of fresh fish and crustaceans, cook-to-order service and a “catch-and-cook” experience.

Macerich’s Chandler project is in addition to its enhancement project that’s expected to begin in January at Scottsdale Fashion Square, which follows both the 2018 debut of the original luxury wing at that mall and 2022 expansion of the luxury experience into the center’s south wing.

Macerich’s portfolio includes seven total shopping centers in the Phoenix metro area, including Arrowhead Towne Center and Kierland Commons.

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