What awaits at ‘Emersa,’ an observatory-inspired cocktail bar to debut in the Valley

BUCKEYE, AZ — Buckeye will be home to ‘Emersa,’ an observatory-inspired cocktail bar opening at Verrado Marketplace. The venue aims to offer an “ever-changing environment” through the use of mixed-use projectors and 4K VR displays.In an interview with ABC15, Josh Katz, founder and managing partner of Emersa, explained that VR screens will be installed throughout the bar, primarily on the sides, which will function as virtual windows. These screens create the illusion of looking out into differen...

Inside Arizona’s first Seafood City, a Filipino Asian grocery chain with a Food Hall

CHANDLER, AZ — Chandler will debut Arizona’s first Seafood City store, a Filipino Asian grocery chain with a Food Hall!The new grocery store will open in a 66,000-square-foot space at Chandler Fashion Center, near Harkins Theater and Round1 Arcade.The store offers thousands of Filipino, Asian, and international groceries, featuring items from the Philippines, Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and more.Seafood City’s signature seafood department will showcase live lobster, crab, oysters, sh...

Fountain Hills' 'International Dark Sky Discovery Center' announces targeted opening date

FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ — The International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC) in Fountain Hills is currently in its final phase of construction, approaching completion after several years of development.The over 20,000-square-foot, science-based facility will feature numerous interactive learning experiences.RELATED: A look at what 'Phase one' of the ‘International Dark Sky Discovery Center’According to the president of the board for the center, establishing the facility in Fountain Hills was ideal,...

Arizona welcomes popular chains, with more businesses to come as local growth continues

PHOENIX — Several new restaurants and retail stores have debuted in Arizona this year, as both national and local businesses are expanding in the Valley! With the rest of the year still ahead, upcoming openings highlight a vibrant and rapidly growing culinary and retail scene across the region. Take a look at what has debuted so far in 2026, as well as what’s still scheduled to open in the Valley.
A husband-and-wife duo known for their Korean BBQ breakfast sandwiches at Uptown Farmers Marke...

‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ arrives at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix this July

PHOENIX — Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will bring “The Greatest Show On Earth” to the Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix this July!The performances will run in the Valley from July 23 to 26.Nicole Gutierrez from ABC15 interviewed Lauren Irving, who stars as Aria in ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’ one of the three show guides featured in the show.“We embody what a traditional ringmaster has done in the past. It's just this time we're really guiding the audience alongside with us, and...

A first look at Apache Junction Public Library’s new outdoor garden and community space

APACHE JUNCTION, AZ — The Apache Junction Public Library debuts a 20,000-sq-ft community garden, expanding its educational mission by building on its existing seed library to enhance community learning and engagement.Some of the garden's amenities include a greenhouse, six raised beds, shaded tables and seating, an amphitheater, and a storage shed.Watch Pamela Harrison, Library Director of the Apache Junction Public Library, sit down with ABC15’s Nicole Gutierrez to discuss the new community gar...

First look at Gilbert's new Bojangles storefront, Arizona's first to serve its biscuits

GILBERT, AZ — IT’S BO TIME! A representative from Bojangles shared with ABC15 that their Gilbert location is scheduled to open this summer.The original opening date for the Gilbert location was scheduled for July 14. However, a company representative informed ABC15 that the new opening date is now set to Monday, July 20 at 5 a.m.Marshall Scarborough, VP of Menu and Culinary Innovation at Bojangles, shares what to expect at Arizona’s first location in Gilbert with ABC15's Nicole Gutierrez.If you'...

Arizona's first Buc-ee’s opens with no shortage of excitement from fans in Goodyear

GOODYEAR, AZ — After much anticipation in the Valley, Buc-ee’s Travel Center has finally opened its first Arizona location in Goodyear!Watch the grand opening excitement in the video player below:The state’s first Buc-ee’s Travel Center occupies 74,000 square feet and offers 120 fueling positions. The Texas favorite is a 24-hour location.See photos from the grand opening here.Randy Pauly, the pit master at Buc-ee’s, gave ABC15’s Nicole Gutierrez a tour of the Goodyear travel center before the gr...

Fire 'n' Ice Sports Arena: Over $180M invested in Phoenix's new sports facility set to open in Fall 2026

PHOENIX — A multimillion-dollar investment is set to realize the construction of the Fire 'n' Ice Sports Arena in Phoenix, which will include two full-size NHL ice rinks, basketball courts, an educational academy, a fitness center, dining options, and a hotel.Fire 'n' Ice Sports Arena and the hotel within walking distance are set to open this fall at 2727 W Bronco Butte Trl. in north Phoenix.Pandey said the grand opening is scheduled to take place on Sept. 1, 2026. Shubham Pandey, CEO of SSS Aca...

Gilbert native to open a French-style bakery, bringing his pastry experience from Europe

GILBERT, AZ — A Gilbert native who left Arizona to study pastries in the South of France sharpened his skills in Paris boutiques and cooked at The Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Now, he's returning to the East Valley to open a French-style bakery, bringing his global culinary journey home.Watch ABC15’s Nicole Gutierrez talk with executive chef William Porter about his journey to opening Sablé Boulangerie in the East Valley this May.Sablé Boulangerie’s menu showcases Tourte de Seigle, or Rye Bread, bague...

When will VAI Resort open? Officials give spring 2026 update on massive Glendale project

GLENDALE, AZ — ABC15 is continuing to track the progress of a much-anticipated, billion-dollar resort property and entertainment venue in Glendale. What was once Crystal Lagoons, which broke ground in 2021 in Glendale, has since changed to an entertainment venue concept with hotel towers called VAI Resort.The resort’s estimated opening date has changed multiple times since the massive project broke ground near State Farm Stadium.RELATED: Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale reveals more on its them...

Inside Arizona’s first IKEA one-level 'small-format store’ in Phoenix

PHOENIX — IKEA opened a 75,000-square-foot ‘one-level small-format store’ in Phoenix on April 8!The new Valley store, the first of its kind in Arizona, features fully furnished rooms inspired by the local style. It offers 4,000 products on display and more than 3,000 items for immediate purchase. This Phoenix store also features an As-Is Department with gently used and discontinued items to promote sustainable home furnishings.Watch Tony Ramos, store manager, give ABC15’s Nicole Gutierrez a tou...

Take an inside look at Arizona's first Din Tai Fung restaurant in Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Din Tai Fung will begin serving up its signature dumplings to the Valley this month.The Scottsdale restaurant will soft open on March 12 on a reservation-only basis. The restaurant’s official grand opening is set for April 20 and will feature walk-in availability, along with takeout and delivery options.See general manager Yuriko Mineyoshi give us an inside look at Arizona’s first Din Tai Fung in the player below!
Main entrance to Din Tai Fung Scottsdale.The company’s signat...

2026 WM Phoenix Open Guide: tickets, fan activities, Coors Light Birds Nest, and more

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — The WM Phoenix Open is scheduled for February 2-8, 2026, at TPC Scottsdale, showcasing leading players in professional golf.If you're attending the big Valley event, find all the details on tee times, ticket prices, and events, such as the Concert in the Coliseum and the Coors Light Birds Nest!Jason Eisenberg, the tournament chairman, sat down with ABC15’s Nicole Gutierrez at TPC Scottsdale to provide a sneak peek of what's new at the 16th hole, share insights about the new Fami...

Lisa Vanderpump shares inside look at her 'Wolf by Vanderpump' restaurant in Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Lisa Vanderpump opens her first restaurant in Arizona to the public on December 17.Vanderpump, star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules, is set to debut the second location of her acclaimed restaurant and cocktail lounge, Wolf by Vanderpump, in Scottsdale.Her first 'Wolf' restaurant and lounge is in Lake Tahoe, and Vanderpump says the Scottsdale location will have a different feel from the Tahoe location.Development for the Valley's restaurant began this...

WATCH: Meet Dino Battilana, founder of Dino's Git Down, a free two-day event in Glendale

GLENDALE, AZ — 'Dino's Git Down' event celebrates Chevrolet and GM vehicles with a free, family-friendly, two-day expo at State Farm Stadium, featuring thousands of trucks, custom cars, vendors, live music, and a vibrant community spirit that has grown into an annual event in the Valley for more than a decade. Watch a one-on-one conversation with Dino Battilana, founder, as he gives ABC15's Nicole Gutierrez a sneak peek of the 15th annual event!

GLENDALE, AZ — 'Dino's Git Down' event celebrate...

LIGHTS MAP: 2025 holiday light displays to see with the family across the Valley

PHOENIX, AZ — Do you have an amazing holiday light display at your home that you'd love to show off?ABC15 is highlighting some of the best viewer displays this season, and we’d love to feature yours!Looking to get in the festive spirit from the comfort of your own home? Catch our Holiday Lights half-hour special, sponsored by Northwest Christian School, on the ABC15 Streaming App Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and again at 9 p.m.Below is our interactive map of Valley holiday lights locations, i...

WATCH: Inside 'Dick's House of Sport,' the concept’s first West Coast store, opens in Arizona

GLENDALE, AZ — Dick's House of Sport is now open in Glendale near Loop 101 and Maryland Avenue!“It is the first store in Arizona [and] it’s actually also the first store on the entire West Coast. What makes House of Sport here in Glendale, Arizona, unique and different and very different from the other locations that most of our athletes would have visit is the fact that we've got amazing experiences that are one of a kind,” said Patti Coleman, executive director of the Glendale Dick's House of...

Arizona State Fair new food: Birria baked potato, fried lobster tail, ice cream nachos, and more!

PHOENIX — The fun runs from September 19 to October 26—get ready for the big Valley tradition! The Arizona State Fair features dozens of new treats to try. Before the gates open, keep these tips in mind to save some bucks: The video in the player above showcases some of the best things to do in the Valley this September- read more about it right here.

PHOENIX — The fun runs from September 19 to October 26—get ready for the big Valley tradition! The Arizona State Fair features dozens of new trea...

WATCH: Valley embalmer discusses death prep, cultural respect, and promoting Latinas in funeral work

PHOENIX — Watch Monica Torres, a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and desairologist in the Valley, discuss the cultural importance of embalming and pre-planning for Latino families, emphasizing transparency and education about death. She shares her experiences and efforts to address community taboos with ABC15’s Nicole Gutierrez.As part of the discussion during Hispanic Heritage Month, Torres advocates for greater diversity in the funeral profession, encouraging more Latinas to pursue career...

Wall of dust, monsoon rainstorms captured in stunning viewer videos, photos

PHOENIX — Monsoon storms are sweeping across the Valley, bringing dust, heavy rain, loud thunder and lightning.Send your weather pictures and videos to share@abc15.com.We received some stunning views of the monsoon storm from you, the viewer! Watch a montage of the wild video and photos on the ABC15 Streaming App or in the player below.Watch more videos of the storms below:

PHOENIX — Monsoon storms are sweeping across the Valley, bringing dust, heavy rain, loud thunder and lightning.

Send your...

Phoenix native will perform with the Yo Gabba Gabba cast in the Valley this August

PHOENIX — Plex, Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Toodee, and Kammy Kam are coming to Arizona as part of the ‘Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE!’ tour!“You have to come see, but what I can tell you is, it's literally going to be a party. We are going to have so much fun, there's definitely going to be merch - you guys [will] want to look at that,” said Kamryn Smith, the performer embodying 'Kammy Kam,' in an interview with ABC15. “It’s going to be a party, a party in your tummy, so you have to definitely come because it'...

Ice Cube speaks ahead of his Glendale stop on the ‘Truth to Power - Four Decades of Attitude’ tour

GLENDALE, AZ — Ice Cube is bringing the "Truth to Power - Four Decades of Attitude" tour to the Valley this September!“A lot of people have seen me perform, you know, I've been performing in Phoenix and in that area for over 40 years, but they haven't seen a show like this," said Ice Cube in an interview with ABC15’s Nicole Gutierrez. "[This is] my time to reflect, our time to celebrate the music, for me to get into my catalog a little more than just doing the hits, and bring people along this 4...
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