Featured in AZ Big Media (Original article)

Chicago favorite, The Original Gino’s East, is opening its first Arizona location in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood, towards the end of the year, at 3626 E. Indian School Rd.

Celebrating 50 years in the business after opening its doors in 1966 at 162 E. Superior St. in Chicago, the family-owned Gino’s East has restaurants located across Chicagoland, Wisconsin, Texas and Mexico City. Targeted for expansion over the past several years, Phoenix will now be home to the brand’s 18th location.

“We’re looking forward to bringing Gino’s East’s longstanding tradition of deep dish to the people of Arizona,” said Jordan Himmel, deputy director of Operations and Director of Technology, Bravo Restaurants. “The popularity of Gino’s East is obvious based on the amount of frozen pizzas shipped to the Valley every year. We’re excited to share our love of pizza in this vibrant city filled with breathtaking sunsets, desert scenery and majestic mountains.”

Gino’s East in Phoenix will feature its legendary deep-dish pizza, thin crust pizza and a variety of fresh salads and sandwiches, along with a delicious craft beer, premium cocktail and wine selection. The restaurant will be constructed where Hazelwood’s Sports Grill once operated in the Arcadia neighborhood. The old building will be demolished to make way for a brand new building soon to be home to Gino’s East. The new building will consist of 4,400 square feet plus an expansive outdoor patio.

Chicago native and SimonCRE President Joshua Simon will oversee the redevelopment of the building.

“We’re thrilled and honored to be a part of this project,” said Simon. “I’m originally from Chicago so this particular redevelopment has me feeling a bit nostalgic. We’re proud to be playing a role in bringing the best of the Windy City to the Valley of the Sun!”

Gino’s East has been making deep-dish pizza for 50 years and has perfected the craft, starting with their signature, secret-recipe dough and then topping it with mounds of mozzarella cheese, fresh toppings and tangy tomato sauce. Gino’s pies are slowly baked in seasoned cast iron pans until the crust is golden and flaky, and then served tableside, piping hot, right out of the pan. In addition to the pizza, Gino’s East is known for letting guests leave their mark on the restaurant’s walls.