The East Valley continues to thrive with new businesses and attractions, bringing fresh energy to Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, and beyond. From innovative shopping centers to thrilling entertainment venues, here’s a look at some of the most exciting openings in the area.

1. Mercy Center in Gilbert: A Hub for Health, Wellness, and Community

The highly anticipated Mercy Center is now open at 3635 S. Val Vista Drive in Gilbert, offering an impressive mix of businesses in an 11-acre mixed-use development. Developed by Diversified Partners, this vibrant destination is quickly becoming a community favorite.

Arizona’s Largest Starbucks

At the heart of Mercy Center is Arizona’s largest Starbucks, featuring a two-story flagship design. What makes this Starbucks unique?

• It’s the largest solar-powered Starbucks in the U.S., with a rooftop solar array providing up to 100% of its energy needs.
• A 23-car drive-thru and mobile order parking make grabbing your favorite coffee easier than ever.
• Located near Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and the upcoming Phoenix Children’s Hospital – East Valley, it serves as a go-to spot for hospital staff, patients’ families, and locals alike.

What’s Open at Mercy Center?

Beyond Starbucks, visitors will find an array of businesses catering to health, wellness, and lifestyle needs, including:

• Galleria Nails – A premium nail salon offering manicures and pedicures.
• Prizm Dental – Specializing in general and cosmetic dentistry.
• Honoré Skin Clinic – Providing medical aesthetic treatments.
• Beem Light Sauna – An infrared sauna studio for relaxation and wellness.
• Brikhouse Orthodontics – Offering orthodontic care for kids and adults.
• Willow Midwife – A trusted midwifery and maternal care provider.

What’s Coming Soon?

• Kolache Café – A bakery and café featuring Czech-inspired kolaches.
• The Cabinet Design Studio – A custom cabinetry showroom for home design enthusiasts.

With nearly 57,000 vehicles passing by daily, Mercy Center is fast becoming a key retail and lifestyle hub in Gilbert.

2. FUNBOX: Arizona’s Largest Indoor Bounce House Opens in Mesa

A new 14,000-square-foot FUNBOX has landed in Mesa, bringing the ultimate indoor inflatable experience to Arizona. This location is the first permanent FUNBOX in the state and is perfect for all ages.

What’s Inside?

• An 8,000-square-foot inflatable park featuring nine unique bounce sections.
• Epic slides, climbing walls, obstacle courses, and more.
• Free arcade games, dance parties, glow nights, teen nights, and toddler-friendly zones.

Grand Opening Celebrations

To mark its arrival, FUNBOX hosted a series of special events, including a Touch a Truck event, an Art Fest, a Character Meet-and-Greet, and an upcoming Movie Night on April 5.

For birthday parties, corporate team-building events, school field trips, and fundraisers, FUNBOX offers customizable party rooms with the option to bring in your own food and decorations.

Get tickets and more details at funbox.com/mesaaz.

3. McDonald’s Hudson Station Grand Opening in Queen Creek

Mark your calendars for April 2, 2025, as Queen Creek welcomes a brand-new McDonald’s Hudson Station at 22315 E Queen Creek Rd. The grand opening event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a chance to meet new neighbors while supporting local employees.

Stop by to celebrate, grab your favorite McDonald’s meal, and enjoy the newest addition to the Queen Creek community!

4. Phoenix Zoo Expands with Big Cats of Arizona Habitat

Wildlife lovers will be thrilled to know that the Phoenix Zoo is unveiling its Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness habitat in early April. This state-of-the-art exhibit will provide a more spacious and enriching environment for the zoo’s jaguars and mountain lions.

What’s New?

• More than double the space for jaguars, Caipora and Saban, who are part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP).
• Five times the space for mountain lion sisters, Sierra and Mystic.
• Multiple viewing areas, including the Zoo’s first-ever “catwalk”, where visitors can watch big cats roam above them.
• A natural water feature to encourage instinctive behaviors.

This expansion, funded by a $5.3 million fundraising campaign, ensures a better habitat for the animals while also educating visitors about Arizona’s native big cats and conservation efforts.

Visit phoenixzoo.org for more details.

Why These Openings Matter for East Valley Residents

The East Valley continues to expand with exciting new businesses and attractions that cater to residents’ growing needs. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing coffee spot, an indoor adventure, new dining options, or an engaging zoo experience, these openings offer something for everyone.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in the East Valley!

Queen Creek is about to get even more exciting! Several new businesses, including restaurants and retail stores, are set to open at Queen Creek Crossing in 2025, making this shopping center a must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike.

What’s Coming to Queen Creek Crossing?

Vestar, the retail real estate company behind Queen Creek Crossing, has announced that new restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment options will soon be available at this rapidly growing center. Located at the northwest corner of Ellsworth and Queen Creek roads, this 31-acre property features 300,000 square feet of retail space and is quickly becoming a hub for dining, shopping, and leisure in the East Valley.

Opening Dates and What to Expect

• BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – Opening March 24, 2025
  Fans of deep-dish pizza, burgers, craft beer, and delicious cocktails can mark their calendars for March 24, when BJ’s officially opens its doors.
• ONO Hawaiian BBQ – Opening May 2025
  Bringing a taste of the islands to Queen Creek, ONO Hawaiian BBQ will serve Hawaiian-inspired dishes such as kalbi short ribs, kalua pork, spam musubi, chicken katsu, and more. While the exact opening date hasn’t been announced, it is expected to open in May.
• The Habit Burger Grill – Opening Late 2025
  Known for its chargrilled burgers like the portabella, teriyaki, and BBQ bacon burgers, The Habit Burger Grill is set to open later this year. Construction is already underway, and it will be a must-visit for burger lovers!
• Hobby Lobby – Opening Soon
  Queen Creek’s first Hobby Lobby is set to open soon, bringing a vast selection of arts, crafts, and home décor to the community.
• Additional Retail & Entertainment
  Queen Creek Crossing is now fully leased, with more stores and entertainment venues expected to be announced. This expansion will further enhance shopping options for local residents.

Why This is Big News for Queen Creek

According to Angie Kory, vice president of leasing at Vestar, these new additions will enhance the variety of shopping and dining options available, solidifying Queen Creek Crossing as a prime destination for family outings, friendly meet-ups, and everyday convenience. With Queen Creek’s rapid growth, these new businesses will provide much-needed variety and accessibility for the community.

Save the Date: Grand Opening of the Queen Creek Recreation & Aquatic Center!

In addition to these exciting openings, Queen Creek residents have another major event to look forward to! The Queen Creek Recreation & Aquatic Center is celebrating its grand opening, and you’re invited!

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Ribbon Cutting: 7:30 a.m.
Grand Opening Festivities: 8 – 10 a.m.
Location: 22343 E. Ryan Rd.

Come enjoy tours, demonstrations, sports challenges, games, cookie decorating, and more! This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the new facility and enjoy a morning of fun with family and friends. For more information, visit www.QueenCreekAZ.gov/Recreation.

With new restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment options coming to Queen Creek Crossing, plus the highly anticipated opening of the Queen Creek Recreation & Aquatic Center, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the Queen Creek community. Stay tuned for more updates on opening dates and local events!

Are you excited about these new additions? Let us know in the comments!

SOURCES: Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, Ktar News