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!