News Summary
Pickleman’s Gourmet Café is set to open its first Arizona location at Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale, expected to debut in late fall 2025. This will be the chain’s 36th restaurant nationwide and its first in a shopping center, featuring a diverse menu with thin-crust pizza, salads, soups, and signature pickle chips. Franchise owners Matt Frick and Joey Liekweg aim to enhance the local dining experience with the café’s unique offerings and employment opportunities, as part of a broader expansion strategy.
Arizona – Pickleman’s Gourmet Café has announced the opening of its first location in the state, set to debut at Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale. Anticipated to open in late fall or early winter of 2025, this will be the chain’s 36th restaurant nationwide and its first situated within a shopping center.
Franchise owners Matt Frick and Joey Liekweg are eager to welcome the community to what they hope will become a popular destination for lunch or dinner. The menu will feature a variety of offerings, including thin-crust pizza, salads, soups, and macaroni bowls, as well as Pickleman’s signature pickle chips.
The Glendale café marks the first of five planned locations in Arizona, all under the management of Frick and Liekweg. This expansion is part of a broader strategy, as the company aims to open between eight and ten additional locations across the United States in the coming year.
As part of the celebration of its 20th anniversary this fall, Pickleman’s plans to launch a private-label chip line, starting with a flavor inspired by its popular pickle chips. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to innovation in its product offerings and creating a lasting connection with customers.
Strategic Location Choice
Arrowhead Towne Center General Manager Gabrielle Ochoa emphasized that the arrival of Pickleman’s aligns with the center’s mission to provide unique dining experiences for shoppers. The café will occupy Suite 2202, located at 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center Drive, strategically integrating into the shopping center’s vibrant dining scene.
Background on Pickleman’s Gourmet Café
Founded by Doug Stritzel, Pickleman’s Gourmet Café has made a name for itself since its establishment twenty years ago. Initially known for its extensive selection of sandwiches, the café has gained a loyal following thanks to its unique offerings, including its famed pickle chips. These chips are often served as a side with sandwiches and have become a signature item for the brand.
With the aim of becoming a legacy brand, the company has prioritized growth and innovation, coupled with a dedication to enhancing customer experience. The introduction of additional locations, including those planned for Arizona, is a testament to this vision. The franchise owners, Frick and Liekweg, share in the enthusiasm of expanding Pickleman’s reach, further solidifying its presence in a competitive market.
Community Impact
As Pickleman’s prepares to open its doors in Glendale, it is expected to create numerous job opportunities within the community, enhancing the local economy and providing residents with a new dining option. The café’s focus on quality ingredients and diverse menu selections reflects an increasing demand for gourmet, casual dining experiences in suburban shopping environments.
In summary, the impending opening of Pickleman’s Gourmet Café at Arrowhead Towne Center represents a significant addition to the Glendale dining landscape, promising patrons a fresh take on culinary favorites. With plans for further expansion in Arizona, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the community and the restaurant landscape at large.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
