Bad Jimmy’s Expands with Second Location in Scottsdale

News Summary

Bad Jimmy’s, a rising star in the culinary scene, has opened its second location in Scottsdale, taking over the former Starlite BBQ spot. Following success in Downtown Phoenix, this expansion highlights founder James Piazza’s journey from food truck operator to restaurant owner. The Scottsdale menu features gourmet burgers made with Arizona beef and unique desserts. With plans for further growth in Phoenix, Bad Jimmy’s continues to make a significant impact on the local food landscape, offering quality dining and employment opportunities.

Scottsdale – Bad Jimmy’s, a burgeoning name in the culinary world, has officially opened its second location in Scottsdale, taking over the former Starlite BBQ space. The new establishment follows the success of its first brick-and-mortar location in Downtown Phoenix, which opened earlier this year after the brand’s origin as a pop-up in 2020, evolving through a food truck phase. The expansion marks a significant milestone for food industry veteran James Piazza, the visionary behind Bad Jimmy’s.

Piazza’s journey in the culinary field began as a dishwasher, eventually climbing to the position of chef while working alongside renowned chef Chris Bianco for a decade. This experience shaped his approach to cooking and business, serving as a critical mentorship that he attributes to his growth within the food industry.

The menu at Bad Jimmy’s features an array of burgers made from K4 Ranch premium Arizona beef, with prices ranging from $12 to $15. Customers can enjoy unique offerings like the L.A. Burger, which includes pastrami, and a signature Double Burger with two patties, American cheese, griddled onions, pickles, and a special sauce reminiscent of Thousand Island dressing. In addition to the burgers, the restaurant offers fries as an add-on for $5. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in soft-serve ice cream sourced from California’s organic Straus Family Creamery, priced at $12.

The ambiance at Bad Jimmy’s combines the casual feel of a dining experience with the excitement of a bar atmosphere, appealing to a diverse clientele by offering both food and cocktails. This blend of dining and entertainment has contributed to the brand’s growing popularity.

As a testament to the restaurant’s success, a third Bad Jimmy’s location is set to open in uptown Phoenix by the end of summer 2023, further solidifying its presence in the local food scene. This expansion not only reflects the demand for Bad Jimmy’s offerings but also highlights Piazza’s dedication to creating job opportunities, transitioning from a one-man operation to managing a thriving restaurant that employs multiple staff members.

Piazza recalls the many challenges faced during the initial launch of Bad Jimmy’s, particularly the grueling conditions of operating a food truck in Arizona’s summer heat. He considers these early experiences as foundational to his current successes, acknowledging the hard work and resilience required in the food industry.

The opening of the Scottsdale location not only offers new dining options to local residents but also serves as a reminder of Bad Jimmy’s rapid evolution—from a small pop-up to a multi-location restaurant serving premium burgers and innovative desserts. With its growing recognition and expanding footprint, Bad Jimmy’s is poised to make a lasting impact on Arizona’s culinary landscape.

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• AZ Central: Bad Jimmy’s Scottsdale Opening
• Phoenix New Times: Bad Jimmy’s Opens in Scottsdale
• Mouth by Southwest: Bad Jimmy’s Second Location
• Axios: Bad Jimmy’s Chain Expansion
• Phoenix Magazine: March 2025 Restaurant Openings
• Wikipedia: Restaurant
• Google Search: Bad Jimmy’s restaurant
• Google Scholar: Restaurant Industry Expansion
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
• Google News: Bad Jimmy’s