Chubby Skewers Launches First Arizona Location in Mesa

Categories: Arizona Business NewsArizona State News

Chubby Skewers in Mesa features a vibrant atmosphere with retro decor.

News Summary

Chubby Skewers is set to open its first Arizona restaurant in Mesa, introducing a vibrant dining experience featuring northeastern Chinese barbecue. Opening at the end of May 2025, the restaurant will offer a semi self-service format allowing guests to grill their skewers at the table, showcasing high-quality wagyu beef and various other dishes. The ambiance is designed to reflect a traditional back-alley barbecue joint in China, aiming to attract a diverse clientele in the region.

Mesa, Arizona Welcomes Chubby Skewers, Its First Location in the State

Chubby Skewers is set to launch its inaugural Arizona restaurant in Mesa, located at the southeast corner of Guadalupe and Dobson roads. The opening is scheduled for the end of May 2025, with operating hours from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily. This new addition will introduce the unique and flavorful experience of northeastern Chinese barbecue, known for its vibrant dining atmosphere.

Highlights of the Restaurant

The concept of Chubby Skewers centers around Dongbei-style barbecue, celebrated for its bold flavors and energetic dining experience. The restaurant will feature a semi self-service format, allowing guests to select their desired skewers from a skewer bar. Menu highlights include an extensive variety of skewer options that showcase high-quality wagyu beef, including Japanese A5, Masami American, and Australian selections. Skewer prices will start at $1.20, with members of the Chubby Club enjoying a discounted price of $1 each.

Enhanced Dining Experience

The establishment is designed to create a nightlife-friendly environment, complete with retro décor, neon lights, and vintage items, such as old Chinese newspapers adorning the walls. To differentiate itself from typical grill experiences in the U.S., Chubby Skewers will provide collapsible charcoal grilling boxes at each table. Customers will be able to grill their skewers at high temperatures to lock in flavors and juices. The menu will also extend beyond skewers, offering additional dishes such as spicy clams, tofu skin with Sichuan pepper, and cold noodles.

Drinks and Desserts

The drink menu includes various alcoholic options, featuring beer, Japanese sake, and Korean soju, along with several dessert selections to complement the meal.

Strategic Location and Ambiance

Strategically positioned just outside of Mesa’s Asian District, Chubby Skewers aims to reach a diverse clientele while establishing a distinctive identity within the local food scene. The ambiance is designed to evoke the feeling of a traditional back-alley barbecue joint in China, which enhances the overall dining experience for patrons.

Company Background and Future Plans

Chubby Skewers currently operates over 100 locations in China and is expanding its presence in the United States, with existing sites in New York, Nevada, and California. In Mesa, the restaurant is owned by Noel Cheng, who also runs Shaanxi Garden on Dobson Road. The restaurant’s focus remains on using high-quality, fresh ingredients, with all skewers crafted from produce prepared on the same day.

Looking Ahead

As Chubby Skewers plants its roots in Arizona, future expansion efforts may include additional locations of Chubby Skewers and other concepts under the Chubby Group umbrella, such as Chubby Cattle and Niku X. Part of the company’s broader strategy includes increasing its share of Japan’s A5 wagyu beef exports from 5% to 10% by 2026.

Conclusion

With its unique menu and immersive dining experience, the opening of Chubby Skewers in Mesa is anticipated to attract both local residents and visitors looking for authentic northeastern Chinese barbecue. As the start date draws closer, the restaurant is positioned to become a significant player in the local culinary landscape.