Mr. Charlie’s To Open 18 Plant-Based Restaurants in Arizona

News Summary

Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So, a plant-based quick-serve restaurant chain, plans to open 18 locations across Arizona, starting in Scottsdale in 2025. The chain promotes an entirely plant-based menu, including unique fast food alternatives. This expansion aligns with the ongoing Arizona Restaurant Week, highlighting the growing culinary landscape in the state. Investor Patrick Lam will oversee the development, emphasizing the trend towards plant-based dining options in Arizona’s food industry.

Scottsdale, AZ – Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So, a plant-based quick-serve restaurant chain, has announced plans to open 18 locations across Arizona following a multimillion-dollar development agreement. The chain, which is based in Los Angeles, aims to introduce its entirely plant-based menu to residents, starting with its first Arizona location set to open in Scottsdale later in 2025.

Investor Patrick Lam has been designated as the exclusive area developer for Arizona and will oversee the rollout of the restaurants in the state. The menu at Mr. Charlie’s features a variety of offerings that substitute traditional fast foods with plant-based alternatives, including a “Not a Cheeseburger,” a “Not a Chicken Sandwich,” and a “Frowny Meal” that comes with a plant-based burger, plant-based chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink. Additionally, the restaurant will offer plant-based ice cream and breakfast sandwiches to cater to a wider audience seeking healthier dining options.

The announcement comes at a time when the Spring Arizona Restaurant Week is taking place, showcasing over 230 restaurants that are offering special-priced prix-fixe meals ranging from $33 to $55 until May 25, 2025. This annual event, organized by the Arizona Restaurant Association for the past 17 years, has been successful in attracting both new and returning restaurants, emphasizing the growing culinary scene in the state.

Alongside Mr. Charlie’s expansion, other notable dining developments include an upcoming 11,000-square-foot Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Gilbert, projected to open in Spring 2026. This location is part of the Northside at SanTan Village shopping center and will offer a menu focused on seafood and steak, featuring premium items like Texas Akaushi Wagyu.

Furthermore, The Henry, a neighborhood restaurant concept, is expanding into Scottsdale, while a new restaurant called Vybe has recently opened in the East Valley, offering a unique sensory-rich dining experience. Paris Baguette is also in the process of starting construction on a new location in Old Town Scottsdale, which will further enrich the local dining landscape.

As Mr. Charlie’s prepares to launch its locations, the interest in plant-based and diverse culinary offerings continues to reflect a significant trend in the Arizona food industry. Arizona Restaurant Week is set to return for a fall edition from September 19-28, 2025, promising more opportunities for restaurants and diners to engage in the vibrant dining culture across the state.

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Additional Resources

• ABC15: Arizona Restaurant Week
• Wikipedia: Culinary Tourism
• AZFamily: Arizona Restaurant Week Offers Culinary Experiences
• Google Search: Arizona Restaurant Week
• KTAR: Mr. Charlie’s Vegan Expansion
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
• KTAR: AZ Restaurant Week Spring
• Google News: Arizona Food Industry