A new 40-acre mixed-use development in north Peoria called The Trailhead is open for business, as restaurants and retailers are making their debut, the project’s developer announced this month.
Anchoring the long-awaited project at the northeast corner of 83rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road is the 63,000-square-foot Safeway grocery store, which opened to customers in October.
Since then, the development has welcomed some additional eateries and shops, while others are gearing up to move in.
While there’s a nearby shopping complex just over two miles down the road, off Happy Valley and Lake Pleasant Parkway, the newest center is meant to accommodate the expanding community of northern Peoria while offering residents in affluent neighborhoods additional high-end dining experiences.
The announcement by the Pederson Group, the Phoenix-based developer behind the project, comes less than a year since it and Peoria officials broke ground on The Trailhead.
When complete, it will include the shopping center, as well as a renovated church and a 336-unit apartment complex.
What’s drawing tenants to the complex, said Jim Pederson, the development company’s founder, “is the lush landscaping, fountain and other amenities that will make the development a central gathering place for residents and visitors.”
Here’s what you can expect to come to The Trailhead in the coming months.
What is already at The Trailhead?
Einstein Bros. Bagels and Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies have joined Safeway at The Trailhead, opening their doors this month to offer folks on-the-go some quick bites and refreshments.
Last month, Eye Studio Peoriaand AZ Vitality and Wellness opened.
DIP Nail Bar, V’s Barbershop and Pac Dental will soon join them, as all three are set to open this spring, according to the Pederson Group.
What else is opening and when?
Soon, some upscale sit-down eateries will join the mix.
First is Jinya Ramen Bar, which is slated to open in March. Jinya is known for its slow-cooked approach when serving ramen as the soups are made from broths simmered for 20 hours.
The new, sleek 3,518-square-foot space will mark the restaurant’s third Valley location.
Also coming to The Trailhead is Sparrow, the latest restaurant concept by the husband-and-wife team of Parker and Emily Ganem.
The Ganems, which own other popular restaurants, including the nearby Squid Ink Sushi, are eyeing Sparrow’s debut in late summer or early fall.
Sparrow will serve an “eclectic American menu” that includes “upscale craft cocktails.” It’ll occupy 4,300 square feet of space and feature a covered patio and spacious bar.
Completing the fine-dining trifecta offered at The Trailhead is Crust Simply Italian.
The pasta and pizza joint is looking to expand to the northwest Valley after gaining popularity at its other Valley locations in Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale.
When Crust opens next year, it will occupy 6,160 square feet, part of which will be used as a high-end speakeasy.
“Tenants of this caliber are a win for Peoria residents who have been clamoring for a quality dining experience near their homes,” Pederson stated in his company’s press release. “But that’s not all. We anticipate announcing additional eateries joining this line-up in the next several months.”
Shawn Raymundo covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Peoria and Surprise. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami.
