by Eugene Scott - May. 2, 2012 08:03 AM
The Republic | azcentral.com
The opening of another restaurant at CityNorth may signal that entrepreneurs are more confident about the northeast Phoenix development.
The Skinny Italian Kitchen, a brainchild of Mancuso Restaurants Inc., is scheduled to open at CityCenter of CityNorth at the end of July, said Bob Mancuso, president of the family-owned business.
CityNorth is a residential, dining, retail and office project north of Loop 101 and west of 56th Street, near Desert Ridge Marketplace.
"The reaction from each of our existing restaurant tenants has been very positive as the opening of The Skinny Italian Kitchen will further fuel awareness of and traffic to the entire property while providing a very unique dining experience," said Leslie Himley,CityNorth marketing director.
The Skinny Italian Kitchen will occupy nearly 3,000 square feet on the southern side of High Street and 54{+t}{+h} Street, next to Blue Martini.
The concept is traditional Italian food with a healthy twist, prices ranging from $5 to $14. The menu will feature several vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gluten-free and traditional Italian entrees and sandwiches.
"That seems to be the trend nowadays. People are more concerned with their health, not so much calorie restrictions, just healthier choices," Mancuso said.
The Mancuso family also owns Bobby's Restaurant and Jazz Lounge at 7122 E. Greenway Parkway, in northeast Phoenix.
Mancuso's confidence in CityNorth led him to the project.
"The opportunity seemed right. I think the center's going to hopefully turn around now that the economy tends to be turning around," he said.
Mellow Mushroom will open at CityNorth on May 21. The pizzeria is looking to hire 85 people. For more information, go to MellowMushroom.com/CityNorth.
John Martin, managing partner of Blue Martini, said he's thrilled about the addition of new restaurants.
"It will hopefully change the perspective of CityNorth and help it create more of a destination location where someone can come up and park their car and have a glass of wine at Ocean Prime and listen to the piano bar and then come by Blue Martini and enjoy our happy hour and for dinner, have their choice of three to four very viable, wonderful options," he said.
Blue Martini just celebrated its third anniversary.
"We're seeing a lot more traffic flow," Martin said. "More people are coming to the Valley and are traveling and coming to the hotels and, consequently, we had a great season. We're way up versus last year, so we've had nothing but positive indications."
Mancuso believes the population growth in northeast Phoenix will serve his restaurant and CityNorth well.
"That area tends to be pretty popular," he said. "Desert Ridge seems to be a pretty happening place."
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