Moreno’s Express is Your New Favorite Neighborhood Mexican Restaurant

by Tony Pontecorvo

For over 17 years, East Valley residents have enjoyed Moreno’s Mexican Grill at an increasing number of locations. With their eighth restaurant – Moreno’s Express, located at 4981 South Arizona Avenue in Chandler – owner Martina Moreno gives fans the same excellent, locally-owned experience they’ve come to expect, but in the fast-casual atmosphere that’s so popular right now.

Moreno’s has become a staple in the area thanks to its addictive street tacos and Sonoran-style hot dogs. Moreno’s Express has both of these popular items and traditional Mexican dishes, but they also keep things fresh. “Innovation is very important,” said Moreno. “Accommodating customers’ changing food needs and being open to change” is what helps set them apart. Part of that accommodation is having gluten-free and vegetarian items available and working hard to make sure guests’ other dietary restrictions can be handled.

In addition to the street tacos and hot dogs that made them famous, the salad bowls at the new location have become popular in a short amount of time. Moreno’s Express has beer and wine available, as well as margaritas. The food comes quickly, but you can relax and take your time with your meal and enjoy an adult beverage with it.

Breakfast is available at Moreno’s Express from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. The breakfast burritos are filled to capacity and are a great way to start the day. One surprise for Moreno has been one of the other breakfast items that has quickly become a huge hit. “People get the Banana Pecan French Toast in the morning all the time.” she said. “It really snuck up on us. We expect to sell a lot of the breakfast burritos but the French toast was a surprise.”

There are daily specials that range from six-to-nine dollars and include a non-alcoholic drink. The menu is a reflection of traditional favorites and modern takes on Mexican cuisine. There are also rotating specials so you’ll always have something fresh to try. There is a salsa bar with a variety of options to choose from so you can customize your meal with your favorite one.

Moreno’s Express has quickly become an integral part of the community. They have already worked with local schools and other charitable organizations and are enjoying the process of getting to know all of their new neighbors. “We’re very excited to be in the community and grow here,” said Moreno.

At Moreno’s Express, you can get top-quality Mexican food at a good price whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Moreno’s Express opens everyday at 8 a.m. They close at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit morenosmexicangrillaz.com or call (480) 494-5473.

MORENO’S MEXICAN GRILL
4981 S. Arizona Ave. Suite 6
Chandler, AZ 85248

480.494.5473

MORENOSMEXICANGRILLAZ.COM

Jimmy & Joe’s Pizzeria: Serious Slices, Quality Customer Service

By Molly Smith

With 15 years working for national chain restaurants and another 10 in the food distribution industry under his belt, Terry Black knows a thing or two about running a restaurant. While his daughter Amy was earning her business degree in college, it was only natural that they spoke about opening a restaurant together. During those talks, the concept of Jimmy & Joe’s Pizzeria was born, and in 2006 the father-daughter duo opened their first restaurant. Today there are three locations — our newest in Ahwatukee at 4747 East Elliot Road, our newly remodeled location at 4040 West Ray Road in Chandler, and last but not least 1960 West Baseline Road in Mesa.

Quality — from food to customer service — is a common thread at Jimmy & Joe’s. “We use premium meat toppings, high-quality Wisconsin cheese, and sausage and meatballs from Chicago,” Terry says. “We don’t cut corners on our products, and all our toppings are gluten-free.”

In addition to quality, quantity is a big theme at Jimmy & Joe’s — and we mean big. The enormous “Serious Slice” has garnered a lot of attention for the restaurant, as has the huge 24-inch pizza — a rare find among local pizza joints. “We’re also known for our specialty pizzas. Just try one, and you’ll be sold on us forever,” Terry says. The Chicken Pesto, White Pizza, Carnivore and the Popeye are among the hearty selections of specialty pizzas.

Jimmy & Joe’s wings, made with the popular Joe’s sauce which is sold by the bottle, are another menu feature, along with gluten-free options, salads, calzones, specialty sandwiches and even a few lower calorie items.

Beyond big plates of delicious pizzeria delights, Jimmy & Joe’s is serious about giving their customers a complete experience. “We have really good pizza, a great environment, and quality, valued menu items,” Terry says. But the experience isn’t complete without proper customer service. “I ask our employees to treat our customers as if they are signing their paychecks. When we give our customers a little extra love, they are more likely to come back.” Terry and Amy have developed a customer service motto of: Look at me, smile at me, talk to me, and thank me.

Beyond giving their customers that extra attention, Terry and Amy feel strongly about creating a real neighborhood pizzeria atmosphere at Jimmy & Joe’s. A big part of integrating into the community, according to Terry, is giving back to it. “We do a lot of fundraisers and are very involved with schools and church organizations,” he says. “It’s not about how much money I can make. It’s about giving it back to the community, serving a good product and making our customers happy.”

If you have yet to try Jimmy & Joe’s Pizzeria, Sunday Specials are a great time to receive added value — two 12-inch pizzas for just $10.95! Loyal customers swear by the rewards program, which is free to join and offers members free stuff. So what are you waiting for? Stop in for a slice or visit www.jimmyandjoes.com for hours and a complete menu.

For more information about Jimmy & Joe’s Pizzeria visit  jimmyandjoes.com.

JIMMY & JOE’S PIZZERIA

Mesa
1960 W. Baseline Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85202
480.398.4848

Chandler
4040 W. Ray Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85226
480.963.6633

JIMMYANDJOES.COM

Looking for a Good Time?
No Matter What Time of Day?!

Try strolling on over to the Dirty Blonde Tavern!

From your first visit, you’ll notice a difference between Dirty Blonde and your typical sports bars and watering holes. This is a locally-owned place where you’ll be treated with appreciation and respect.

You will enjoy the warmth and friendship of an experienced and dedicated staff who are genuinely interested in ensuring that you have the best time possible!

Whether you’re on your own, bringing a date, having dinner with family or partying with friends, Dirty Blonde values you as a customer and will roll out the red carpet for you.

Enjoy a wide variety of drink options, including fourteen beer taps pouring a palate-pleasing blend of both craft and domestic beers, along with sumptuous offerings of fresh, delicious food.

Owner Eva Stapleton has been serving customers for nearly twenty years, and knows what it takes to elevate your experience in her place to a higher level.

“Our customers know that we provide a fun and friendly atmosphere,” Eva explains.

“We are not a corporate store that shuffles both customers and employees in and out the door.”

Eva’s philosophy is to keep her employees happy so they are having fun, and as a result their customers will be happy and having fun.

“Our staff’s entire priority is excellent customer service,” she says. “We like to get to know our customers personally so we can welcome each and every one of you back.”

Dirty Blonde Tavern offers its customers TV viewing of all the major sports packages.

Every day also bring a new Happy Hour opportunity, with awesome discounts on drinks and appetizers!

Special events include Team Trivia Night on Wednesday, Karaoke on Sunday, and even live music many nights! Dirty Blonde also offers pool, darts and video games.

“Come in and check us out!” Eva invites. “Give us a chance to show you what a good time you can have right here in the neighborhood.”

Dirty Blonde Tavern is conveniently located at the intersection of Chandler Boulevard and Rural Road. Stop in and see Eva and her friendly crew, and let the good times roll!

Dirty Blonde Tavern

4929 W. Chandler Blvd #12
480.753.7175 

dirtyblondetavern.com

Alright, East Valley…..who’s SERIOUS about pizza?

For those of you who have not yet discovered the most awesome, delectable and delicious pizza in Arizona, it’s time you tried Jimmy & Joe’s Pizzeria.

Seriously!

“We simply have a product that is superior to others,” explains owner Terry Black. “Our ingredients are truly the best of everything on the market: starting with our fresh dough, to our savory sauce and of course our cheese and toppings, we offer the highest quality pizza in the valley.”
(more…)

Bringing the Bayou to You

Dillon’s KC BBQ concept is the culmination of a partnership of passion. More than 18 years ago, friends Rich Dillon and George Valverde worked together at another restaurant and formed a business partnership built upon the dream of owning their own restaurant. George’s long-time management experience paired with Rich’s BBQ background served as the perfect blend. Together, they established Dillon’s KC BBQ, which has grown into a four-restaurant success story.
(more…)

Your New Favorite Neighborhood Mexican Restaurant

For over 17 years, East Valley residents have enjoyed Moreno’s Mexican Grill at an increasing number of locations. With their eighth restaurant – Moreno’s Express, located at 4981 South Arizona Avenue in Chandler – owner Martina Moreno gives fans the same excellent, locally-owned experience they’ve come to expect, but in the fast-casual atmosphere that’s so popular right now.

Moreno’s has become a staple in the area thanks to its addictive street tacos and Sonoran-style hot dogs. Moreno’s Express has both of these popular items and traditional Mexican dishes, but they also keep things fresh. “Innovation is very important,” said Moreno. “Accommodating customers’ changing food needs and being open to change” is what helps set them apart. Part of that accommodation is having gluten-free and vegetarian items available and working hard to make sure guests’ other dietary restrictions can be handled.

In addition to the street tacos and hot dogs that made them famous, the salad bowls at the new location have become popular in a short amount of time. Moreno’s Express has beer and wine available, as well as margaritas. The food comes quickly, but you can relax and take your time with your meal and enjoy an adult beverage with it.

Breakfast is available at Moreno’s Express from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. The breakfast burritos are filled to capacity and are a great way to start the day. One surprise for Moreno has been one of the other breakfast items that has quickly become a huge hit. “People get the Banana Pecan French Toast in the morning all the time.” she said. “It really snuck up on us. We expect to sell a lot of the breakfast burritos but the French toast was a surprise.”

There are daily specials that range from six-to-nine dollars and include a non-alcoholic drink. The menu is a reflection of traditional favorites and modern takes on Mexican cuisine. There are also rotating specials so you’ll always have something fresh to try. There is a salsa bar with a variety of options to choose from so you can customize your meal with your favorite one.

Moreno’s Express has quickly become an integral part of the community. They have already worked with local schools and other charitable organizations and are enjoying the process of getting to know all of their new neighbors. “We’re very excited to be in the community and grow here,” said Moreno.

At Moreno’s Express, you can get top-quality Mexican food at a good price whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Moreno’s Express opens everyday at 8 a.m. They close at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit morenosmexicangrillaz.com or call (480) 494-5473.

WARNING! THIS RESTAURANT IS HABIT-FORMING!!!

Moreno’s
4981 S. Arizona Ave. Suite 6
480-494-5473

MorenosMexicanGrillAZ.com