The team behind Tacos Chiwas and other concepts around Phoenix is preparing to debut a new restaurant called Main Burger AZ in Mesa at 161 W. Main St.
The new burger-focused concept will be moving into the former home of Subway and will open on December 1, according to AZ Central. This is the latest from Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin of Tacos Chiwas, Cocina Chiwas, Aruma Cafe, and Santo Arcadia, with Roberto Centeno of Espiritu and Santo also a part of the ownership team. While an official menu is being finalized, Main Burger AZ will feature some of the best burgers in Phoenix, especially with Centeno helping with the concept.
Centeno has made one of the best burgers in Phoenix at Espiritu, which is made with dry-aged beef, sharp cheddar, and chiliepin aioli served on a brioche bun. He plans to bring these burger-making skills with him to really make a name for himself as one of the best burger creators in all of Arizona. These burgers will likely come with a handful of sides to choose from. At Espiritu, he likes to serve his burgers with papas al disco and spicy ketchup.
Centeno won’t be the only star-studded chef within this new concept. While Centeno was a 2024 Emerging Chef semifinalist, Hernandez and Holguin were 2024 James Beard Award semifinalists for Outstanding Restaurateur. The two have created a collection of restaurants throughout Phoenix that are each outstanding in their way. Now, the trio will join forces for another concept, described in a social media post as “A Chiwas Group burger concept.”
