ALMA Scottsdale is preparing to reopen this fall at The Citadel, 8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. in North Scottsdale, according to the restaurant’s social media pages.
Founder and CEO Sheila Bryson told What Now Phoenix the team is targeting an October reopening with a completely reimagined concept centered on a Southwest steakhouse and several new experiences throughout the property.
The relocation follows the closure of ALMA’s Old Town Scottsdale location earlier this year. Bryson said the move was an opportunity to bring ALMA to a location closer to her other Soul Hospitality Group concepts, including Soul Café, Vic & Ola’s, Pescada, and Little Snitch.
While the new ALMA will continue serving guest favorites, Bryson said she wanted to create something beyond a traditional restaurant and bring a lifestyle space to The Citadel.
The redesigned concept will feature a Southwest steakhouse serving premium cuts alongside flavors inspired by Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Northern Mexico.
Beyond the dining room, guests will find Copper Club, a rooftop lounge with live music and cocktails, a tequila bar offering tequila and mezcal tastings with chef-created tacos and small bites, and the return of Barbwire Western Couture, Bryson’s former Western boutique.
Guests will also be able to enjoy ALMA’s full menu regardless of which space they choose to visit.
According to Bryson, many of those ideas came from concepts she had always hoped to revisit.
“Barbwire was a boutique that I had years ago, and I’ve really wanted to bring that back. Copper Club was an event center that we briefly opened right before COVID, and we really didn’t have much of a chance to do events up there.”
She said the rooftop lounge is also a direct response to customers, who have long been asking for live music.
The goal, Bryson explained, is to encourage guests to explore each area throughout the evening instead of staying in one place.
Although ALMA is evolving into a steakhouse, Bryson said diners shouldn’t expect the traditional white-tablecloth experience.
“It’s going to be a steakhouse like they’ve never seen. You can just have a taco and tapas if you want. It’ll be fun and laid back without feeling like a stuffy steakhouse.”
The restaurant is currently targeting an October 1 opening, though Bryson said the reopening could shift into early November depending on construction progress. In the meantime, ALMA Scottsdale will be sharing updates on its Instagram page.
