Army Ant’s Cheeseburgers is taking shape in Avondale, where Anthony Garcia and Victoria Kays are working to bring an old-fashioned burger joint to the West Valley.
Garcia, owner and executive chef of the new concept, and Kays, its general manager, are currently searching for a location. Garcia told What Now Phoenix that they were looking at potential buildings this week and hoped to secure one soon.
The restaurant is being designed around burgers, fries, shakes, music, and the feel of a locally owned neighborhood spot.
“We are going to open an old-fashioned burger joint that has good fries, good shakes, and we’re gonna use Wagyu beef patties,” Garcia told What Now Phoenix.
Music will play a major role in the space, with Garcia describing plans for an old-school funk vibe and plenty of oldies. He said the restaurant will likely be a smaller space with plenty of character and the feel of a mom-and-pop operation.
Garcia and Kays are both veterans of the 82nd Airborne Division, a connection that helped inspire the Army Ant’s name. Garcia is also the owner of Eric’s Family Barbecue, the Avondale smokehouse.
The team is targeting an opening no later than January 2028.
Garcia also confirmed that a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting are planned once the restaurant is ready. Once the team opens the restaurant, the ambition is straightforward.
“The plan is to become the best cheeseburger in the country,” he said. “That’s the plan, and I don’t lose.”
Follow Army Ant’s Cheeseburgers on Instagram for updates as plans move forward.
