Crust Simply Italian and a sister speakeasy concept will debut next year in Peoria at 83rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road.
Previously, What Now Phoenix reported on the 40-acre, mixed-use development welcoming several tenants, including Sparrow, a new concept by Sky Restaurant Group, and Jinya Ramen Bar. Now, according to InBusinessPhoenix, even more tenants have signed leases, including Crust Simply Italian. The popular eatery is slated to welcome diners at The Trailhead in Peoria in 2026, with authentic Italian ingredients transformed into classic dishes and full-course meals. Part of the restaurant’s 6,160-square-foot space will include a high-end speakeasy.
Crust Simply Italian, which has three Arizona locations in Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert, will join a handful of other tenants coming to The Trailhead in Peoria. Later this month, the development will welcome Einstein Bros. Bagels and Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies. The Trailhead will also be home to DIP Nail Bar, V’s Barbershop, and Pac Dental, which will open this spring, joining Eye Studio Peoria and AZ Vitality med-spa, which opened last month.
“Tenants of this caliber are a win for Peoria residents who have been clamoring for a quality dining experience near their homes,” said Jim Pederson, founder and chairman of Pederson Group, the project’s developer. “But that’s not all. We anticipate announcing additional eateries joining this line-up in the next several months. The other part is the lush landscaping, fountain, and other amenities that will make the development a central gathering place for residents and visitors.”
The project, valued at over $100 million, is being developed, owned, and managed by Pederson Group. The architect for the project is Butler Design Group, and Campbell Development is the contractor. The Trailhead is located in the geographic center of Peoria and is named after the area’s trail system. This development will be the commercial centerpiece of the stunning and vibrant Happy Valley Corridor, which is witnessing the development of over 3,000 new homes, joining more than 56,000 existing households in the surrounding area. It will feature bike and pedestrian-friendly paths, ideal for dog walkers and hikers, seamlessly connecting to nearby neighborhoods and the pristine Sunrise Mountain Preserve.
