Harkins BackLot, a movie-studio-inspired entertainment venue featuring a full-service restaurant and a sports bar with jumbo viewing screens, is preparing to debut in Phoenix.
Harkins Theatres will introduce this concept in March 2025, when it will be launched at the Shops at Norterra, according to AZ Central. As the Scottsdale-based company prepares for its first expansion beyond movie theaters, it is already making plans to open a second location in Buckeye’s upcoming Verrado Marketplace, located at the northeast corner of the Interstate 10 Freeway and Verrado Way, according to a press release. The second Harkins BackLot is expected to open in Spring 2026.
The Buckeye location will feature a movie theater, at least 12 bowling lanes, video games, electronic darts, a “VR experience,” and a sports bar offering elevated bar food like pizza, burgers, and flatbreads. Harkin’s BackLot will also include a relaxing outdoor patio and spaces for private parties or corporate events. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Vestar unveiled more than 15 new retailers to join anchor tenants Target, Safeway, Ross, Marshalls, and HomeGoods.
Other tenants announced for the 500,000-square-foot shopping mall in Buckeye include ULTA Beauty, Famous Footwear, Buckle, Salt Tacos + Tequila, Handel’s Ice Cream, Bath & Body Works, Shake Shack, Nekter Juice, See’s Candies, Thai Chili, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Tropical Smoothie, Hawaiian Bros., European Wax Center, Zara Nails, Pacific Dental, America’s Best Contacts & Glasses, and Mountain America Credit Union.
“The groundbreaking of Verrado Marketplace marks a historic moment for Buckeye, and we are excited to begin construction on this unique development,” said Vestar President and CEO David Larcher. “This shopping center will offer a dynamic mix of premium retail, dining, and entertainment, along with large gathering spaces that will serve as a hub for both the Verrado community and the entire West Valley. As the first of its kind in this region, we look forward to Verrado Marketplace becoming a landmark for this rapidly growing community.”
With a total investment of $275 million, Verrado Marketplace is projected to generate over $50 million in total tax revenue for the City of Buckeye and contribute an estimated $1.8 billion in economic output over the next 10 years. The development is also expected to bring more than 1,500 permanent jobs to the West Valley.
