Luna Grill, a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant known for its flame-grilled kabobs and health-conscious menu, is a proposed tenant for a new retail development at the southwest corner of 29th Avenue and Dove Valley Road in Phoenix.
The restaurant is among several concepts expected to join the upcoming center, which sits just outside of the Upper West Side neighborhood. While official timelines have not been confirmed, community group UpperWestSidePHX shared an update on Instagram outlining several proposed businesses slated for the project, which aims to serve the growing residential population in North Phoenix.
This potential North Phoenix location follows Luna Grill’s first confirmed entry into the Arizona market: a new restaurant currently under construction in southeast Mesa at Ellsworth and Ray Roads. That site is set to open later this year and marks the beginning of a larger push into the state for the San Diego-based chain, which currently operates around 50 locations across California and Texas.
“Mesa is our very first step into Arizona, so this is extra special!” Billy Grenham, Chief Marketing Officer for Luna Grill Restaurants, tells What Now Phoenix in an interview. “For those that don’t know, Luna Grill is a Mediterranean brand with a 20-year heritage from San Diego, California. We were founded by two parents who were seeking better food options for their two daughters. We’ve long heard the call from Arizona (especially from our many Californian friends who have moved out there) to bring our Mediterranean feel-good-food to the Grand Canyon State.”
Grenham said the Mesa area checked a lot of boxes when the team was scouting locations.
“We chose Mesa because it’s buzzing with energy, families, and health-conscious folks who care about what they eat. That really is the perfect combination for Luna Grill’s grilled-to-order Mediterranean bowls, plates, salads, and pitas. We are the fuel for active lifestyles. Plus, we’ve tailored this location with a design that’s warm, modern, and very welcoming—whether you’re grabbing a bowl post-yoga or dining in with the whole family. While we’re on that subject, kids eat free at Luna Grill Monday through Thursday. All you have to do is download our free app called Club Luna.”
The menu features a range of Mediterranean staples, including Garlic Bonfire Shrimp, Bistro Beef Kabobs, wraps, salads, and build-your-own bowls. Luna Grill emphasizes clean, real ingredients and responsibly sourced proteins, such as cage-free chicken, grass-fed beef, and sustainable salmon. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available as well. According to Grenham, the brand sees itself as more than just a food option—it’s part of a lifestyle.
“Luna Grill brings a unique mix of clean, grilled-to-order food and modern Mediterranean vibes in a fast-casual setting. We’re more than a restaurant—we’re here to inspire good food choices and make it easy for busy people to eat well without compromise. There is definitely a reason professional athletes, as well as doctors and nurses, are our biggest fans.”
He added that the company is intentional about every ingredient and experience it delivers.
“From our sustainable salmon to our scratch-made sauces, everything is crafted with care and grilled-to-order. Mesa is getting a place where wellness meets flavor—and where everyone can feel good about what’s on their plate. The hub of our brand (and backstage pass) is our app Club Luna, which can be downloaded for free. Like I mentioned, if you have it, your kids will eat free Monday through Thursday, and you can even access a 100% free 1:1 virtual session with a registered dietician to talk about healthy eating habits. We will always talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to providing real value and inspiring good food choices. Not many (if any) restaurants are providing access to dietitians to talk about the benefits of eating their food—this is something we are extremely proud of. Anyone interested in getting access can download the Club Luna app here.”
Community involvement will also be a significant focus for the Arizona locations, starting with Mesa.
“We believe in showing up—not just opening up. Mesa residents can expect to see us at local events, youth sports games, and maybe even hosting a pickleball tournament or two,” Grenham said.
He hinted that Luna Grill’s opening in Mesa will feel more like a celebration than a soft launch.
“This isn’t just a launch—it’s a Luna-style neighborhood welcome party. We’ve also got exciting wellness-driven collaborations with some well-known fitness partners to help Mesa locals fuel up before or after their workout routines.” The Mesa restaurant is expected to open later this fall, just in time for the holiday season.
“We’re aiming to open later this fall—just in time to end 2025 on a high note and kick off 2026 with some fresh energy. And yes, there will be a grand opening event (with all the fun you’d expect). Think giveaways, tastings, good vibes, and a few surprises to make sure our debut in Mesa is unforgettable. Keep an eye on our social channels and Club Luna for VIP invites and early perks.”
Meanwhile, in North Phoenix, the proposed Dove Valley location would expand the brand’s local reach. If approved, it would join a lineup of tenants that includes Handel’s Ice Cream, Oregano’s, OverEasy, Blo Blow Dry Bar, Pepper Lunch, and The Bar—a cocktail and comfort food spot with existing locations in Uptown Phoenix and Arcadia. Grenham made it clear that Luna Grill’s Arizona expansion won’t stop at Mesa or Dove Valley.
“We’re just getting started. After Mesa, we have big plans to keep growing across Arizona and beyond. Our mission is to bring better-for-you food to more people. We will do that by any means possible—through our incredibly delicious catering arm, through delivery, through pick-up or dine-in—we will figure out a way to make our kitchen yours.”
He added that the growing awareness of the Mediterranean diet only strengthens Luna Grill’s position in the market.
“We’ve been talking about the benefits of real Mediterranean food for the past 20+ years, and there’s a reason it’s been ranked the #1 diet in America 8 years in a row. We’re so excited for Mesa to try Luna Grill and have their own ‘a-ha’ moment. See you soon!”
