If you’ve been watching the West Valley food scene, this one’s got plenty going on. Verrado Marketplace in Buckeye is still rolling out, and the lineup keeps getting bigger with restaurants, shops, and entertainment concepts landing through the rest of 2026.

1. The District kicks things off on October 15

That’s the next big date on the calendar at Verrado Marketplace. SALT, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, and Shake Shack are set to open first, which is a pretty solid little trio if you ask me.

2. Emersa brings a speakeasy twist in November

Emersa is described as a new speakeasy concept inspired by observatories and immersive technology, and it’s expected to debut in November. The space is set to use 4K VR displays, projection mapping, light, sound, and atmosphere to create a shifting-universe cocktail lounge experience.

3. Safeway joins as a major grocery anchor

Also opening in November is Safeway, bringing a 63,500-square-foot full-service grocery option to the development. That’s the kind of practical addition that makes a place feel less like a stop and more like a real part of the neighborhood.

4. More dining and entertainment close out the year

Verrado Marketplace is set to finish the year with Harkins Verrado Theatres and BackLot, a 65,000-square-foot theatre and entertainment destination. OHSO Brewery & Distillery, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe are also on the list.

5. The center is already filling in fast

After the debut of Target, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, several more businesses opened over the summer, including Einstein Bros. Bagels, Great Clips, CityVet, NextCare Urgent Care, Ross Dress for Less, Kay Jewelers, Elite Shutters & Blinds, See’s Candies, Sourdough & Co., America’s Best, Famous Footwear, Bath & Body Works, Buckle, and Ulta Beauty. September also brings Gap Factory, Just Sports, Paramount Hair & Extensions, Pacific Dental Services, and Zara Nails & Spa.

6. This is built to be more than a shopping center

Once complete, Verrado Marketplace is expected to feature more than 55 retailers and businesses. The plan also includes a splash pad, live performance stage with a large video screen, a half-acre community green, and Vestar’s Sip & Stroll program for guests 21 and older in designated common areas.

7. Big picture: Buckeye keeps getting busier

The project sits at the northeast corner of Interstate 10 and Verrado Way, at the entrance to DMB Associates’ 8,800-acre Verrado master-planned community. Vestar says the development has a $275 million total investment and is projected to generate more than $50 million in tax revenue for Buckeye, contribute an estimated $1.8 billion in economic output over the next 10 years, and create more than 1,500 permanent jobs in the West Valley.

That’s a lot of movement for one corner of Buckeye, and it’s exactly the kind of rollout that changes where people eat, shop, and hang out.

— Fat Jimmy