J. Alexander’s is heading to Gilbert this November, and that makes this a pretty notable next step for the chain in the East Valley. The new restaurant will open at 2192 SanTan Village Pkwy., giving the brand its second Arizona location after its 2025 Chandler debut.
What stands out here is the mix of polished dining and neighborhood convenience. The restaurant is described as a destination for wood-fired cuisine, classic American fare and service that leans elevated without feeling stiff. That’s the lane J. Alexander’s seems to be aiming for in Gilbert, where the brand says it wants to bring its signature experience to a growing part of the Phoenix area.
The menu will include hand-cut steaks, signature salads and sandwiches, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. It will also operate seven days a week, which makes it the kind of place that can work for a weeknight dinner, a business lunch or a more celebratory night out. A private dining room is part of the plan too, with space for casual meals, business lunches and special celebrations.
There’s also a hiring push underway behind the scenes. The Gilbert restaurant plans to bring on 90 to 100 front- and back-of-house team members, and interested candidates can interview in person at the hiring site at SpringHill Suites Phoenix Gilbert, 1801 S. SanTan Village Pkwy., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. J. Alexander’s is also planning a dedicated hiring event on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For the company, this opening is part of a broader Arizona expansion. G.J. Hart, CEO of SPB Hospitality, said the Gilbert location builds on the momentum of the Chandler restaurant and reflects the company’s focus on markets with long-term potential. For diners in the East Valley, it means another upscale option is about to join the mix, and this one is arriving with a full menu, a private dining room and a hiring effort already in motion.
— Sloan Rivers
