These 8 international chain restaurants debuted in Arizona in 2025

In 2025, a plethora of national, and some international, restaurant chains debuted in metro Phoenix. Highlights included the long-awaited debut of Sweetgreen at Scottsdale Quarter, plus another location in Phoenix’s Biltmore area; Chinese hot pot chain Haidilao at the newly expanded Mekong Plaza in Mesa; and the state’s first Zaxby’s, a Southern fried chicken restaurant famous for its signature “Zax sauce.”

Out of over 30 worldwide restaurant chains that made their Arizona debuts in 2025, nearly a third of them were international-based, hailing from India to Japan to Mexico. Several chose to open in metro Phoenix as their first-ever U.S. location.

Here’s a look at 8 international restaurant chains that made their Arizona debuts in metro Phoenix this year.

Bikanervala

Bikanervala, an Indian restaurant and snack shop that first opened in Rajasthan, made its Arizona debut in Chandler. The menu is divided into sections for south Indian, Indo Chinese, Bengali, Ghee, Khoya and Kaju dishes.

Details: 1055 S. Arizona Ave., Suite 1, Chandler. 480-859-0400, bikanervalausa.com.

Caffenio

Popular Mexican coffee shop Caffenio made its U.S. debut with a brand-new location in Mesa. Caffenio offers lattes, matcha frappes, horchata espresso, Mexican hot chocolate and Oaxaca espresso. Food options include bagel sandwiches, chorizo crisps, burritos and pastries, including conchas and muffins.

Details: 1262 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. 877-432-7987, caffenio.com/us.

Chubby Skewers

China-based Chubby Skewers made its Arizona debut in Mesa. The menu offers over 20 meat skewer options for guests to grill themselves at their tables. There are also veggie skewer options. Cold dishes include braised A5 wagyu beef shank, spicy clams and fish skin with Sichuan pepper.

Details: 1955 W. Guadalupe Road, Suite 105, Mesa. chubbyskewers.com.

Edo Japanese Grill

Canada-based chain Edo Japan has made its U.S. debut with Edo Japanese Grill in Chandler, offering teriyaki bowls, yakisoba noodles, poke bowls, sushi rolls, bento boxes and boba tea.

Details: 2780 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 6, Chandler. 480-534-4938, edojapanesegrill.com.

Gozen Kamicha

Gozen Kamicha is a popular international cafe that is all about matcha, from matcha waffles to matcha swiss rolls to matcha soft serve. The new Chandler location is the brand’s first in Arizona.

Details: 2095 N. Alma School Road, Suite 12, Chandler. @gozenkamicha_phoenix on Instagram. gozenkamichaphoenix.com.

Haidilao

The long-awaited expansion of Mesa’s Mekong Plaza officially opened on Nov. 24, including Arizona‘s first location of upscale Chinese hot pot chain Haidilao. Guests can choose their own broth, meat, vegetables, noodles and sauces for a customizable hot pot experience. The restaurant’s pride is its hospitality, which includes providing guests with hair ties, phone screen wipes and steaming hand towels.

Details: 66 S. Dobson Road, Mesa. mekongplaza.com.

Pepper Lunch

Japan-based International chain Pepper Lunch made its Arizona debut on ASU’s campus inside the new University Gateway Building. The restaurant offers sizzling plates with pepper rice, teriyaki, steak, seafood, curry, pasta and veggie options.

Details: 951 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. 480-246-9891, pepperlunchrestaurants.com.

Yi Fang

Yi Fang, a Taiwanese boba chain known for its fruit tea, made its Arizona debut near ASU. The signature drink is made with pineapple jam, passion fruit, apples and oranges.

Details: 725 S. Rural Road, Suite 107, Tempe. 925-336-5555, @yifangarizona on Instagram.

Reporting by Eddie Fontanez, Arizona Republic