Ever since my favorite tea shop in Phoenix closed in 2024, I’ve kept a close eye on what’s replaced it.

Since Cha Cha’s Tea Lounge shuttered on Grand Avenue, its building has since held a kava bar, a skyr cafe, and now a pizza joint. 

The Pushing P Pizza and the White Iverson at Grandioso in Phoenix. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)

I stopped over to Grandioso a couple weeks ago to check out this newest iteration, and I was very pleased. 

While the restaurant is still building out its menu, I got to try a couple delicious slices—the ricotta dollops on top really sealed the deal. 

I plan to return, especially on First Fridays, and hope it finds success in this location!

Nearly 30 areas and communities, including Arizona, moved into the application stage of the selection process, World Rugby confirmed in October.

From news about short-term housing regulation to questions to ask during an apartment search, here’s a quick recap of helpful links for Phoenix renters.

Here are the highlights of what we’ve seen in Phoenix while checking out Zillow—from affordable listings to ones just for dreaming.

Looking to build community in Phoenix? Start with these neighborhood events this month.

🪨 Volunteers are building erosion control structures out of rocks to help protect vegetation on Mount Lemmon. (Arizona Luminaria) 

🧑‍🍳 While Arizona didn’t earn any Michelin stars last week, 19 restaurants and three individuals received honors. (KTAR)

📚 A Phoenix nonprofit partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to enroll children in the book delivery program. (ABC 15)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Sahara Sajjadi, Jessica Swarner, Britteny Dee, Pablo Manríquez from Migrant Insider, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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