Air Guitar, the innovative twist on the classic corner store, just leveled up. Now open, Air Guitar has introduced Backstage Kitchen, a sandwich shop featuring a crave-worthy lineup of toasted sandwiches, farm-fresh salads, smoothies, and even breakfast ‘croffles’ (yes, that’s a croissant cooked in a waffle iron), a new beverage program including wine and craft beer available for on-site consumption, as well as a new coffee experience from the stellar team at Steadfast Coffee. It’s the boldest evolution of the space since Air Guitar opened its doors in 2022, delivering an in-store experience that allows guests to use the space as a coffee shop, dining destination, and community gathering place.
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The debut of Backstage Kitchen marks the next step in Air Guitar’s journey, and an all-new hospitality experience from co-founders Craig and Kris DeMarco, who also founded Postino WineCafé and Upward Projects, and Eric Seitz of Bro Retail Group. Helping to bring the team’s vision to life was Eric Henderson, who worked at Upward Projects before launching Winning Formula, which creates and manages culinary experiences around the Valley (clients include Chef Rene Andrade’s Huarachi’s and the just debuted George & Gather), with additional inspiration from longtime Valley chef Aaron Chamberlin (St. Francis, PHX Public Market). Together, the group set out to answer the call from the community to create a more immersive in-store experience, which also offers a full suite of groceries, convenience items, grab-and-go options like sandwiches and salads, pizza by the slice, freshly rolled sushi, flowers, beer and wine, skateboards, and funky, fun gifts.
Backstage Kitchen’s early menu standouts include The Gilbert Grinder, a sub-sandwich packed with imported salami, ham, turkey, tomato, pepperoni, provolone, iceberg, pepperoncini, red onion, and olive oil; the AC Caprese with mozzarella, tomato, basil pesto, and balsamic; and the Eggs & Bakey Sandwich with bacon, egg, and cheese on a croffle. Not in a sandwich mood? Go for the Buttermilk Greens salad, brimming with apples, cheddar, candied walnuts, and buttermilk dressing. Or snag a smoothie – we’re talking strawberry-banana, chocolate-nut-butter, super greens with pineapple, banana, and honey, and tropical dragonfruit. Also being served are Bagelfelds bagels and Bad Hambres burritos. Best of all, those wanting to check out Backstage Kitchen for the first time can pop over on Mondays for half-priced sandwiches, all day long.
To compliment the food offered at Backstage Kitchen, guests can also enjoy a full coffee bar from Steadfast Coffee. Originally an addition to Steadfast Farm, a 2-acre bio-intensive market farm in Mesa, Steadfast coffee has expanded to Gilbert inside Air Guitar. Serving up breakfast tacos, pastries, and coffee drinks, Steadfast Coffee is the perfect addition to the Air Guitar and Backstage Kitchen experience. Standouts from the menu include brisket, egg, and cheese breakfast taco; signature espresso drinks like the cinnamon dulce latte with a double shot of espresso, caramel sauce, cinnamon syrup, and milk; and the matcha latte with honey.
Located on the NW corner of Higley and Ray roads, Air Guitar is located at Epicenter in Gilbert’s famed Agritopia neighborhood. Open daily from 6 am – 10 pm, Monday through Thursday, 6 am – 11 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 7 am – 10 pm on Sunday. For more information call 480-498-2200 or online at www.airguitar4life.com or on social @airguitar4life.
