Chandler Fashion Center is positioned to become the East Valley’s premier dining destination with a project that elevates the center’s culinary and retail mix inside and out. Today Macerich (NYSE: MAC) – one of the nation’s leading owners, operators and developers of one-of-a-kind retail and mixed-use properties in top markets — announced that the center is launching a redevelopment initiative to reinvigorate the dining and entertainment district near the Harkins Theatres on the south side of the property.
LOCAL NEWS: Walmart pays record $152 million for Luke Field building
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here
“Chandler Fashion Center has a long history as a vibrant hub in the East Valley community,” said Monica Greenman, General Manager of the shopping center. “As we approach our 25th year of operations, we’re affirming our continued focus on creating a welcoming gathering space where guests come to indulge in the community’s best food, entertainment and shopping.”
As part of the redevelopment project, Chandler Fashion Center will introduce a new mix of vibrant full-service restaurants and crave-worthy fast-casual concepts with expanded patios for all-season dining. The new dining lineup includes iconic Taiwanese restaurant brand Din Tai Fung, globally renowned for its handcrafted Xiao Long Bao or soup dumplings. With its signature exposed dumpling showcase kitchen and authentic flavors, Din Tai Fung promises an unforgettable hospitality experience, set to open in 2027. Additional culinary brands will be announced in early 2026.
Additional highlights include a remodeled lower-level lawn and event area, designed to host a range of events, from live concerts and family-friendly gatherings to community celebrations. A new interactive splash pad will bring playful energy by day, transforming into a beautifully illuminated water feature at night. Guests can enjoy new shaded retreats surrounded by lush landscaping, cozy fire pits and comfortable lounge seating – all thoughtfully curated to create a welcoming, garden-inspired atmosphere that invites visitors to relax, connect and stay awhile.
In the meantime, the first step toward creating this engaging new courtyard gathering area will be an inviting walking path that provides access from the east parking lot located between the new restaurants and Macy’s. Construction is slated to begin in January and is expected to result in minimal interruptions to shopper experience.
Chandler Fashion Center is continually evolving, bringing shoppers what they want, including the opening of Scheels in 2023 and more recently, prominent high-end brands such as gorjana, TravisMathew and Vuori. Soon, J.Crew Factory will add a new option for men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, and Johnny Rockets will bring its classic flavors to the center’s food court, with an opening planned in early 2026.
Additionally, Chandler Fashion Center will welcome Seafood City, a first-to-market Filipino grocery store with a vibrant selection of in-house restaurants that will serve Pan-Asian savory dishes, bakery treats and popular street foods. Attractions will include live tanks of fresh fish and crustaceans, complimentary cook-to-order service and a one-of-a-kind catch-and-cook experience.
“As a retail hub serving a broad geographic region of the East Valley, Chandler Fashion Center continues to attract a strong mix of retailers that appeal to its dynamic shopper base,” said Kim Choukalas, Senior Vice President, Leasing for Macerich. “As we continue to attract more of today’s most desired brands, we’re also conscious of a trend among shoppers who enjoy spending a day shopping their favorite stores, then winding down with a memorable meal. This project marries the lines between shopping and dining, creating a wholistic entertainment experience.”
The project at Chandler Fashion Center is just the latest example of Macerich’s ongoing investment in high-performing properties in Phoenix. An enhancement project is expected to begin in January at Scottsdale Fashion Square, elevating the Palm Court, blending the central gathering space with the center’s signature luxury aesthetic. The project follows the 2018 debut of the original luxury wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square and 2022 expansion of the luxury experience into the center’s south wing.
Macerich’s retail real estate credentials in Arizona are unparalleled: The company dominates the retail landscape in Arizona with seven regional shopping centers in the Phoenix metro area. In all, Macerich’s Arizona portfolio comprises over 7 million square feet and includes the most iconic and high-performing retail properties in the Southwest, including Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Fashion Square. These shopping centers and their retailers employ thousands of people and generate millions of dollars in revenue for their communities.
