Scott and Melissa McIntire, owners of Mac Entertainment Group and the couple behind The Ainsworth in Downtown Phoenix and The Lola at Westgate, along with “Joey Boy” Rodriguez, host of The Morning Mess, announce plans to open a unique new concept called Buddha’s Ritual in North Scottsdale this fall. Buddha’s Ritual was created by local entrepreneur and branding visionary, Freddy Nguyen, and will occupy the ground floor retail space in SOHO Scottsdale, a live/work loft and townhome community on the southwest corner of Bahia Drive and N. 92nd Street, just down the street from WestWorld.
“Joey and I looked at a number of spaces for a Scottsdale restaurant and finally found the right one,” said Scott McIntire. “We’re excited to bring something entirely new to the area and are confident it is going to be well-received. We can’t wait to open and officially expand Mac Entertainment Group to Scottsdale.”
Buddha’s Ritual is a completely original concept fusing food and fashion and Asian and American fare in a fun, casual environment. The restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving a number of signature items like croffles (croissant waffles) and Buddha’s Benny with crispy pork belly in the morning and pho, ramen, a deconstructed Banh Mi plate, kimchi mac & cheese, kimchi grilled cheese and stone brick oven pizzas with Asian-inspired toppings in the evenings. Just like Mac Entertainment Group’s other two concepts, Buddha’s Ritual will have a strong cocktail program and a great happy hour.
The Buddha’s Ritual experience will begin by entering the 2,700 square foot restaurant through a hot pink front door. Guests can enjoy the indoor-outdoor space enabled by multiple garage doors, relax on the expansive patio that will feature a fire pit and lawn games and sip on signature cocktails at the large bar. Merchandise, including high quality hats and shirts, reflecting the concept’s playful branding also will be available for purchase.
“SOHO Scottsdale is pleased to collaborate with Mac Entertainment Group on their latest concept, Buddha’s Ritual,” said Irene Catsibris Clary, developer of SOHO Scottsdale. “Even the most discerning foodies will be enticed with the mouth watering menu items that have been created.”
Buddha’s Ritual is planning to open later this fall and is currently looking to hire 50 team members for all front and back of house positions. Interested parties can apply by emailing sohoscottsdale@buddhasritual.com. Open interviews will be held onsite every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. leading up to the opening.
