Grandioso targets mid July opening on Grand Avenue

Grandioso is planned for 1227 Grand Ave in Phoenix, with Justin Piazza aiming for a summer opening. The bar focused restaurant will serve several pizza styles along with drinks, wings, appetizers and panino sandwiches.

Grandioso is planned for 1227 Grand Ave in Phoenix, where restaurateur and pizzaiolo Justin Piazza is preparing a summer opening. The team has looked at July 1, but Piazza now sees July 15 as the more likely opening date.

The restaurant is being built around pizza, drinks and a neighborhood bar feel connected to the Grand Avenue arts scene. Piazza, known for La Piazza Al Forno and earlier downtown Phoenix projects, is shaping Grandioso as a place for slices, drinks and hanging out rather than formal table service.

Grandioso is expected to serve four pizza styles. The lineup includes traditional New York style pizza, Roman taglio squares, Detroit style pan pizza and thin tavern style pies with a crisp texture.

The menu will go beyond pizza with a full bar program, baked wings, appetizers and panino style sandwiches. The operating model is planned as fast casual and bar oriented, giving customers a more informal option on the Grand Avenue corridor.

Piazza returned to Phoenix and found Grand Avenue to be the right fit because of its people, atmosphere and creative activity. The space is expected to include murals inside and outside by Arizona artists, along with a pool table, jukebox and late night energy.