Urban Agave Opens in Glendale

Urban Agave Opens in Glendale
Homegrown Restaurateurs Bring New Mexican Dining Experience to West Valley

GLENDALE, Ariz. (March 29, 2023) — Parker and Emily Ganem, co-owners of Sky Restaurant Concepts, the local restaurant group that brought the likes of Squid Ink Sushi Bar and Highball Cocktail Bar to the Valley of the Sun, are pleased to introduce Urban Agave. Housed in the former Urban Margarita, located at 6685 W. Beardsley Rd., #180, Urban Agave pays homage to the previous restaurant and its beloved owners, while introducing a cool new vibe to west valley diners.

“Parker and I were both born and raised here in the west valley. This is our neighborhood. We want to bring a bigger foothold to the area and continue to give diners new, elevated experiences,” says Emily. “We intend to maintain much of what diners have come to love from Urban Margarita while showcasing a vibrant and playful new vibe, enticing menu additions, elevated bar program and extended weekend brunch.”

Similar to Urban Margarita, diners can expect a wide selection of simple yet delicious scratch-made Mexican and American dishes including tacos, tostadas, flautas, enchiladas and more. While handcrafted margaritas are a must, diners can anticipate an elevated array of craft cocktails to accentuate every dish and enhance every dining experience at Urban Agave.

While the Ganems anticipate launching weekend brunch and a specialty cocktail menu at the beginning of May, popular draws such as Taco Tuesday are currently available. Urban Agave will also offer extended hours beginning at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday for weekend brunch featuring a mimosa and “Bloody Maria” bar.

The restaurant has ample seating options including traditional dining, in-bar dining and patio service. Urban Agave also boasts a large private dining area with its own bar that is ideal for private parties and corporate events. Those interested in booking private events can email contact@urban-agave.com. For more about Urban Agave, visit urban-agave.com. 

About Urban Agave: Newly opened in February 2023, Urban Agave offers west valley diners a hip, modern and playful approach to scratch-made Mexican and American comfort food dishes and beverages. Owned and operated by Parker and Emily Ganem, co-owners of Sky Restaurant Concepts, the local restaurant group that operates Squid Ink Sushi Bar in Peoria and Highball Cocktail Bar in Phoenix, Urban Agave will soon offer lunch and dinner seven days a week and weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. For more: urban-agave.com.

VAI Resort to Open in Glendale, Arizona

Arizona's Largest Resort, VAI, Elevates Experiential Hospitality by Creating the Ultimate Entertainment Destination

The $1B, 60-Acre Desert Oasis Boasts a $40M Concert Stage, 6-Acre Swimming Retreat, Temperature-controlled White Sand Beaches & Country’s First Man-made Party Island

Glendale, Ariz. (PRESS RELEASE) – VAI Resort, what will be the largest resort in Arizona and the premier daylife, nightlife and entertainment global destination, is transforming experiential hospitality by creating the ultimate desert oasis inspired by iconic international hotspots with an unprecedented $1 billion, 60-acre luxurious retreat.  

VAI is influenced by famed vacation destinations around the world, from Mykonos and Dubai to Miami and Tulum. At the core of the unrivaled entertainment epicenter is a $40 million, state-of-the-art concert stage that will feature top acts with prime viewing from hotel room balconies and VIP skyboxes while opening to 360 degrees to interact with the entire property. Incorporating top-tier acoustics, lighting and pyrotechnic effects, the stage is surrounded by a vast pool deck that will transform into an inimitable and intimate concert experience for 8,000 showgoers.   

VAI, with a name a nod to Vai Beach in Greece and the Greek word for palm, will be home to a 6-acre swimming sanctuary and temperature-controlled white sand beaches for year-round enjoyment. In the center of the pool oasis is the country’s first man-made party island, Konos Island, a 52,000-square-foot marvel that will feature a Mediterranean restaurant, private cabanas, DJ booth and a 16-person aerial bar ideal for sipping cocktails while enjoying panoramic views from 130 feet in the air.  

“VAI is undoubtedly breaking the mold with experiential hospitality, as every aspect is designed to treat guests to incredible entertainment, cuisine and luxury,” said Grant Fisher, president of VAI Global Development, the Arizona-based ownership company that is developing and managing the resort. “Debuting VAI in my home state is a monumental moment and one that I hope will further elevate Arizona on the international stage as a notable entertainment destination.”

With approximately 1,200 luxurious rooms and suites across three stunning towers curated by world-renowned artists and architects, the VAI experience will include 12 upscale restaurants, seven of which will feature waterfront views, 10 exclusive bars and lounges, a shopping corridor with high-end retail and much more. VAI is a two-minute walk from State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, and a 20-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  

Building a luxury resort with a 6-acre swimming retreat in the Arizona desert is a remarkable feat and environmental responsibility is a top priority. The property will only use approximately 30% of the allotted water designated to the former agricultural site, which equates to less than 1% of the city’s SRP (Salt River Project) portfolio. VAI Global Development is working closely with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the city on a water conservation plan. The resort is also prioritizing sustainability by building a system that allows the capturing of rainwater, reducing the amount of water necessary to compensate for evaporation, and recycling water for irrigation and landscaping. In addition, VAI is making efforts to reduce its ecological footprint by incorporating solar power.

For more information or to register to be among the first to receive information, visit VAIResort.com.

About VAI Resort: Opening 2024, VAI Resort will be the largest resort in Arizona and the premier daylife, nightlife and entertainment destination in the U.S. This unprecedented $1 billion, 60-acre oasis of luxurious fun draws inspiration from hotspots around the world, from Mykonos and Dubai to Miami and Tulum. At its core is a $40 million, 360-degree concert stage featuring top acts with premium viewing from hotel room balconies and VIP skyboxes. Surrounding the stage is a massive pool deck that transforms into a concert venue for 8,000 showgoers. VAI offers a pristine 6-acre swimming oasis and temperature-controlled white sand beaches for year-round enjoyment. Konos Island, the country’s first man-made party island, is a 52,000-square-foot marvel featuring a restaurant, private cabanas, DJ booth and a 16-person aerial bar ideal for sipping cocktails while enjoying panoramic views from 130 feet in the sky. With more than 1,000 luxurious hotel rooms and suites across three stunning towers curated by world-renowned artists and architects, the VAI experience includes 12 upscale restaurants; 10 exclusive bars and lounges; a shopping corridor with high-end retail; the world’s first Mattel Adventure Park™ and much more. VAI will revolutionize the world of experiential luxury hospitality, promising an indulgent escape from the ordinary. For more, visit VAIResort.com.