Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and are enjoying this bit of winter to start 2026. Soak it in, it will be 116* before you know it!
Lots of new restaurant info in this week’s newsletter. The list of places I want to try is getting longer and longer and I can’t keep up!
In this edition:
75th Ave on ramp closure
Two new restaurants coming to Park West
Another coffee shop in Arrowhead
ARROWHEAD EATS
Potbelly is open in P83
Potbelly Sandwich Shop has officially opened its doors at the P83 Entertainment District in Peoria right by AZ Ice and just a block south of the Peoria Sports Complex. This is the first Potbelly location in the area and it brings its signature toasted sandwiches, shakes, soups and salads to the neighborhood. (link & map)
Black Rock Coffee opens new location
Black Rock Coffee Bar has opened a new location in the former home of Gravity Coffee, right next to HTeaO on Bell Road & 53rd Ave. The new shop will bring Black Rock’s popular menu of specialty coffee drinks, energy beverages, and drive-thru convenience to the neighborhood. (link & map)
Two more restaurants coming to Park West
Two new restaurants are getting ready to open at Park West in Peoria, adding more variety to the popular shopping and entertainment district. Aruba Cafe is bringing Caribbean and Latin inspired flavors, while Santo Agave will offer modern Mexican cuisine and a lively bar scene.
These additions continue Park West’s growth as a go to destination for dining, movies, and nights out, giving locals even more reasons to stop by this side of Peoria.
COMMUNITY NEWS
What you need to know about the Loop 101 this weekend:
The on-ramp closures finally made it west to the busiest interchange of the 101 here in Arrowhead, 75th Avenue. The west bound on ramp is now closed & will be for 60 days.
North- and southbound 51st Avenue will be closed at Loop 101 during the following:
9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, to 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9.
Nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., beginning Tuesday, Jan. 13, to the morning of Thursday, Jan. 15.
DETOUR: Drivers may use the east- and westbound frontage road (Beardsley Road) to 35th or 59th avenues to get around the closure.
Eastbound Loop 101 will be narrowed to two lanes in the area of 51st Ave from 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, to 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9 for pavement repair.
Ongoing lane restrictions
The westbound frontage road (Beardsley Road) will continue to be reduced to one lane between 35th and 51st avenues through 5 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.
LONG-TERM RAMP CLOSURES
The eastbound Loop 101 on-ramp at 75th Avenue will close for approximately 60 days beginning 11:30 p.m. Monday, Jan 5.
Detour: Drivers may consider using the frontage road (Beardsley Road) or Union Hills Drive to 59th Avenue to access eastbound Loop 101.
The eastbound Loop 101 off-ramp at 67th Avenue will close for approximately 60 days beginning 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11.
Detour: Drivers may consider exiting at 75th Avenue and taking the frontage road (Beardsley Road) to 67th Avenue, or exiting at 59th Avenue.
The eastbound Loop 101 on-ramp at 51st Avenue will close for approximately 60 days beginning 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18.
Detour: Drivers may consider using the eastbound frontage road to access Loop 101 at 35th Avenue, or using eastbound on-ramp at 59th Avenue.
The eastbound Loop 101 off-ramp at 35th Avenue will close for approximately 60 days beginning 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25.
Detour: Drivers may consider exiting at 51st or 27th avenues.
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following closures as part of the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) widening project.
EVENTS
[Peoria] Looking for something to do this weekend? Give Downtown Peoria a try, with their 2nd Saturdays event. Saturday, January 10th, from 4-8pm. (link)
Peoria’s 2nd Saturdays is a free, family-friendly music and art festival held on the second Saturday of each month from October through April in the heart of Downtown Peoria. From 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Arts District comes alive with local art, live music, artisan vendors, hands-on activities, and community spirit. Come explore one of Arizona’s most creative monthly gatherings — and experience the best in local art, music, and artisan goods.
This Market is located on 83rd Ave Between The Monastery (At Washington) and Axiom Venue (At Jefferson)
[Glendale] The Arrowhead Farmers Market is hosting their market at its new location every Saturday from 9am-1pm, at Dream City Church, 21000 N 75th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308
Have an event you’d like listing here? Please send me the details!
ARROWHEAD HIKING CLUB
The Arrowhead Hiking Club was created for people in the Northwest Valley who enjoy getting outside and exploring our local trails. For 2026, we are launching the Summit Challenge, a simple, fun goal built around hiking some of the best mountains close to home, which can be completed throughout the year.
The challenge includes eight different hikes to eight local summits, all in and around Glendale and the surrounding area. Each hike offers its own views, terrain, and sense of accomplishment, giving members a reason to stay active and discover some new trails you may not have experienced yet.
The 2026 Summit Challenge is about enjoying the desert, setting personal goals, and hiking alongside others who love the outdoors, one summit at a time.
Get the details & all of our upcoming hikes at ArrowheadHikingClub.com
This group is for everyone of all skill levels, seasoned backpacker to beginner, we’d love to have you join us.
LOCAL CHARITY
While visiting the Arrowhead Farmers Market over the holidays, we came across the Fallen Feathers booth and remembered my son volunteering there while in middle school. They had some very cool birds on display, and if you visit the market be sure & stop in to say hello. (link)
Fallen Feathers is a Glendale based nonprofit dedicated to honoring fallen service members and supporting Gold Star families. The organization uses symbolic feather memorials, ceremonies, and community outreach to ensure the sacrifices of local heroes are remembered long after the headlines fade.
Through partnerships, events, and educational efforts, Fallen Feathers provides a meaningful way for the community to reflect, show gratitude, and stand alongside families who have lost loved ones in military service.
ARIZONA TRIVIA
Where is the oldest active livery stable in America?
Last week’s trivia question was ‘At what site did automobiles cross into Arizona by ferryboat as recently as the 1920s?’
The correct answer was: Lee’s Ferry
Thank you for reading the Everything Arrowhead Newsletter
Have an amazing weekend!
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