There’s plenty happening around Arrowhead this week, including the end of an era at P83 as the former McDuffy’s building comes down. We’ve also rounded up some great live music options for the weekend, from dueling pianos to a few new spots worth checking out.

Plus, another Best of Arrowhead winner to share, a little local history hiding beneath Lake Pleasant, and lots more happening around the community. Let’s get into it!

In this week’s newsletter:

Have an amazing weekend!!

Glendale’s Bell Road dining scene is getting another big-name addition, with a new Chick-fil-A planned for the corridor. The popular chicken chain will add another fast-food option to one of the West Valley’s busiest shopping and dining areas.

The new location will be at 57th Ave & Bell Road, on the former site of Family Dental Station. Read the full article at YourValley.net

A little piece of P83 history is coming down. Crews are demolishing the building which was former home of McDuffy’s, once a popular Peoria sports bar and nightlife spot near the Peoria Sports Complex, clearing a site the city has long identified as part of P83’s redevelopment potential.. (map)

I have been able to locate any info about what the City of Peoria may be planning for this site. Likely, they are making it a shovel ready lot to be sold to a developer.

What should Glendale look like in 2050? The City of Glendale is asking residents to help shape the community’s future as it develops its Glendale 2050 General Plan. Community meetings are scheduled for Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and Sept. 2, giving residents a chance to learn about the process and share their input. Learn more about the open house events at Glendale2050.com

Lots of scary headlines in the news this week around the Mattel theme park under construction as part of the VAI resort near Westgate. Per the articles I read, the company developing the resort has taken over the project and intends to move forward with the theme park as originally planned. Maybe some day they’ll finish, and when it does it will be a huge economic driver for the West Valley. (link)

As a Realtor, I’m all over the Valley on a regular basis, and I’ve found a lot of different places I like to visit when I’m out and about. Downtown Phoenix is home to a slice shop that is now being mentioned amongst some pretty strong company.

Via Della Slice Shop was was just named one of 27 of the best pizza places in America by USA TODAY Network food writers. Known for its New York-style slices and creative pies like the Phoenix, topped with spicy soppressata, peppers and hot honey, and the next time you’re Downtown for a Dbacks game, do yourself a favor and check out Via Della.

The Phoenix slice has crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, spicy sopressata, marinated goathorn peppers, homemade hot honey, fresh basil, Parmigiano Reggiano, and it is the absolute best 🤌 (link & map)

What is Best of Arrowhead? It will be a collection of my favorite restaurants, individual dishes, local businesses & all sorts of cool stuff that makes Arrowhead Ranch the best neighborhood in the northwest valley.

Check the newsletter each week for a new ‘best of’ or visit BestOfArrowhead.com

I’m not a huge coffee guy, you won’t find me discussing the virtues and flavor notes of this blend versus that blend. That said, I do enjoy a variety of different coffee drinks, from drip to espresso drinks and cold brew.

I can hear it being said already, but JD, this coffee shop isn’t really in “Arrowhead.” And you may be right, but I made up the rules and it is close enough for me, that I think a resident of Arrowhead should consider Union Coffee Company if they are looking for a place to pick up a quality coffee drink in a nice atmosphere.

I’d love your input on what you think is the Best of Arrowhead. Click here to send me an email with your favorites.

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If opening your latest electric bill gave you a little sticker shock, your AC may not be the only problem. Insufficient attic insulation can let Arizona’s brutal summer heat work its way into your home, forcing your air conditioner to run longer just to keep you comfortable.

Upgrading your blown-in attic insulation can help lower energy bills, improve comfort, reduce AC run times, and cut down on wear and tear on one of the most expensive systems in your home.

Don’t pay an AC company to mark up someone else’s insulation work. Synergy Systems, Cooler Home Solutions installs blown-in attic insulation directly, helping you avoid the middleman and get more value from your investment.

Lower your bills. Lighten the load on your AC. Stay more comfortable year-round.

Contact Synergy Systems, Cooler Home Solutions today for an attic insulation evaluation and a FREE quote at (480) 329-3227

Long before Lake Pleasant became the sprawling reservoir we know today, the Agua Fria River was held back by the Carl Pleasant Dam, completed in 1927. The dam created the original Lake Pleasant and was named for Carl Pleasant, the engineer who designed the project that helped bring irrigation water to farms in the northwest Valley.

Decades later, the much larger New Waddell Dam was built downstream as part of the Central Arizona Project. Completed in 1994, the new dam dramatically increased the size and storage capacity of Lake Pleasant. As the water rose, the old Carl Pleasant Dam was submerged beneath the expanded lake.

So the next time you’re boating or fishing at Lake Pleasant, there’s a nearly century-old piece of Arizona history beneath you. Carl Pleasant Dam is still down there, underwater, with today’s Lake Pleasant quite literally covering the reservoir that came before it.

West Coast rap royalty is taking over Glendale Friday night. Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, E-40 and Too $hort are all sharing the stage at Desert Diamond Arena on Friday, August 28th at 8 p.m. If ’90s and early-2000s hip-hop is your thing, this is one seriously stacked lineup. (link)

A new spot for live music is kicking off in Glendale! Burgers & Brews at 67th Avenue and Cactus launches its Saturday night music series Aug. 29 from 7–9 p.m., starting with local singer and musician Ralph Freso. There’s no cover, with more live music planned each Saturday, including Emmy G on Sept. 5 and father-daughter duo Brian & Z on Sept. 12. (link)

Dueling Pianos are back at Lakeside Bar & Grill this Saturday night! 🎹 Head over on August 29th for an interactive night of live music, sing-alongs, audience requests and plenty of laughs. Grab some dinner, a cold drink and see which songs make it into the show. (link)

It’s going to be a “beary” fun day in Historic Downtown Glendale! 🧸 The 22nd annual Teddy Bear Day returns Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. with free family activities, crafts, treats, local shopping and first responder displays throughout Catlin Court and Old Towne. The event also supports the Trauma Teddy Program, which has provided more than 16,000 teddy bears to comfort local children during emergencies. (link)

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