If you’re already a fan of Crust Simply Italian’s authentic cuisine served in generous portions in a warm, homey atmosphere, you’ll be pretty pumped to learn not only will the restaurant add a new location in Gilbert come the second quarter of 2022, Crust Simply Italian plans to grow by one shop a year until 2029, adding 10 total new stores to its roster.
The growth is in part spurred by changes Crust Simply Italian has made to its menu since the onset of the pandemic, reports Phoenix Business Journal. Once the Gilbert spot opens, the three stores combined are expected to pull in an annual revenue of $8 million.
Crust Simply Italian Gilbert is headed to Verde at Cooley Station, the 23 acre mixed-use development that boasts 3,000 new homes and resort-style amenities. In addition to the dining experience you’ve come to know and love in Scottsdale and Chandler, the Gilbert location will bring a second The Ostrich, the speakeasy-style bar located in the basement of Crust Simply Italian’s Chandler location. The Ostrich serves Italian comfort food from the Crust kitchen, as well as classic cocktails, wine, and draft and bottled beer.
“We’re an Arizona-based company, and we’re staying here,” Owner Michael Merendino told What Now Phoenix when asked about the scope of the next 10 locations. Following Gilbert, Merendino is looking at Mesa or Queen Creek for Crust number four.
Merendino added it’s just too soon to narrow in on an opening date for Gilbert, so we recommend you keep an eye on the eatery’s social media for updates. Oh, and you should probably head over to an existing location the next time you’re jonesing for Italian comfort food–those pizza pies are calling to you.
