Restaurant owners cautiously optimistic that deals will drive diners during Arizona Restaurant Week

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]Morning, if you're looking to make dinner plans, try something new, and maybe save a little money at the same time, it is Arizona Restaurant Week.

[00:00:07]>> Yes, the foodies here across the valley finding out that you don't have to spend big to eat well around here. Our Jamie Warren, we're checking in with her. You know what, Jamie, this is the kind of deal people really need right now.

[00:00:18]Yeah, we understand gas prices remain high, grocery prices remain high. That could have you potentially limiting how much you're going out to eat. But this week is an opportunity for you to try something new potentially, and even potentially save a little bit of money.

[00:00:36]I actually checked with the National Restaurant Association this morning and found data that shows that restaurant owners are cautiously optimistic this year about getting people in the door.

[00:00:47]But it does come with some challenges, like uneven amounts of foot traffic, and also those rising costs as households across the country continue to tighten their budgets. That does mean that restaurants though are finding some ways to be more creative and deliver value.

[00:01:02]So this week is one of those ways with 273 restaurants participating across the state of Arizona offering price fixed menus. Now one of them being Ajo Al's, they are actually family owned and operated here in Arizona since the '80s, and their owner tells me that their special menu is basically 40% off what you would normally be paying for all of those items. It's a three-course meal including an alcoholic beverage, and this is what he says this week means to them.

[00:01:33]It's just a great It's just a great way to showcase our brand um to everybody.

[00:01:36]It's a great way for local restaurants uh to really show the community what they have to offer.

[00:01:42]So this week officially ends on Sunday.

[00:01:44]If you want to see all of the restaurants that are participating, we have everything you need to know under the things to do section at abc15.com.

[00:01:53]In the meantime, Nick and Kaylee, yes, I had the chance to try some of that menu, so I'm going to give you a closer look coming up in our next half hour. I'll send things back to you. I hope you're bringing back a doggie bag for us, Jamie. Don't forget >> You better. It's a tough crowd when you don't bring the food back.