Bringing unique restaurants to its top-performing retail properties is a signature specialty for Macerich. Now, three properties — Scottsdale Fashion Square and Chandler Fashion Center in Arizona and FlatIron Crossing in Broomfield, Colo., just north of Denver — are putting food and beverage experiences front and center in exciting redevelopments that do more than whet shoppers’ appetites.
“Macerich leads our industry when it comes to integrating immersive, experience-driven elements that appeal to discerning customers who not only want to make purchases but also make memories at our outstanding retail properties,” said Michael Guerin, executive vice president, leasing, Macerich. “With Din Tai Fung and other super-performers in the restaurant category, Macerich is driving traffic for our retail partners in the luxury sector and across the board.”
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Din Tai Fung Coming Soon to Scottsdale Fashion Square
In yet another Fashion Square first, Din Tai Fung will make its Arizona debut on the south side of the property, where luxury names including the recently opened Hermès now draw affluent shoppers. Din Tai Fung is the grand finale in this collection of five new restaurants for this part of Scottsdale Fashion Square, which frames the upgraded entrance and rotunda featuring a multilane luxury valet.
World renowned for its delicate soup dumplings, Din Tai Fung will officially open its doors at Scottsdale Fashion Square in the first half of 2026, bringing a taste of global excellence to one of the most prestigious fashion destinations in the country.
Spanning an impressive 10,000 square feet, the beautifully designed new Din Tai Fung will deliver an unforgettable, modern dining experience, blending comfort and culture at every table. Guests at the Michelin-awarded restaurant can watch artistry in action in its glass-exposed dumpling showcase kitchen, while savoring signature dishes such as the iconic 18-fold Xiao Long Bao, Spicy Wontons, hand-pulled Noodle Soups, crisp-tender String Beans with Garlic, sweet delicacies like TikTok sensation Chocolate & Mochi Xiao Long Bao and more. Handcrafted cocktails and premium tea beverages perfectly complement the menu.
This is the latest chapter in Din Tai Fung’s story, which began in 1958 as a humble cooking oil shop in Taipei, Taiwan. Over time, it has evolved into a Michelin-recognized restaurant brand celebrated around the world for its dedication to authentic craftsmanship and memorable hospitality.
Exciting new restaurants already open in this part of the property include Catch, featuring simple yet elegant seafood, sushi and steak in a vibrant atmosphere, Élephante, which reflects the spirit and cuisine of coastal southern Italy, and Society Swan, the debut location of this French American brasserie by restaurateur Sam Fox. Later this winter, Telefèric Barcelona, a beloved Spanish tapas concept, will make its Arizona debut, featuring a bustling open kitchen, craft cocktail bar and the shoppable El Merkat, which showcases a selection of gourmet products sourced directly from Spain.
Din Tai Fung and the other high-profile restaurant concepts in the south wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square add to this property long known for superlative dining. The now-famous luxury wing on the north side is home to Nobu, Francine, Toca Madera and Ocean 44, which complement Dior, Cartier, Saint Laurent, Ferragamo, Christian Louboutin, Brunello Cucinelli, Louis Vuitton and many other inspiring luxury brands that Macerich has brought to Arizona’s affluent shoppers.
Up next at Scottsdale Fashion Square: the Palm Court enhancement. Designed to elevate the property’s central gathering space known as the Palm Court, this renovation will improve storefront visibility for retailers while creating a brighter, more open environment with raised ceilings and better sightlines. In addition to upgraded finishes, comfortable furnishings and a refreshed entry experience, new culinary options are also planned for the project. Joining seven other fast casual eateries is Edo Japanese Grill, serving a variety of Japanese-inspired teppanyaki meals and more.
Din Tai Fung to Open at Chandler Fashion Center in 2027
Following its launch in Scottsdale, Din Tai Fung is planning a second Arizona location at Macerich’s Chandler Fashion Center. This highly anticipated restaurant is slated to debut in Chandler in 2027, continuing Din Tai Fung’s tradition of celebrating culture and inspiring community.
With Din Tai Fung and other market-right F&B choices, Chandler Fashion Center is poised to become the East Valley’s premier dining destination. A just-announced redevelopment project reimagines and reinvigorates the property’s dining and entertainment district near Harkins Theatres on the south side of the property.
Beyond the new mix of vibrant full-service restaurants and crave-worthy fast-casual concepts, the project adds important new gathering spaces for the community. This includes a larger, lower-level grass area with updated staging for concerts and other activities, a redesigned splash pad that doubles as a water feature during the evening hours, and enhanced shade structures that complement a lush, garden-like atmosphere with cozy fire pits and comfortable seating.
HiFi at FlatIron Crossing Names Three New Restaurants
Fantastic restaurants are on the menu for HiFi at FlatIron Crossing, the 25-acre, mixed-use outdoor hub now under construction adjacent to Macerich’s premier enclosed retail property between Denver and Boulder in Broomfield, Colo.
FlatIron Crossing just named three exciting new dining concepts for HiFi: Colorado’s first-to-market Memoir – An American Grill, North Denver’s first Blue Sushi Sake Grill and Broomfield’s only Shake Shack.
Designed for “all things fun” and set to open in phases beginning in 2027, HiFi at FlatIron Crossing, which is adjacent to the enclosed center, will feature 90,000 square feet of new retail and dining, anchored by the 40,000-square-foot “eatertainment” concept Pindustry, and complemented by Novel HiFi’s 347 luxury multifamily residential units. Original property anchor AMC Theatres will continue to be an important part of the redevelopment. Lush green spaces for concerts, fitness classes and more will add to the project’s year-round energy.
Flagship Restaurant Group Chooses HiFi at FlatIron Crossing
Omaha, Neb.-based Flagship Restaurant Group selected HiFi at FlatIron Crossing for both its Memoir – An American Grill and Blue Sushi Sake Grill concepts, thanks to the property’s outstanding location in fast-growing Broomfield — and because it is a proven draw for the trade area.
“Memoir was built to feel both new and familiar — a place to create and revisit great memories,” said Nick Hogan, chief executive officer and co-owner of Flagship Restaurant Group, the team behind Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Pyro, Palma and Clio. “Bringing that warmth and creativity to HiFi is an exciting next chapter for our team.”
Memoir – An American Grill, blends grilled classics, modern comfort food and thoughtful design into an approachable yet elevated dining experience. As a celebration of connection — where stories are shared over flame-seared dishes and crafted cocktails — the open-hearth kitchen and central bar invite conversation, while the menu showcases reimagined American favorites alongside sustainably sourced seafood and sushi selections that reflect Flagship’s Conscious Earth mission.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Flagship Restaurant Group’s signature brand, is a sustainability-driven, feel-good sushi concept with 24 locations nationwide. The restaurant will offer a lively, social space where guests can enjoy a mix of creative sushi, craft cocktails and shareable plates in a colorful, modern setting.
“FlatIron Crossing’s new HiFi district perfectly aligns with Blue Sushi’s energy — dynamic, youthful and experience-driven,” said Anthony Hitchcock, chief operating officer and co-owner of Flagship Restaurant Group. “We’re excited to bring our signature sushi and spirited hospitality to the Broomfield community.”
Guests can expect Blue Sushi’s famous all day, every day happy hour, playful atmosphere and a modern design that merges Japanese-inspired motifs with the brand’s vibrant personality.
New Stores Opened in 2025, More to Come
Leasing momentum inside FlatIron Crossing is tremendous, with a whole slate of new and expanded stores opened this year. The roster now includes new stores for Anthropologie, Lego, Offline by Aerie and SweetPlay, Colorado’s best indoor playground for kids of all ages. Other newly opened locations include an expanded flagship for Victoria’s Secret, an expanded prototype and permanent location for Lululemon, plus an expanded location for Bath & Body Works. Coming to FlatIron Crossing in 2026: Abercrombie & Fitch, Garage and Levi’s.
To learn more, visit FlatIronCrossing.com/HiFi.
Q&A with Guy Mercurio, Director of National Restaurant Leasing, Macerich
Fairchild Studio: With dining a centerpiece of the retail experience, how do you approach curating restaurant partners for properties like Scottsdale Fashion Square, FlatIron Crossing and Chandler Fashion Center, which have different types of consumers?
Guy Mercurio: Macerich has wonderful research and marketing teams, so we have the luxury of knowing exactly who our customers are for each of our centers in terms of demographics and psychographics. This provides valuable insights so we can pinpoint which F&B concepts will be the right fit for our different properties.
Then it’s about curating a smart mix of dining choices for every mood and every moment that will appeal to these shoppers. Importantly, a consumer who goes to a shopping center to dine ends up spending more dwell time — about 150 percent more — than someone who just comes to shop. Increased dwell time leads to increased spending, which is why Macerich sees dining as a key to success for our properties and retail partners.
Fairchild Studio: Which of your dining establishments (current or coming) are you most excited about and why?
G.M.: I’m thrilled that Macerich will be welcoming Din Tai Fung at two properties — first Scottsdale Fashion Square in 2026 and then Chandler Fashion Center the following year. Personally, I could eat their Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) all day long. Their vegetable options are crazy good, too. And the service, wine selection and craft cocktail program are as incredible as the food.
Fairchild Studio: Have dining “anchors” become as important or even more important than fashion “anchors” to draw consumers into and elevate these retail spaces?
G.M.: Our restaurants are every bit as important in attracting shoppers and generating buzz as our top fashion retailers. In fact, they go hand in hand. At Scottsdale Fashion Square, Catch was excited to locate near the luxury shops on the south side of the property, including the newly opened Hermès. Each of these exclusive brands are the only ones in Arizona and they have an interest in being together at our exceptional luxury destination.
Fairchild Studio: Dining/food has trends just like fashion has trends. What are these latest dining trends and how does food enhance the overall appeal of your shopping destinations?
G.M.: When it comes to food trends, Asian restaurants of all kinds are very much in demand. Our shoppers have increasingly global, increasingly adventurous taste in food. Another trend I am excited about is restaurant concepts that have a market component or other experiential elements, like a bakery or coffee bar. More and more, people want fantastic experiences as much as they want great stuff. This is even more true for younger consumers – Gen Z loves travel and loves going out to restaurants. That’s why exciting dining concepts are a meaningful draw for Macerich properties and add to the overall appeal of our retail destinations.
Fairchild Studio: Describe how and why restaurants are taking more square footage at your properties.
G.M.: Restaurants now understand the importance and the benefits of being at high-quality malls. In the past, the hottest F&B concepts never wanted to locate at a mall. They now realize that malls have ample, convenient parking, and affluent shoppers are already spending time there, so there is a built-in customer base. When we look at a redevelopment now, we’re looking at more gross leasable area for F&B than ever before. F&B square footage across the Macerich portfolio is going up because the public demands it.