Phoenix is gearing up for an exciting year in 2025, with a plethora of new developments, restaurants, and entertainment venues set to open across the city.

One of the most anticipated openings is the new Buc-ee's location in Goodyear. This 24-hour convenience store and fueling station is expected to be a major draw, featuring 120 fueling stations for passenger vehicles and a sprawling 74,000-square-foot convenience store. The project is projected to create 200 full-time jobs in the area and is slated to open by Christmas 2025, provided everything goes according to plan.

Food enthusiasts have several new restaurants to look forward to. Din Tai Fung, the renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain, will open its first location in the Scottsdale Quarter in January 2025, after a slight delay from its original fall 2024 opening date. Additionally, Zaxby’s, a popular chicken restaurant chain from Georgia, is set to bring its southern flair to The Vineyard Towne Center in Queen Creek, with an expected opening in fall 2025.

Local hospitality group Pretty Decent Concepts, led by Teddy Myers, is expanding its presence in Phoenix. Following the recent opening of ‘Carry On’ in Downtown Phoenix, the group is working on three new concepts at the Arizona Center, including a steakhouse, a martini bar, and an upscale dining project, all scheduled to open in 2025. Furthermore, they are introducing "Filthy Animal" and "Drop Dead Gorgeous" on Mill Avenue in Tempe, offering a unique culinary experience and a sophisticated lounge atmosphere, respectively.

Entertainment and leisure activities are also on the rise. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, initially planned to open in June 2024, now anticipates a spring 2025 opening. This venue will feature an amphitheater, concert experiences, and various dining options, with future phases including additional towers, a conference center, and other resort elements.

The VAI Resort in Glendale is undergoing significant expansions, with the Mattel Adventure Park being a key anchor tenant. Originally planned for an earlier opening, the park is now set to debut in 2025 as part of the resort's phase one opening, promising a comprehensive entertainment and hospitality experience.

Bojangles, a North Carolina-based chain known for its fried chicken, biscuits, and tea, is entering the Arizona market with a multi-unit development agreement that will bring 20 new restaurants to the Phoenix area, although specific locations and opening dates have not been announced.

In other news, Arizona has seen a recent increase in its minimum wage, effective at the start of 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to address economic conditions in the state.

For those planning to visit or live in Phoenix, the city offers a vibrant array of events and activities. From museums to outdoor excursions, Phoenix's beautiful winter weather makes it an ideal time to explore the city's nearly 200 golf courses, attend various concerts and sporting events, or enjoy the seasonal festivities and celebrations[1][4][5].