Arcadia News — award winning neighborhood news since 1993
January 2026
January 2026, page 41

JANUARY 202 Protein House CAVA sweetgreen BUILD-YOUR- OWN-BOWLS A rcadia’s fast-casual scene is having a moment, and nowhere is that more evident than in the variety of build-your-own bowls, smoothies, and customizable eats across the neighborhood. From protein-packed power to Mediterranean greens, poke creations, and plant-forward mixes, diners can tailor every meal to fit their cravings and nutrition goals.  3141 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix protein-house.com The Build Your Own Bowl option – the eatery’s most ordered item – lets guests create a meal that’s tailored to their favorite flavors. Start with a base of veggies and other fresh ingredients, then choose your preferred protein and add a selection of extras or sauces. Lean proteins include all-natural chicken, turkey, grass-fed bison, steak, salmon, or tofu, along with customizable vegetables and toppings. Also on the menu are breakfast items like sandwiches, burritos, omelettes and protein pancakes, shakes, coffees, and smoothies.  4355 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix cava.com CAVA is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant brand founded in 2010 by childhood friends Ike Grigoropoulos, Chef Dimitri Moshovitis, and Ted Xenohristos, who drew on their heritage to bring healthy flavors to customizable dining. CAVA’s menu centers around build-your-own bowls, letting guests completely customize every meal. You start with a base of greens and/or grains – like SuperGreens, romaine, saffron basmati rice, brown rice, or black lentils – and then layer in your choice of dips and spreads such as hummus, tzatziki, “Crazy Feta,” roasted red pepper hummus, and harissa. From there you pick proteins (grilled chicken, falafel, lamb meatballs, roasted vegetables, and more), add unlimited toppings like pickled onions, cucumbers, and olives, and finish with your favorite dressing. This goes for pitas, too.  3225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix sweetgreen.com Sweetgreen’s create your own option lets you build a custom, plant-forward bowl exactly how you like it, starting with a base of greens and/or grains and then adding your favorite mix of toppings, proteins, and dressings. This customizable format gives you control over every ingredient – letting you choose the kinds of greens or grains (kale, romaine, wild rice, quinoa, etc.) you prefer, pick proteins or premium add-ins, and top your bowl with fresh vegetables (15+ choices), crunchy seeds, cheeses, and dressings. The eatery offers high-protein salads and bowls, kids meals, sides – even dessert, all in the name of healthy eats.  4503 N. 32nd St., Phoenix originalchopshop.com Original ChopShop is a health-focused fast-casual eatery known for its “just feel good food” made with fresh ingredients prepared daily. The menu highlights customizable protein bowls with options like Thai coconut chicken, teriyaki chicken, spicy Korean steak, and a vegan green curry tofu bowl, along with salads, sandwiches, superfruit bowls, fresh juices, and protein shakes. Many items can be tailored to dietary preferences, offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free choices for a nourishing breakfast, lunch, or dinner that’s flavorful and made-to-order.  4280 E. Indian School Road koibitopoke.com Koibito Poké is a fast-casual concept founded in 2018 and led by former MLB pitcher and co-founder Todd Stottlemyre. The brand focuses on fresh, wholesome Hawaiian and Japanese- inspired ingredients for their build- your-owns. First, you pick a bowl size (small, medium, large, or a kid’s bowl) which determines how many protein scoops you’ll get, then choose a base like cauliflower rice, spring mix, brown rice, or white rice. Protein options include tuna, salmon, shrimp, grilled chicken, octopus, tofu, spicy tuna, Hawaiian tuna, or Asian chicken. Next comes sauce: options include shoyu, spicy shoyu, sweet chili lime, wasabi aioli, sriracha aioli, citrus ponzu, champagne butter, house, or teriyaki. After that you add fresh toppings like shaved Brussels sprouts, jalapeño, kale, red onion, edamame, cucumber and pineapple, or upgrade to premium toppings such as crab mix or seaweed salad.   201 E. Washington St., Phoenix eatricemill.com Ricemill is a fast-casual restaurant inspired by the Asian rice bowl tradition. Born from the founders’ family memories and guided by Chef Yiyi’s experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, Ricemill’s menu blends Asian flavors with modern ingredients. Guests can enjoy signature rice bowls like Seoul garlic chicken and Shanghai-style steak that showcase Korean, Chinese, and Japanese influences. There’s also a build-your- own option: start by choosing a base (white rice, brown rice, or rice noodles) and then select a protein, with options like steak, chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Experiencing hair loss? We have the solution! We specialize in luxury wigs, extensions, and hair toppers so you can look and feel your best. We also offer custom cut and color services tailored just for you. Contact us today for a free consultation! Call or text 602.287.9698 cxehair.com • @cxehair • 3115 E Indian School Rd #44 BEFORE AFTER

NUARY 2026 Ricemill ChopShop Koibito Poke Guests can customize their bowl with up to three hot toppings, unlimited cold toppings, and up to two sauces. The menu also offers sides, handcrafted drinks such as milk tea, and sweet rice puddings. We didn’t forget about the smoothie spots – here are a few nearby places that offer build your own smoothies and bowl options: Pure Green (4730 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix) has superfood smoothies, cold pressed juice, acai bowls, oatmeal bowls, cold pressed shots, cleanses and more. puregreenfranchise.com d’Lite (3214 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix) offers five specialty smoothies and three protein shakes, like the d’breakfast buzz with chocolate whey protein and vitamin blend, espresso shots, nonfat milk, banana and peanut butter. dlitehealthyonthego.com Playa Bowls (4528 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix) has cold-pressed juices, cold brews, smoothies and bowls – and if you like a lot of options, this might be your spot – there are 40 bowls to choose from. Insider tip: try the Electric Mermaid if you’re a fan of pineapple! playabowls.com Paradise Juice (4325 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix) is new to the Arcadia neighborhood, but their menu has plenty to check out. There’s cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, smoothies and protein shakes, açaí and pitaya bowls, plus salads, sandwiches and breakfast. paradisejuice.com One Stop Nutrition (4115 N. 44th St., Phoenix) centers on customizable shakes, where you pick a base like almond milk, coconut milk, juice, yogurt, or ice cream, and then add your favorite flavors (banana, chocolate, strawberry, mango) and add-ins like protein, creatine and other supplements. onestopnutrition.com Kaleidoscope Juice (3802 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix) offers organic cold-pressed juices, smoothies and wellness shots, açaí and protein bowls, salads and sandwiches, and gluten-free snacks like protein cookies. kaleidoscope-love.square.site/arcadia Sogno Toscano (3950 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix) has officially opened its first full-service restaurant and market at 40th St. and Indian School Road, with a grand opening celebration planned for January 2026. The new location offers authentic pasta flown in from Italy, sandwiches, tortellini, focaccia pizzas, and charcuterie boards, plus a market with imported Italian products, specialty goods, and Tuscan wines. sognotoscano.com Neutral Ground Lounge is a neighborhood driven concept that opened at The Marilyn (4602 E. Thomas Road) in December. Focused on small plates, cocktails, wines and zero-proof bevvies, the eatery is built on hospitality and a seasonal menu that changes often and is designed so guests can snack, share, or settle in for a full evening. nglphx.com WHAT’S NEW? Take $50 off any service or repair of $250 or more. 602-944-5516 maloneyplumbing.com Schedule ƽƣǾ ROC315991 *Cannot combine with any other offers or specials. One time use only. Must present coupon to redeem. Limited time only. Serving the Valley for over 60 years! (PHUJHQF\3OXPELQJ5HSDLU 'UDLQ&OHDQLQJ *DUEDJH'LVSRVDOV :DWHU+HDWHUV :DWHU6RIWHQHUV 5HYHUVH2VPRVLV6\VWHPV /HDN'HWHFWLRQ 5HSDLU )L[WXUH,QVWDOODWLRQ & 5HSDLU :DWHU0DLQ5HSDLU *DV/LQHV G E N E R A T I O N S O F E X C E L L E N T S E R V I C E Serving the Valley for over 60 years! HAPPY ƽƣ