SCOTTSDALE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — North Scottsdale continues to develop its foodie scene with a new Asian-American fusion concept from the creative couple behind The Ainsworth in downtown Phoenix and The Lola at Westgate.
North Valley foodies will soon experience Buddha’s Ritual at the ground floor retail space at SOHO Scottsdale. SOHO Scottsdale is a live/work loft and townhome community located off 91st Street and Bell Road, just east of the Loop 101. Scott and Melissa McIntire, owners of Mac Entertainment Group, along with “Joey Boy” Rodriguez, host of the Morning Mess, developed the concept for Buddha’s Ritual with local entrepreneur Freddy Nguyen. The concept fuses food, fashion, Asian/American fare in a fun, casual environment.
The restaurant will serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner with several signature items like croffles (croissant waffles, which sound enticing!) and Buddha’s Benny with crispy pork belly in the morning. Evening signatures will include pho, ramen, a deconstructed Banh Mi plate, kimchi mac & cheese, kimchi grilled cheese and stone brick oven pizzas with Asian-inspired toppings. Similar to The Ainsworth and The Lola, patrons can expect a strong cocktail program and happy hour specials.
“We looked at a number of spaces for a Scottsdale restaurant and finally found the right one,” said Scott McIntire. “We’re excited to bring something entirely new to the area and are confident it is going to be well-received. We can’t wait to open and officially expand Mac Entertainment Group to Scottsdale.”
Upon approaching the hot pink front door, guests can expect a bright welcome and an even more warm and jazzy experience once inside. Buddha’s Ritual will utilize both an indoor and outdoor space enabled by multiple garage doors, an expansive patio featuring a fire pit, lawn games and a large bar.
Buddha’s Ritual is still under some construction but has plans to open later this fall at an undetermined date. The restaurant is still looking to hire about 50 team members for all front and back-of-house positions. Interested applicants can apply by e-mailing [email protected]. Open interviews will be held onsite every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. leading up to the grand opening. For more information as new announcements are made, visit Buddha’s Ritual website.