Crust Simply Italian, a fast-growing Arizona-based restaurant chain known for its Italian comfort food and pizza, is continuing its rapid expansion throughout the Valley with new locations opening in Peoria and Mesa during 2026, while company leaders hint that additional growth is already being planned.

The restaurant brand, founded in Chandler in 2007, has steadily expanded across Arizona by focusing on casual Italian dining centered around pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads, and traditional family-style recipes. Company officials said the newest locations are part of a broader strategy to bring the brand to more communities throughout the Phoenix metro area.

One of the newest restaurants is opening in Peoria near 83rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road. Another location is planned for Mesa near Power and McDowell roads, continuing the company’s expansion into the East Valley and northwest Valley simultaneously.

Crust executives said customer demand and Arizona’s continued population growth have played major roles in the company’s expansion plans. Leaders with the restaurant group explained that many neighborhoods throughout the Valley continue seeing increased demand for casual sit-down restaurants and locally based dining brands.

The company’s menu focuses heavily on Italian-American favorites, including wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, chicken parmesan, meatballs, calzones, sandwiches, and desserts. Crust has also built a reputation for large portion sizes and family-style dining experiences designed to appeal to groups and families.

Restaurant officials told ABC15 they believe the Valley still has room for additional locations beyond the new Peoria and Mesa restaurants. Company leaders suggested more expansion announcements could happen in the near future as they continue evaluating opportunities throughout Arizona.

The expansion comes during a period of continued growth within Arizona’s restaurant industry, especially in fast-casual and family dining sectors. New housing developments and commercial construction throughout cities like Mesa, Peoria, Queen Creek, Gilbert, and Surprise have created increased competition among restaurant brands looking to establish locations in growing suburban areas.

Crust Simply Italian has increasingly become one of the more recognizable locally grown restaurant chains in Arizona. Existing locations already operate in cities including Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix.

The restaurant’s growth strategy has focused heavily on community-centered dining spaces with large patios, modern interiors, and family-friendly environments. Executives said they aim to create neighborhood gathering spots rather than traditional chain restaurant experiences.

ABC15 noted that the company’s continued expansion reflects broader economic confidence within Arizona’s restaurant and hospitality industries despite inflation concerns and rising operating costs affecting many food businesses nationwide. Restaurant operators across the Valley continue investing in new locations as Arizona remains one of the country’s fastest-growing states.