Chandler Fashion Center is positioned to become the East Valley’s premier dining destination with a project that elevates the center’s culinary and retail mix inside and out. Now, the center is undergoing a redevelopment initiative to reinvigorate the dining and entertainment district near the Harkins Theatres on the south side of the property, according to Macerich, one of the nation’s leading owners, operators, and developers of one-of-a-kind retail and mixed-use properties in top markets.
“Chandler Fashion Center has a long history as a vibrant hub in the East Valley community,” says Monica Greenman, general manager of the shopping center. “As we approach our 25th year of operations, we’re affirming our continued focus on creating a welcoming gathering space where guests come to indulge in the community’s best food, entertainment, and shopping.”
Dining Offerings
As part of the redevelopment project, Chandler Fashion Center will introduce a new mix of vibrant full-service restaurants and crave-worthy fast-casual concepts with expanded patios for all-season dining. The new dining lineup includes iconic Taiwanese restaurant brand Din Tai Fung, globally renowned for its handcrafted Xiao Long Bao or soup dumplings. With its signature exposed dumpling showcase kitchen and authentic flavors, Din Tai Fung promises an unforgettable hospitality experience, set to open in 2027. Additional culinary brands will be announced shortly.
Remodeled and New Areas
Additional highlights include a remodeled lower-level lawn and event area, designed to host a range of events, from live concerts and family-friendly gatherings to community celebrations. A new interactive splash pad will bring playful energy by day, transforming into a beautifully illuminated water feature at night. Guests can enjoy new shaded retreats surrounded by lush landscaping, cozy fire pits, and comfortable lounge seating, all thoughtfully curated to create a welcoming, garden-inspired atmosphere that invites visitors to relax, connect, and stay awhile.
The first step toward creating this engaging new courtyard gathering area is an inviting walking path that provides access from the east parking lot located between the new restaurants and Macy’s. Construction began last month and is expected to result in minimal interruptions to the shopper experience.
New Locations
Chandler Fashion Center is continually evolving, bringing shoppers what they want, including the opening of Scheels in 2023 and more recently, prominent high-end brands such as gorjana, TravisMathew and Vuori. Soon, J.Crew Factory will add a new option for men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, and Johnny Rockets will bring its classic flavors to the center’s food court.
Additionally, Chandler Fashion Center will welcome Seafood City, a first-to-market Filipino grocery store with a vibrant selection of in-house restaurants that will serve Pan-Asian savory dishes, bakery treats, and popular street foods. Attractions will include live tanks of fresh fish and crustaceans, complimentary cook-to-order service and a one-of-a-kind catch-and-cook experience.
“As a retail hub serving a broad geographic region of the East Valley, Chandler Fashion Center continues to attract a strong mix of retailers that appeal to its dynamic shopper base,” says Kim Choukalas, senior vice president, leasing for Macerich. “As we continue to attract more of today’s most desired brands, we’re also conscious of a trend among shoppers who enjoy spending a day shopping their favorite stores, then winding down with a memorable meal. This project marries the lines between shopping and dining, creating a holistic entertainment experience.”
Macerich
Macerich’s retail real estate credentials in Arizona are unparalleled: The company dominates the retail landscape in Arizona with seven regional shopping centers in the Phoenix metro area. In all, Macerich’s Arizona portfolio comprises over 7 million square feet and includes the most iconic and high-performing retail properties in the Southwest, including Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, Kierland Commons, and Scottsdale Fashion Square. These shopping centers and their retailers employ thousands of people and generate millions of dollars in revenue for their communities.