Westwood Financial Opens The Italiano at Mercado del Rancho

Culinary gem brings the Scottsdale shopping center to 100% leased

Westwood Financial, a more than 50-year-old leading retail real estate investment firm based in Los Angeles, today announces The Italiano is now at Mercado del Rancho, an 89,506-square-foot Sprouts-anchored shopping center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Since acquiring the property in 1998, Westwood Financial has successfully repositioned the community-driven center, which is 100% leased, by upgrading the tenant mix.

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The Italiano blends old-world Italian flavors with modern touches; this Scottsdale gem offers tableside experiences and an unforgettable ambiance. (Photo: Business Wire)

Founded by renowned Chef Joey Maggiore, The Italiano brings a fresh and refined Italian dining experience to Mercado del Rancho. The new restaurant features an upscale Las Vegas-inspired design and an indulgent menu of in house-made pastas, premium steaks, and a variety of Italian favorites. A hallmark of The Italiano's dining experience is its roaming antipasto cart, bringing an interactive and authentic touch to each meal. Chef Joey is well known in the region for his other successful restaurant brands, including Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher and The Mexicano.

“We are proud to debut our latest concept at Mercado del Rancho, which represents the culmination of a two-year renovation and design project to transform the space into a modern and cozy venue that is the perfect addition to this center,” said Chef Joey. “The Italiano is more than a dining destination; it's a culinary journey and a true testament to our passion for food, community and innovation. We look forward to welcoming Scottsdale to enjoy The Italiano’s comfortable and elevated dining experience.”

Mercado del Rancho consistently proves to be a staple in the community with 3 million visits annually. The center features a strong national tenant base, including Sprouts, Starbucks, Chipotle, Club Pilates, Orange Theory, Stretch Lab, Jersey Mikes, and FedEx, as well as local favorites like Chompie’s Bagels, Nékter Juice Bar and Hello Laser. In addition, Mercado del Rancho effectively serves as a one-stop shop for all of your grocery and service needs.

“I had the privilege of knowing Tomaso Maggiore, Joey Maggiore’s father, who was a legendary chef and restaurateur in the Valley for 45 years until his passing in 2021,” said David Mitroff, senior regional leasing director at Westwood Financial. “Together, we opened his final restaurant in North Scottsdale, known as The Italian Daughter, now lovingly operated by his daughter, Melissa. Tomaso was larger than life, much like Joey, and both are dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience at their restaurants. The Italiano embodies this commitment, offering an elevated experience that celebrates Italian culture and invites guests to feel like part of the Maggiore family.”

In Phoenix, Westwood Financial recently acquired Paradise Hills, an elevated retail center spanning 83,787 square feet. At nearly 98% occupancy, the property is home to 16 tenants ranging from hardware supplies and a baked artisan bread shop to essential services, including a nail salon, barber shop, and hair salon. With this latest acquisition, Westwood Financial now owns and manages 16 shopping centers in the Phoenix-Scottsdale MSA, including Camelback Village, Legacy Village and Village Plaza.

“As with all projects in our portfolio, we are dedicated to curating a retail mix that is thoughtfully catered to each unique consumer base,” said Lauren Ball, chief operating officer at Westwood Financial. “The Italiano is a vibrant new addition to the diverse portfolio of tenants at Mercado del Rancho, and we are confident that it will continue to make a memorable and lasting impact on the Scottsdale community.”

Set to celebrate its 55th anniversary in 2025, Westwood Financial owns and manages more than 125 properties with a 97% occupancy across the firm’s portfolio, and has a dominant presence in the Sunbelt region.

For more information about Westwood Financial, visit its website and follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Westwood Financial

Westwood Financial owns, manages, and operates over 125 high-quality shopping centers in top U.S. metropolitan markets, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, and Raleigh. Top-tier grocers and leading service and experiential-based operators primarily anchor the centers. Established in 1970 by Howard Banchik and Steven Fogel, Westwood Financial is headquartered in Los Angeles, with regional offices in Atlanta, Dallas, and Phoenix.

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