Jacob Tyler Dunn
Over the course of 2025, a dozen major Phoenix restaurants closed that really left Valley diners shocked. But the month of December also meant the end of the road for some local eateries. In December, a national chain called it quits, taking an Old Town location down with it. A local taco chain lost a link and an Avondale eatery serving up the flavors of the South shuttered after nearly two decades.
Here are 11 Valley restaurants and sweet shops that closed in December.
King and Cardinal
King and Cardinal, a unique Indian-inspired burger chain, opened a franchise location in Tempe in June 2025. But now, the Halal spot serving chicken tikka burgers, samosa, bun maska and chai, has said goodbye. It was located off Southern Avenue just east of Mill Avenue.
Flavors of Louisiana
Avondale eatery Flavors of Louisiana closed in December after 17 years. The casual restaurant served Cajun and Creole recipes including jambalaya, etouffee and gumbo. The restaurant formerly operated another location in Tempe. Both eateries are now permanently closed.
Chin Up Donuts
Chin Up Donuts is known for its satisfyingly dense brioche doughnuts in classic and unique flavors. But fans now have only one spot to find the scratch-made treats. The north Scottsdale shop closed at the end of 2025. A second spot, located on Main Street in Old Town, remains open.
Gordo’s Tacos
The Awhatukee location of local mini-chain Gordo’s Tacos has closed. The restaurant closed in the fall for “kitchen maintenance and repairs,” according to the restaurant’s social media. It had been sporadically open since. But now, a notice has been posted to the door informing customers that the shopping center’s landlord repossessed the space. Gordo’s Tacos locations in Scottsdale and Chandler remain open.
Sprinkles Cupcakes
The entire national Sprinkles Cupcakes chain shut down at the end of 2025. The one Arizona location, on the northeast corner of Camelback and Scottsdale roads in Old Town, was among the casualties. The cupcake bakery started in 2005, expanding over the years into a national sensation complete with cupcake ATMs. But after 20 years, the company’s sugar-fueled run has come to an end.
Forno 301
The Scottsdale location of Valley Italian eatery Forno 301 has closed. The central Phoenix spot remains open. The restaurant served pizzas, pastas, Italian wines and shareable appetizers. The Scottsdale restaurant on Thomas Road went through multiple evolutions, initially opening as Slice Eat, a pizza drive-thru. But in 2022, the owner transformed the space into the second location of Forno 301. While the concept got elevated, the drive-thru remained. But now, the unique Scottsdale spot has shuttered.
Parlor Doughnuts
The Tempe location of Parlor Doughnuts has closed, according to signs posted to the doors. “Thank you for the memories!” the printed papers say. “Regrettably, we had to close permanently.” The doughnut shop, located on Farmer Avenue just west of Mill Avenue, was part of a national chain with locations around the country. A second Valley location remains open in Ahwatukee.
Ra Sushi
The Ahwatukee location of Ra Sushi has closed. The restaurant was located on Ray Road at Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center where it served Japanese fusion fare and cocktails. It’s part of a large chain, and locations remain open in Mesa, Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix inside Mortgage Matchup Center.
Etta
The upscale Italian eatery Etta has closed. But the Scottsdale Quarter space won’t sit empty for long. The Guest House, a swanky steakhouse born in Austin, is scheduled to open on Friday. Many of Etta’s staff will remain at the restaurant. It’s the third evolution for the space in recent history, as the restaurant undergoes yet another change in ownership.
El Cafezito
Latin-inspired coffee and crepe shop El Cafezito has closed its Mesa cafe. A second location on Indian School Road in Phoenix remains open. The company posted an announcement to its social media pages, explaining the closure, thanking fans and encouraging customers to visit the second spot.
Poke Fuzion
One of the two Valley locations of Poke Fuzion is now closed. The restaurant on Supersition Springs Boulevard, just off State Route 60, has served its final fish. The restaurant offered a selection of poke bowls, boba tea and sushi burritos, where customers can build their own meals, choosing protein, fillings, sauces and toppings. Another location on Baseline Road in Mesa remains open.
