PHOENIX — The people of Surprise know what they want, and they are not shy about saying so.
More than 4,100 residents and community members weighed in on the city’s annual retail survey, naming the shops and restaurants they most want to see open in a city once dubbed the nation’s fastest-growing.
The Surprise Economic Development Department collected survey responses between Feb. 14 and March 15. In addition to what businesses they want to see put down roots in the city, residents also shared which restaurants and retailers they love.
Which restaurants and retailers are Surprise residents trying to court?
IKEA and The Cheesecake Factory once again topped the most-wanted lists, holding their respective No. 1 positions for the second straight year. Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s also remain fixtures near the top of the retail wish list.
The splashiest newcomer? The LEGO Store, which debuted at No. 10 on the most-desired retailers list, a spot held last year by World Market.
Department stores made a strong showing this cycle: Macy’s climbed to No. 3 from No. 7 in 2025, while Dillard’s and JCPenney cracked the top 10 for the first time, displacing Aldi, Nordstrom and REI.
Which existing businesses remained on the Surprise favorites list?
Among the local favorite retailers, Musical Surprise vaulted from No. 3 to No. 1. The dispensary Sunday Goods was a newcomer to the list, landing at the No. 2. spot.
Spencer’s Place, which provides employment for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was ranked the number one favorite restaurant.
Who voted in this year’s poll?
About 85% of this year’s respondents live in Surprise, down slightly from 92% in 2025, though total response volume ticked up from roughly 4,036 to 4,165.
The city’s Economic Development team said it is working to make community members’ dreams a reality and encouraged residents to help by reaching out to companies as well.
“The Surprise Economic Development team is already in conversations with many of these most-wanted brands,” read a city press release. “When (brands) hear directly from residents, it strengthens the case even more!”
A break down of Surprise’s 2026 retail survey results
Participants’ top 10 favorite local retailers are:
- Musical Surprise
- Sunday Goods
- Giftive Hallmark (previously Karen’s Hallmark)
- Just Be Youtiful
- The Boyer Bakery
- Arizona Quilts
- Surprise Comics
- Savage Bicycles
- A to Z Polish Market
- Kimbur Pet Wash and Suites
The local’s favorite eateries:
- Spencer’s Place
- Rio Mirage Café
- The Toast
- Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House
- O.H.S.O. Brewery
- Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers
- Vogue Bistro
- Barrio Queen
- Pita Kitchen Mediterranean Grill
- Saigon Kitchen
Top 10 most beckoned businesses:
- IKEA
- Whole Foods Market
- Macy’s
- AJ’s Fine Foods
- Trader Joe’s
- World Market
- Dillard’s
- At Home
- JCPenney
- LEGO Store
The top 10 most desired restaurants that cooked their way onto the list:
- The Cheesecake Factory
- El Pollo Loco
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
- Postino WineCafe
- White Castle
- Pita Jungle
- P.F. Chang’s
- Wildflower
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
