(Courtesy photo) PHOENIX – The founders of Valley-based restaurant Gadzooks plan to introduce two new concepts at the Park Central complex in Phoenix. Brothers Aaron and Jared Pool are set to open a Mexican restaurant in a new building on the property slated to open sometime next year, while the two with a partner will also open a taproom concept in a Starbucks-inhabited room pending final closure. According to a press release, the coffee chain will return to the complex in a newly constructed building on Central Avenue and be drive-through focused with an integration of the physical and digital experience. “We’re excited to be working with these incredibly talented operators and bringing Starbucks back to Park Central,” said Sharon Harper, a Park Central co-developer, in the press release. “Park Central has put a lot of energy into the central Phoenix area, and these new restaurants will make it even more of a destination.” Located at the entrance to Earls Drive and Central Avenue, the Mexican restaurant, Poolboy, has a glass facade and timeless architecture, as well as patio areas that extend all the way to Central Avenue, plenty of shade and within walking distance of public transit, light rail and nearby neighborhoods, according to the publication. The taproom, named Green Woodpecker, will offer an elevated terrace experience with an indoor and outdoor bar where guests can enjoy the numerous beers, and is located right next to the Kobalt Bar and the new Aspire Park Central Apartments. It’s named after a flower and gift shop that was an iconic tenant of the complex until it closed. Park Central opened in 1957 and was the city’s first official major mall, according to the announcement. Real estate companies Plaza Companies and Holualoa Companies have converted the area from a retail center into a community center of almost 500,000 square meters in a joint venture. “These restaurants are an ideal addition to Park Central and will help ensure that it continues to be a prime place for people to live, work and play,” said Stan Shafer, chief operating officer of Holualoa Companies, in the press release. “The Park Central vision is to make it a truly mixed-use project with significant on-site amenities, and this is another step in that direction.” Follow @ KTAR923 We want to hear from you. Do you have a story idea or a tip? Forward it to the KTAR news team here.
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