Finally! Charo Chicken in Anthem is open. The popular Southern California franchise features Foster Farms fire-grilled chicken and Mexican food. The restaurant, owned and managed by Anthem residents, is the first Charo Chicken store in Arizona.

The restaurant, located on North Daisy Mountain Drive near Fry's, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

See the menu

Dash n' Dine in Anthem opened their doors today and they want to make your hectic life easier, "one meal at a time." The concept is simple: Choose which meals you want from a monthly menu, then pick a session date and time to go the store to easily assemble your meals at food stations. You can also have your meals delivered or ready for pick-up. No fuss, no muss!

The February menu includes pan roasted chicken, Mongolian flank steak, South of the Border meatloaf, pork medallions, enchilada casserole, Margarita pasta, and glazed salmon. For sides, choices include garlic mashed potatoes, creamed corn, creamed spinach, Nicole's Potatoes Au Gratin, breads and soups. Breakfast items, such as egg casserole and burritos, are also offered.

The meal assembly store, located near Fry's on North Daisy Mountain Drive, also features a sitting area, snacks and drinks.

Learn more at dashndineonline.com.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweethearts Gourmet Donuts, now open in the Safeway Plaza in Anthem. The new shop offers more than 80 varieties of donuts, all made from scratch using 40-year-old family recipes, plus a line of exclusive Anthem Java Rama Gourmet Coffee.

The shop is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Garden Angel Tea Room in Anthem has a great line-up of fun events for the kids coming up, including pajama parties, a Valentine Bear Tea Party, a Snow White Valentine Breakfast, Me and My Valentine Tea Party, and a Lucky Leprechaun Lunch.

The pajama parties are scheduled for Monday, January 21; Monday, February 18; and Tuesday, March 18. Valentine events are in February, and the Lucky Leprechaun Lunch takes place on March 17, of course.

Get the details here

In the mood for a delicious snack? Try the new Balsamic Chicken or Black Angus Steak flatbread "Sammies" sandwich from Quiznos. Sammies are light on your waistline (only 200 calories), and on your wallet (only $2).

Quiznos in Anthem is also offering a new double chocolate chip cookie and chicken noodle soup.

Anthem store details

Gavilan Peak Pizzeria in New River has closed. The Gavilan Peak Sports Bar and Grill took its place in December. Under new ownership, the remodeled, sports-theme restaurant features American cuisine, 18 screens with DirectTV sports package, and a variety of evening entertainment options, including live music, karaoke night and DJ music.

Other unique offerings include Tuesday night poker, and televised horse races with off-track betting. Plans for country dance lessons and other activities are in the works.

Hours and Location

Just in time to support your New Year's resolution to lose weight and eat healthier, Taco Bell, Jack in the Box and Starbucks are offering lighter choices for the diet-conscious.

Taco Bell launched a new "Fresco menu," featuring nine items with 350 or fewer calories and 4 to 8 grams of fat. See the menu.

Jack in the Box is debuting their new grilled chicken strips with teriyaki dipping sauce and a chicken fajita pita made with whole-grain bread.

Starbucks is rolling out a "skinny" platform, featuring skim-milk lattes flavored with sugar-free syrup. Vanilla, hazelnut, caramel and cinnamon dolce syrups are already available. Look for the new mocha flavor in January.

• Rosati's has new owners?
• Starbucks is opening a store near Madelyn's Restaurant?
• Papa John's is opening a store on W. Anthem Way, in the strip behind Pathways Christian Bookstore?
  

Attention ice cream lovers! Cold Stone Creamery in Anthem is offering daily specials to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Monday Madness
Free kid's create-your-own ice cream + 1 mix-in with the purchase of a Love It signature creation, shake or smoothie.
 
TwoFer Tuesday
Buy one kid's create-your-own ice cream + 1 mix-in and get one FREE!
 
Waffle Wednesday
Free plain waffle cone/bowl with the purchase of a Love It or Gotta Have It signature creation.
 
Thirsty Thursday
Reverse happy hour -- half off any shake or smoothie, from open to 5 p.m.
 
Fast Lane Friday
$1.00 off all grab-n-go's and cakes from the freezer.

While you're there, be sure to check out Cold Stone's Holiday Pie Special going on right now.

Store details

Looking for great pizza deals? Check out these weekly specials from Hungry Howie's Pizza in Anthem.

Enjoy watching your favorite football team at home with your friends and 2 large one-topping pizzas, 20 wings spiced the way you like them, and a 2 lt. Pepsi for only $25.99.

What better way to start off the work/school week than cheap pizza! Every Monday, get a large one-topping of your choice for only $5.55. It's pick-up only, so come in and enjoy.

It's the middle of the week — who really wants to cook? We will! Come on in and get a large one-topping pizza and Howie Bread for $6.50. Just think, after tonight the rest of the week is a breeze.

Restaurant Details