Staff Reports | Business & Commerce
Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop, a Valley-based sandwich brand, is bringing its signature sandwiches to Ahwatukee with the opening of its newest location.
The restaurant, which is found at 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., in the Safeway-anchored center, spans 1,800-square-feet and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The launch in Ahwatukee marks Mr. Pickle’s seventh location in Arizona and follows one of the brand’s biggest years in its history, according to a press release.
In 2024, the brand was named among Restaurant Business’s ‘Future 50’ for the first time in its 30-year history, earning the No. 31 ranking nationwide based on system-wide sales and responsible growth. In addition, the brand was named among the top 100 Movers & Shakers in the United States by Fast Casual in 2024, coming in at No. 66.
The Ahwatukee restaurant will be led by family franchisees Ashwini Kaushik and Komal Sharma, the release states.
“As a proud Ahwatukee resident with my family, I’m most excited to bring Mr. Pickle’s signature sandwiches to this close-knit community,” said Mr. Kaushik, in a prepared statement. “This neighborhood is the perfect place for Mr. Pickle’s to be and we look forward to engaging with the neighborhood as we welcome guests to enjoy every sandwich with us.
Mr. Kaushik notes that the Ahwatukee restaurant features all of the brand’s most popular hot and cold sandwiches, notably the Mr. Pickle, which is chicken breast, bacon, Monterey jack, avocado and the works as it relates to veggies; the Goomba, featuring capicola and pepperoni as well as salami, ham, red onion, and the works; and Big Jake, a turkey sandwich with cream cheese, avocado, and the works.
“Since 1995, Mr. Pickle’s has been a premier full service-sandwich shop specializing in innovative sandwiches, salads and catering,” says Mike Nelson, chief executive officer and long-time customer who purchased the brand in 2020 when original founders Frank and Michele Fagundes decided to retire.
“During its first three decades, thanks to its company culture, incredible recipes, and all its fans, the brand grew from one to 54 locations across northern California and continues to expand in Arizona with the next step in Ahwatukee.”
