Staff Reports | Business & Commerce
Starfish Hospitality Group, a collection of restaurants, coastal catering and an elevated concession concept based in Orange County, will open its first restaurant outside California at the corner of Hayden Road and Vía de Ventura.
Starfish Scottsdale, 8390 E. Vía de Ventura, will offer an extensive menu of Asian dishes and handcrafted libations inspired by the coastal regions of Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, China and Japan. The restaurant is expected to open in early 2026.
“We want Scottsdale to experience our warmth and excellence when they walk through the doors of Starfish in McCormick Ranch,” Gretchen McConnell, co-founder of Starfish Hospitality Group, said. “Our dedication to bringing freshness, quality, ambiance and service to the desert is our company mission. It’s an honor to showcase these elements in our first location outside California, marking an exciting expansion journey for our organization.”
Founded in 2011 by Gretchen and her husband, Archie, Starfish Hospitality Group includes flagship restaurant Starfish Laguna Beach, Starfish Newport Beach, Starfish Coastal Catering and The Cove by Starfish, a concessions concept at the Sawdust Art Festival. In June 2026, the brand will celebrate 15 years in business.
Starfish restaurants’ menus are crafted by the McConnells and their culinary team, featuring more than 70 shareable plates. Hand-folded dumplings made fresh daily, scratch Thai curries, fresh seafood, wok-fired classics, vegetables, noodles and rice dishes represent their focus on Coastal Asian and fusion cuisine.
The bar program features exotic cocktails, Asian and local beers and unique sake selections. The wine list highlights premier producers from global destinations.
Standout dishes and drinks include:
- Thai Spicy Beef with Basil: Tender steak, green beans, red bell peppers and asparagus wok-fired with fresh Thai basil in a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Lobster Macadamia Nut Sushi Roll: Fresh lobster tail, mango, cucumber and house-made aioli.
- Chilean Sea Bass: Wrapped in banana leaf with Thai basil green curry and garlic green beans.
- Wild Lychee Martini: Vodka and fresh lychee puree.
- Starfish Cooler: Muddled citrus and mint, vodka and Pama liqueur float.
- Thai Me Down: Spiked Thai tea martini garnished with a cinnamon and sugar rim.
The Scottsdale location will be 5,200 square feet—3,800 inside the restaurant with a 1,400-square-foot patio.
The redesign includes Starfish’s signature tropical fabrics, custom booth work and artwork inspired by Southeast Asia. The 90-seat patio complements the indoor/outdoor feel. Guests can also take advantage of takeout, private dining and catering options.
