Retail Corridor: Cafe Laguna opens doors in Mesa, offers Native American food

There are those among us who would probably rather eat their shoes than set foot in another fast-food restaurant. Two brothers in Mesa are challenging the public's perception of fast food with a new eatery at Power Road just south of Baseline Road.

Cafe Laguna serves Native American food based on recipes in Otis and Nick Lara's family.

The Laras, who are members of the Pueblo of Laguna Indian tribe in New Mexico, just started the restaurant with Otis' wife, Carla.

But don't expect any ol' fry bread when you step into Cafe Laguna.

"We added a little twist to it," Otis said.

Rather than making the typical deep-fried bread with powdered sugar often served at fairs, the trio serves its fry bread with chicken, beef, beans and other toppings.

"It's a meal rather than just a pastry," Lara said.

The dining area, which features free wireless Internet access and a 52-inch television set, can seat up to 56 people.

AUTO PARK UPDATE

Chandler 202 Auto Park is trucking along.

Subaru of Chandler will be the fourth dealership to join complex at the Santan Freeway stretch of Loop 202 and Gilbert Road when it opens in about a year, said Marty De Rito, president of the Phoenix-based developer De Rito Partners.

De Rito added that he hopes to see the planned Cadillac-Hummer-Saab sale lot open in 2010.

He hinted about a fifth dealership that is likely to open soon, but he wouldn't disclose the name, saying he's in escrow with the company.

So far, Chandler 202 has Big Two Toyota/Scion, Power Nissan and Santan Honda Superstore.

After the Subaru dealership and a fifth one open, Chandler 202 will be 90 percent sold out.

BISTRO OPENS IN MESA

Omar de la Cruz, the 42-year-old owner of the popular Mangos Mexican Cafe in downtown Mesa, is opening another restaurant on Wednesday .

This one, called de la Cruz Bistro, will be just down the street from Mangos inside the former Posh Nosh restaurant at Center and Main streets.

The bistro will sell Peruvian-style food featuring lobster, steak and salmon. The eatery will also be the only location downtown to sell alcohol - red and white wines to be exact.

BIG VICTORIA'S SECRET

How much space is required to sell underwear? Apparently about 10,000 square feet.

Victoria's Secret at Superstition Springs Center in Mesa more than doubled its size of when it relocated to space once occupied by Stillman Blades and Collectibles, Bath and Body Works, FYE music store and the Select Comfort mattress store.

The store opened last week.

AMERICAN APPAREL PLANS TO SET UP SCOTTSDALE SHOP IN SEPTEMBER

Not quite in time for back-to-school shopping but at least before the annual winter holiday shopping spree, American Apparel is coming to Scottsdale.

The Los Angeles-based retailer is expected to move into the empty shop space on the northeast corner of Scottsdale and Camelback roads in September, said Shawn Yari of TriYar, owner of the small building that now houses Sprinkles Cupcakes on the ground floor and TriYar offices above it.

American Apparel makes, markets and sells its own branded basic fashion apparel. The company has 190 retail stores in 16 countries, including two in Arizona — on Mill Avenue in Tempe and in Tucson.

While it sells its clothing around the world, American Apparel said knitting, dyeing, sewing, photography, marketing, distribution and design all happen in the company’s L.A. headquarters.

Its “Made in Downtown LA” operations have contributed to significant brand awareness and a cult status worldwide.

GET GAME

Game Crazy is hosting midnight launch parties nationwide from 8 p.m. Monday to 1 a.m. Tuesday for the release of “Madden NFL 09” 20th anniversary edition. Party attendees will get to purchase the game at midnight and could win Super Bowl XLIII tickets, VIP passes, cash or other prizes.

Scottsdale’s techies can lose sleep but get game at 10250 N. 90th St. or 7750 E. McDowell Road.

NEW EATERY

If you like the eats at the new Brio Tuscan Grille at SanTan Village in Gilbert, but hate the drive, here’s some good news.

The second Valley version of the Ohio chain is scheduled to debut at Scottsdale Quarter in early 2009.

Scottsdale Quarter is the 365,000-square-foot upscale shopping center under construction at Hayden-Greenway Loop and Scottsdale Road, across the street from the slightly smaller Kierland Commons.

Low-priced global fashion retailer H&M and West Elm, the contemporary furniture arm of Williams-Sonoma, also plan to open stores in the north Scottsdale shopping center in 2009.

EXPANDING EATERY

Longtime local favorite Arcadia Farms, at 7014 E. First Ave., Scottsdale, plans to add a bakery this fall.

There is no date yet for the debut of the addition, but the popular restaurant has already expanded its hours to serve breakfast as well as lunch. The new opening hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.