Jewish deli pop-up Little Pickle is here to stay. The much-anticipated pop-up is making a grand return with the opening of its first brick-and-mortar location at the Esplanade on May 19. This fast-casual eatery hopes to be Phoenix’s new go-to for hand-rolled New York bagels with house-made schmears, expertly house-smoked salmon, and the city’s finest pastrami.
A few years ago, Phillips taught himself how to make smoked salmon to go with his NY-shipped bagels. He began giving it to his friends, and the experiment became the Little Pickle Jewish Deli when a pop-up at the Esplanade presented itself. The Little Pickle was a nickname Phillips’ mother had for him when he was a baby, which he has since passed on to his daughter. Phillips felt that was the perfect name for the deli.
The menu includes morning must-haves ranging from NYC bodega-style egg sandwiches and traditional bagels and lox to handcrafted sandwiches for lunch like the already famous pastrami, house-roasted turkey sandwich, or the understated classic egg salad sandwich.
“We never imagined a pop-up would spark this passion, but the response was overwhelming. People connected with it — it felt like a slice of New York,” Founder Rick Phillips said. “Little Pickle is the kind of deli food I grew up with; it’s our love letter to the East Coast, reimagined for Phoenix. It’s playful, soulful food with real roots, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”
Restaurant vets Phillips and Peter Hearn brought Little Pickle to life under their 151 Hospitality umbrella. Little Pickle joins The Mercer, an elevated American bistro and martini destination, and rounding out the trio is a high-energy Mexican concept called Camello slated to open next door to its sister restaurants in the fall.
Little Pickle will open bright and early, serving breakfast and lunch daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whether grabbing and going or lingering a little longer, Little Pickle makes it easy with counter service and takeout. For more information, visit littlepickleaz.com.
