More than two decades after bringing the flavors of northern Mexico to the Valley, TPQ Foods is embarking on its next chapter with the debut of Paquimex, a new fast-casual concept opening August 28 at 51st Avenue and Olive in Glendale.
To celebrate the grand opening, guests can stop by throughout the day for complimentary tastings of rotating favorites, with menu items also available for purchase. Free merch giveaways will add to the festivities, which begin with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Doors open at 11 a.m.
The restaurant is the latest evolution from owner Omar Alvarez, who introduced Phoenix to Tortas Paquimé in 2002 after drawing inspiration from a sandwich shop in his hometown of Casas Grandes, Chihuahua.
What began as a tribute to the flavors he grew up with eventually developed a devoted following and expanded to five Arizona locations. With Paquimex, Alvarez is giving that legacy a fresh setting while preserving the flavors that made Tortas Paquimé a favorite.
“Paquimex is about honoring the foundation we’ve built while creating something that reflects how our guests dine today,” said Alvarez. “It’s an evolution and sets out to introduce new elements like a curated cocktail program and an elevated environment, while staying true to the flavors that define our cuisine.”
Paquimex serves sweet and savory morning favorites, griddled specialties and traditional breakfast plates alongside street-style tacos, crispy vampiros and slow-braised meats served on house-made breads and tortillas. The expanded kitchen introduces fresh seafood crudos, melted dips and colorful small plates designed to work just as well for a full meal as they do for sharing with friends and family.
Perhaps the biggest addition to the experience is the beverage program. For the first time, TPQ Foods is introducing a full bar menu, with cocktails designed to complement the restaurant’s flavors. Agave-forward offerings include the Spicy Cucumber Cilantro Margarita, Mezcal Mule and Mexican Candy, the latter made with tequila and watermelon and finished with a chamoy-rimmed glass.
Guests can also try the espresso-based Carajillo, lavender-infused vodka cocktails and Mexican beer preparations such as the Caguamiche, made with Clamato, salsas negras and Tajín. For something cooler, the slushy bar offers Mango Strawberry, Aperol and Piña Colada varieties, while younger guests can enjoy the alcohol-free Jolly Rancher slushy.
Scratch-made Aguas Frescas, including Horchata, Jamaica, Limón and fresh fruit blends, provide another refreshing option, along with glass-bottled Mexican sodas. Dessert rounds out the experience with traditional treats such as Pan Perdido and Flan Napolitano. The grand opening celebration takes place Friday, August 28 at10:30 a.m. For more, visit TPQ Foods.
