Tempe Chili’s closes to make way for USA Basketball
Jan 8, 2014, 5:00 AM | Updated: Jan 17, 2014, 11:29 am
TEMPE, Ariz. — A Valley restaurant that has been open for 25 years is closing Wednesday to make way for USA Basketball.
A Chili’s Grill & Bar spokesperson said the location on Mill Avenue and University Drive will be closing to accommodate a new development in the area.
USA Basketball has made a deal with Arizona State University to build a new $350 million facility at the site where the Chili’s and an old shopping center now sit. It will include a 4,500-seat arena, a hotel, apartments and office and retail space.
Another restaurant, WM Sacks Art of Sandwicherie, is still open at the shopping center. An employee there did not know if or when the location will close, and the owner was not available for comment. Sacks has three other locations in the valley.
Meanwhile, the city of Tempe would not agree to an interview. The city sent KTAR a written statement saying that it’s excited for the future development of the area.
