Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Feb. 21-23

PHOENIX — From long entry lines at Grand Canyon National Park to a New York-style deli opening in Phoenix, here are some of the Valley’s top news stories from Feb. 21-23.

Grand Canyon National Park visitors warned about long lines after Trump administration layoffs

Grand Canyon National Park visitors are being warned about long entry lines after Trump administration layoffs hit Arizona’s most popular tourist attraction.

Axios reported this week that at least 10 Grand Canyon employees were among the hundreds of National Park Service (NPS) workers laid off as part of a major effort to reduce the federal workforce by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency.

Wait times at the Grand Canyon South Entrance were twice as long as usual last weekend after four employees who staff the park’s main access point were laid off, according to the Washington Post.

Ritzy Scottsdale boutique closes after nearly 40 years

After nearly four decades, a Scottsdale family-owned clothing store will be closing its doors.

Ritzy Rags and Shoes opened in 1987 and sold luxury women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. The boutique is located in Scottsdale at The Shops Gainey Village near Doubletree and Scottsdale roads.

The first day of the store closing sale will be by invitation only (Feb. 26 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.) and will open to the public afterwards. Prices will be discounted up to 50% off and professional store closing experts RetailSalesPro.com is managing the closure.

Noise complaint leads to seizure of meth in West Valley

A noise complaint recently led to a large-scale meth seizure in the West Valley, authorities announced Thursday.

Officers responded to a residence near Maricopa and Pima roads in Buckeye on Feb. 14 after a report of loud music coming from a house.

They located a Jeep and truck parked at the home with a man and a woman standing outside.

Police learned the woman had no connection to the home and arrested her for trespassing.

Authorities then uncovered nearly 230 grams (about half a pound) of meth and a handgun in her vehicle, resulting in drug and weapons charges.

New Asian chain offering affordable rice bowls opening first restaurant in Phoenix

A new Asian rice bowl restaurant chain is opening its first location in downtown Phoenix next month.

Ricemill, a fast-casual concept that will sell rice bowls with beef, chicken, shrimp and veggies, will open on March 22 at suite 111 in the Collier Center, which is at 201 E. Washington Street.

The restaurant will host a grand opening celebration from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The downtown restaurant is the chain’s first in Arizona. Two other Ricemill restaurants are in the works in Glendale and Tempe, although their opening dates haven’t been released.

Patsy’s New York Delicatessen set to open in Phoenix

Patsy’s New York Delicatessen, a New York, Jewish-style deli, is set to open in Phoenix this spring, according to a press release. 

The restaurant is being led by Chef Joey Maggiore and the Maggiore Group, which is behind other Valley restaurants such as Hash Kitchen, The Mexicano, The Sicilian Butcher and The Sicilian Baker. 

Patsy’s New York Delicatessen, located on Tatum Boulevard Paradise Village Parkway, takes over at the former site of The Rosticceria, which closed in October 2024. The restaurant will offer guests features such as indoor and outdoor dining options and a soda bar. 

Nikola to cut 855 jobs in Arizona amid bankruptcy filing

Nikola Corp. plans to lay off 855 workers between its Phoenix headquarters and Coolidge manufacturing facility as the electric truck maker moves forward with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Nikola on Feb. 19 filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification — or WARN notice — with the state of Arizona announcing plans to cut 540 jobs at its Phoenix headquarters, located at 4141 E. Broadway Road. In addition, Nikola indicated plans to lay off 315 workers at its Coolidge manufacturing facility, located at 680 E. Houser Road.

Arizona companies with 100 or more employees are typically required to file WARN letters ahead of mass layoffs or plant closings.

Nikola’s job cuts — representing nearly all of its workforce in Arizona — coincide with the company’s voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which it filed Feb. 18 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, seeking authorization to sell some or all of its assets.

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