West Valley city has surprising list of most desired businesses

PHOENIX — The city of Surprise released its findings from its 2025 Surprise Retail Survey, which invited residents of the West Valley city to weigh in on their favorite businesses and what they most wanted to see added.

The survey, which ran from Feb. 14 through March 16, had more than 4,000 responses, the city said in a Thursday news release.

The most desired new restaurant from the responses ended up being The Cheesecake Factory and its infamously complicated menu, and the most desired retailer is furniture giant IKEA — which already has one Arizona location in Tempe.

Karen’s Hallmark (now called Giftive Hallmark) was named the city’s most popular local retailer, while Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House snagged the top honor as residents’ favorite local restaurant.

What other surprising businesses do residents of the West Valley city want?

Top 10 Most Desired Retailers:

1. IKEA
2. Whole Foods Market
3. At Home
4. Aldi
5. AJ’s Fine Foods
6. Trader Joe’s (2nd location)
7. Macy’s
8. Nordstrom
9. REI
10. World Market

Top 10 Most Desired Restaurants:

1. The Cheesecake Factory
2. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
3. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
4. El Pollo Loco
5. Postino WineCafe
6. P.F. Chang’s
7. White Castle
8. Pita Jungle
9. Wildflower
10. Wienerschnitzel

What local businesses do residents of the West Valley city think are best?

Top 10 Favorite Local Retailers:

1. Karen’s Hallmark (now called Giftive Hallmark)
2. Just Be Youtiful
3. Musical Surprise
4. Savage Bicycles
5. Spencer’s Place
6. The Boyer Bakery
7. Arizona Quilts
8. Surprise Comics
9. A to Z Polish Market
10. Kimber Pet Wash and Suites

Top 10 Favorite Local Restaurants:

1. Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House
2. Rio Mirage Café
3. Master Taco
4. OHSO Brewery
5. The Toast
6. Barrio Queen
7. Vogue Bistro
8. Babbo Italian Eatery
9. Saigon Kitchen
10. Ugly Tuna Sushi

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