Heritage Park development in downtown Gilbert breaks ground, reveals 3 restaurants

PHOENIX — Developers broke ground Thursday on Heritage Park, a mixed-use project in downtown Gilbert, and announced three restaurants on its up-and-coming property.

Ghost Donkey, Palma and Blue Sushi Sake Grill, all members of Flagship Restaurant Group, will have new homes in Gilbert.

In addition to the food establishments, the 10-acre development will offer a luxury apartment community (288 units), retail shops, more than 300 parking spots and more, according to a press release.

According to the release, Heritage Park will have its first openings in 2026 and is scheduled to be fully completed in March 2027. There will more than 30 combined restaurants and retail shops once done.

Gilbert Mayor Scott Anderson said in the release that the East Valley community is the “ideal setting” for such a massive undertaking.

“Heritage Park will be a signature piece of the Heritage District, offering a unique blend of dining, retail and residential spaces that will further enrich the area’s vibrant atmosphere,” Anderson said. “As our northern anchor for now, it sets the stage for future expansion and new possibilities within the district.”

Highlights of the coming Gilbert restaurant lineup

Ghost Donkey

The Mexican 21-and-older joint, which is based in New York City, has locations in six U.S. states (including one in Phoenix) and also has extended its creations to New Zealand and Australia.

Ghost Donkey is known for its spirit selection, being the recipient of Imbibe’s “Cocktail Bar of the Year” in 2020.

Besides drinks, the restaurant that self-proclaims “bright color and eccentric characters” offers an array of loaded nachos, tacos, a raw oyster appetizer and churros dipped in “spiced chocolate sauce.”

Palma

The Flagship creation made its debut at Roosevelt Row in Phoenix and, in addition to Gilbert, will be branching out to Dallas, Texas soon.

Happy hour is not just a concept for Palmas, but legitimately its livelihood, as eight operating hours during the week (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) are happy hour. It opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Closing times differ, with midnight on Sundays through Wednesdays, 1 a.m. after Thursdays and 2 a.m. after Fridays and Saturdays.

From brunch to gluten-sensitive maki (or Japanese-style sushi), Palmas has plenty to share and no strict culinary ties.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Blue Sushi Sake Grill, a “conscious Earth” seafood spot, will soon have its third Valley location — joining Tempe and Surprise.

From shareables to individual plates, customers can choose from a variety of sushi including nigiri, sashimi and maki. There is also a lengthy vegan piece to the menu and a Little Bento Bonanza daily special.

Hours of operation vary by location, but the existing pair of Arizona-based restaurants offer 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays.

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