Sandwich Chain With ASU Ties Sets Grand Opening Date In Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — A fast-casual sandwich chain with a local ownership group that includes former Arizona State University basketball star James Harden is opening its first Arizona location in Scottsdale.

Smiling Moose Sandwich Grill will hold its grand opening at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 17 at 2765 N. Scottsdale Road, near Scottsdale Road and Thomas Road.

The Scottsdale location is part of a local ownership group that includes Harden and fellow ASU alumni Troy Payne, Nico Fricchione, Patrick Fricchione, Brian Padilla, Carlos Muñoz and George Gundrey.

The first 100 guests through the door will receive a free 6-inch Original Mo sandwich and a $50 Adidas gift card, according to the company.

The restaurant serves a variety of sandwiches, grilled favorites such as burgers and chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, breakfast items and cookies.

Its signature Original Mo features chopped sirloin, melted American cheese, romaine, tomatoes, banana peppers and the restaurant's vinaigrette on a baguette. The sandwich also includes onions and mayonnaise, according to the restaurant's online menu.

The Scottsdale location will offer indoor seating, catering and online ordering. It will also feature a secret menu and quarterly collaborations with guest chefs, according to the announcement.

Smiling Moose was founded in Edwards, Colorado, in 2003 and has since expanded to locations in Colorado, Wyoming and North Dakota.

The Scottsdale restaurant will be the chain's first Arizona location.

The grand-opening celebration is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 17 and will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.