Pei Wei Asian Kitchen — Restaurant in Phoenix

VERY hesitantly excited, and still quite apprehensive, to revist this restaurant after taking just over a year hiatus from patronizing Pei Wei (thanks collectively to the Raintree, Gainey, and Bell Road locations being utter failures at providing the consistent quality of food service I had always come to expect from Pei Wei over visiting them regularly during the last decade)...

It's potentially a great location they chose, with the Paradise Valley Mall redevelopment looming, promising a much needed breath of fresh air to this convenient and fantastic area of town I've lived in for the last 20 years, and the now dormant part of me that has always relied on Pei Wei as my go to for a casual quick serve Asian-inspired meal watched as this new location built out, replacing the beloved bakery which formerly occupied thus spot, trying to convince me to set aside my repeatedly abused generosity the company inspired me to quash, what I thought irrevocably.

While they just opened three days ago, between the ravenous hunger that had taken hold of me and the latent encouragement from the dark recesses of my subconscious foodie mind, I decided to detour and go there for my dinner seeing that they had opened as I passed by. Amarissa was the fresh-faced, yet professional, employee who welcomed me and took my order- and she immediately lowered the temperature of my distaste for talking myself into coming in, presenting me with kindness and attentiveness to my somewhat left-turn requests to customize my meal.

I am dismayed terribly that they no longer have mandarin ornanges, mango, or pineapple available on their menu (perhaps just thus location, which seems to be more tuned to the fast-food side of their restaurant niche, than their typical casual sit-down side?), and that upon request of "as hot and spicy as you can get it" I received what might be the standard level of heat, with nary an Asian pepper (either whole or flaked) in sight within my bowl... But, again, being newly opened, I'll allow for a period of adjustment as they dial in their particular menu.

As for the design aspects, they smartly retained the plentiful patio area that existed, but the interior size left them little tonwork with, and the ambiance is severely lacking, and unfortunately makes for a noisy echo chamber.

I'll say that this new location just bought Pei Wei one final chance to redeem themselves in my book... I'll be back again.

(Yelp has...

The Orange Chicken gave me food poisoning requiring medical attention. I contacted the restaurant immediately. Staff seemed disinterested and said the Manager, Alexis would call. No response from her ever. No response from corporate level either. I have always liked Pei Wei Asian food and certainly understand that things happen when dealing with food items but the lack of communication and caring has prompted me not to recommend this location to anyone. I bring to your attention this previous review from:

DELIA PENZATO 6 reviews 9 months ago I got food poisoning from eating here. Food: 1/5 | Service: 4/5 | ...

I was so excited to visit this restaurant for the first time, They gave me a table quickly, sat me at the bar, then asked me what I wanted to drink, so far so good. I read the menu and after five minutes I already knew what I was going to order, but they left me waiting for fifteen minutes and no one took my order. I think they didn't want to sell me anything that day. Very disappointed. I didn't get a chance to try the food. I hope the food is better than...