Surprise Economic Development

05/22/2026

Thai Chili 2go celebrated its ribbon cutting ceremony today in the City of Surprise, marking its 19th Arizona location! This fast-casual Thai restaurant chain brings fresh flavors, quick service, and a growing local presence to our community.

The ribbon cutting featured Steve Hernandez, General Manager of Thai Chili 2Go, alongside Jeanine Jerkovic, Surprise Economic Development Director.

Attendees also included Ryan Sommerfeldt, VP of Finance, Harry Katz, Director of Operations, Zach Wethington, Director of Training, Ansh Mago, Project Manager, and Amrit Banger, Brand Marketer representing Thai Chili 2Go. Also in attendance was Mike Hoover, Assistant Director of Economic Development for the City of Surprise, and Cliff Yoder, Business Development Specialist with the West Valley Regional Chamber.

Visit the new location at:
16324 W Pat Tillman Blvd, Suite 101
Surprise, AZ 85387

Webpage: https://tc2go.com



https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUFKn

Explore this photo album by City of Surprise, Arizona on Flickr!

05/13/2026

We had a great time at the West Valley Regional Chamber’s Annual Meeting, reflecting on a year of impact and looking ahead to the priorities shaping our region’s future.

The morning highlighted the Chamber’s continued momentum, recognized the leaders helping drive progress across the West Valley, and marked an important milestone in its ongoing growth. We were also honored to hear from Governor Katie Hobbs.

Congratulations to Fine Fittings, recipient of the Mayor’s Excellence Award, presented by EPCOR and our Director, Jeanine Jerkovic. Owned by Ben Smith and Marina Portillo, this Surprise-based, family-owned boutique provides compassionate, personalized care to women at every stage of their health and beauty journey. From mastectomy products to wigs and esthetic services, their mission-driven work restores confidence and dignity while making a meaningful impact in our community.

We were proud to join partners including Jodi Tas, Director of Government Relations, and Nick Kupper from the Arizona House of Representatives to celebrate the people and businesses helping the West Valley thrive.

05/08/2026

As part of West Valley Small Business Week, the City of Surprise Government and Spark Surprise AZ were proud to host “Hidden Talent: Small Business Hiring for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities” at Spencer's Place.

The event brought together partners from the city, across the region, and throughout the state including nonprofits, social service organizations, small business owners, and community leaders for an important conversation around inclusive hiring, workforce development, and expanding employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

We are especially fortunate to have Spencer's Place here in City of Surprise as such a strong success story and example of what inclusive hiring can look like in action. Their impact continues to demonstrate the value of creating opportunities that benefit both employees and the broader community.

Attendees also heard firsthand from the Spencer’s Place team about the real-world benefits of inclusive employment and how it strengthens workplace culture, expands talent pipelines, and builds lasting community impact.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. Events like these continue to strengthen collaboration, innovation, and community impact across Surprise and the West Valley.

05/08/2026

As Economic Development Week wraps up, we’re looking ahead at what’s next for Surprise.

The completion of Elm Street at Surprise City Center marks a major milestone and a catalyst for future development. Envisioned as our future downtown main street and central gathering place, Elm Street is already beginning to take shape as a vibrant, active district.

With new retail and restaurant destinations opening and community events like the Desert Fall Festival and Sunday Market bringing people together, there is strong early momentum building in the area.

These efforts reflect a long-term vision for a dynamic downtown that supports local businesses, attracts visitors, and enhances quality of life for residents. Stay tuned for the next great addition to Elm Street in the coming year!

05/07/2026

Today we welcomed J.Crew Factory to Prasada North with a Grand Opening meet-and-greet, celebrating the brand’s official debut in Surprise. The new store is now open to the public and will continue its grand opening sales throughout the weekend, inviting the community to stop by and explore.

We’re proud to support continued retail growth in our city and thank J.Crew Factory for choosing Surprise as part of its expansion.

The Surprise Economic Development team was represented by Kris Cassens, Economic Development Coordinator-Senior.

J.Crew Factory
16390 W Waddell Rd, Suite 100
Surprise, AZ 85388

05/07/2026

Small businesses and community voices both play an important role in shaping a strong local economy.

Through the 2026 Retail Survey, more than 4,100 residents shared their favorite local retailers and restaurants, offering a look at the businesses in Surprise they love most.

This feedback highlights our local shops and restaurants while also helping guide economic development priorities and future efforts.

Mayor Kevin Sartor presented certificates recognizing local businesses, with the City’s Economic Development team joining to celebrate the retailers and restaurants highlighted through the survey.

The City of Surprise is proud to highlight these businesses and the role they play in our community every day.

See the full 2026 Retail Survey results: surpriseaz.gov/retailsurvey
See more from the recognitions: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCR8Ah

Shout out to our 2026 Top Local Restaurant, Spencer's Place, and Top Local Retailer Musical Surprise!

05/07/2026

Grand Reopening Celebration at AZ Diner!

The Surprise Economic Development was proud to join AZ Diner for their official Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this afternoon. This beloved local spot continues to serve up great food and community spirit right here in Surprise!

The ribbon was cut by Co-Owners Samantha and Joe Nguyen alongside Vice Mayor Earle Greenberg, joined by Co-Owner Mama Gail.

We were also pleased to have Councilmember Johnny V. Melton in attendance, along with Cliff Yoder, Business Development Specialist from the West Valley Regional Chamber.

See all the great pics here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCT3oS
Learn more: https://azdiner.com/

We’re excited to see AZ Diner continue to thrive in our community. Be sure to stop by at 13765 N Litchfield Rd. Surprise, AZ 85379

Explore this photo album by City of Surprise, Arizona on Flickr!

05/06/2026

Yesterday, the City of Surprise Government proudly recognized Small Business Week with a mayoral proclamation honoring the entrepreneurs and local businesses that contribute to our community’s continued growth and vitality.

From family owned establishments to emerging startups, small businesses serve as the foundation of our local economy, creating jobs, driving innovation, and enhancing the character of our neighborhoods.

Mayor Kevin Sartor presented the proclamation to Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) CEO Steve Kaiser, COO Emma Piazza, and Marketing Director Katherine Dunphy.

05/06/2026

As Economic Development Week continues, we’re taking a moment to highlight how creative marketing can support business attraction and community visibility.

Over the past year, the City of Surprise Economic Development Department has been recognized for excellence in marketing and storytelling, earning prestigious awards from the International Economic Development Council and the Arizona Association for Economic Development.

From a Silver Award for the multimedia campaign to state honors for the “IKEA Catalog – City of Surprise Edition” and the “Mission: Cheesecake” video, these efforts showcase how bold, strategic campaigns can elevate Surprise’s visibility and help attract new business and investment.

Explore the campaigns:
IKEA Catalog – City of Surprise Edition: https://bit.ly/4ud67ma
Kale Emergency (Whole Foods Market) : https://bit.ly/3QJNfN4
Mission: Cheesecake (The Cheesecake Factory) : http://bit.ly/3QVeRii

Creative ideas, strong strategy, and a willingness to think differently are helping put Surprise on the map in new and exciting ways. More to come as we continue celebrating Economic Development Week!

05/05/2026

Day 2 of Economic Development Week highlights the power of global connections and international collaboration.

The City of Surprise is proud to be building meaningful relationships beyond our borders through partnerships with Global Ties Arizona and the French American Chamber of Commerce Rocky Mountain.

Over the past year, we’ve hosted delegations from the Middle East and Canada, providing guided tours of our community and facilitating discussions on key topics like innovation in arid climates and transportation systems. These engagements create opportunities for knowledge exchange while also opening the door to future foreign investment.

Through these efforts, Surprise continues to strengthen its global presence and position itself as a destination for international business and collaboration.