Answering the call of its many customers, The Pomegranate Cafe is expanding and opening a second location in central Phoenix.
The vegan and vegetarian eatery is taking over the space that previously housed Scott's Generations Deli in the Bashas' shopping complex near 7th Street and Missouri. (Scott's moved up the road to 7th Street and Glendale Avenue).
Marlene Tolman and her daughter, Cassie, opened the neighborhood restaurant in 2010 to share the food they enjoy eating with their community. Pomegranate's menu is vegan and vegetarian and uses organic, local ingredients.
"We had no idea how many people were hungry for real food," said Marlene in a phone interview Wednesday afternoon.
Since then they've expanded the original location twice, added a community library to the patio and partnered with local organizations for various causes.
Still, customers wanted to know when they'd be coming to their neighborhoods.
Central Phoenix, the answer is in the fall. If construction stays on track, possibly November, said Marlene.
The second location will be similar in size to the original but will feel bigger to customers because of its layout. Marlene said the second location is sort of a "pilot" to make sure the team is able to deliver the same customer experience and food quality that it does in Ahwatukee.
Eventually, if all goes well, there is the possibility to bring more locations to the Valley, she said. That would be "down the road," she added.
Marlene said they were approached by an investor to help with the second location. They have also created an account on Indigogo to help renovate the kitchen of the Ahwatukee location.
Seventh Street has had several restaurants open up in the last year between Missouri and Bethany Home Road - Joe's Midnight Run, Mora Italian, and most recently, Casa Anejo at The Colony.
