Pinal Today

Tucson smoothie giant Eegee’s has confirmed that the company has signed a lease to open a new restaurant in Maricopa.

“We do have a signed agreement to occupy the vacant land on North John Wayne Parkway, across from the Sprouts Shopping Center,” Jessica Wegener-Beyer, Eegee’s chief marketing officer, told InMaricopa.com. “Currently, we are working on getting approvals with the planning and zoning department. So at this time we cannot provide exact timing, until we receive all necessary permits from the city of Maricopa, but Eegee’s is very excited to become part of thriving community.”

The lease is for an 0.8-acre site located southeastern corner of North John Wayne Parkway and Edison Road, InMaricopa reported. The business suggested a 2,300-square-foot, one-story, ground-up prototype branded restaurant with drive-through service and indoor seating.

“We are excited to deliver a one-of-a-kind restaurant experience to the city of Maricopa and the surrounding communities,” the company said, according to InMaricopa.com.

“Our philosophy is to place Eegee’s restaurants in high-growth residential areas, where we can serve a wide variety of customers,” the company said. “Because of our strategic placement and unique menu, Eegee’s has become an award-winning restaurant.”

The new eatery is expected to produce about 40 new jobs. Eegee’s was voted No. 1 Fast Food Restaurant in Arizona by Food & Wine Magazine, and it was also recognized by BuzzFeed as having the top desert drink in Arizona. The company generated more than $3 million in charitable contributions over the past decade, and it donates all the bread that is not consumed each day to local food banks.