Westwood Financial, a Los Angeles-based retail real estate investment firm with over 50 years of experience, has announced the grand opening of The Italiano at Mercado del Rancho, an 89,506-square-foot shopping center anchored by Sprouts in Scottsdale, Arizona. Westwood Financial acquired the property in 1998 and has since transformed the center, achieving full occupancy with a carefully selected mix of tenants that serve the community’s needs.
Founded by renowned Chef Joey Maggiore, The Italiano offers a refined Italian dining experience, featuring a Las Vegas-inspired design, house-made pastas, premium steaks, and a range of Italian classics. A unique feature of the restaurant is its roaming antipasto cart, adding an interactive touch to the dining experience. Chef Joey Maggiore, known for popular concepts like Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, and The Mexicano, expressed pride in launching The Italiano at Mercado del Rancho, stating, “The Italiano is more than a dining destination; it’s a culinary journey that reflects our passion for food, community, and innovation.”
With around 3 million visits annually, Mercado del Rancho is a Scottsdale favorite, featuring a robust national and local tenant lineup that includes Sprouts, Starbucks, Chipotle, Club Pilates, and Chompie’s Bagels. David Mitroff, Senior Regional Leasing Director at Westwood Financial, highlighted The Italiano’s personal connection to the Maggiore family legacy, drawing inspiration from Joey’s father, Tomaso Maggiore, a celebrated chef in the Valley for 45 years.
Westwood Financial recently expanded its Phoenix footprint with the acquisition of Paradise Hills, an 83,787-square-foot retail center that houses 16 diverse tenants. With this latest addition, the firm now owns and operates 16 centers in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Lauren Ball, Chief Operating Officer at Westwood Financial, noted, “The Italiano enriches our tenant portfolio at Mercado del Rancho and enhances the Scottsdale community’s experience with its vibrant offerings.”
Celebrating 55 years in 2025, Westwood Financial continues its success, managing over 125 properties with a 97% occupancy rate, focusing on the Sunbelt region.
About Westwood Financial
Westwood Financial owns, manages, and operates over 125 high-quality shopping centers in top U.S. metropolitan markets, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, and Raleigh. Top-tier grocers and leading service and experiential-based operators primarily anchor the centers. Established in 1970 by Howard Banchik and Steven Fogel, Westwood Financial is headquartered in Los Angeles, with regional offices in Atlanta, Dallas, and Phoenix.
