Rio Mirage Café breaks ground in Estrella, expanding Gomez family legacy in West Valley

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (Nov. 5, 2025) – Estrella welcomed the third Rio Mirage Café in the West Valley to its gateway recently with a groundbreaking event attended by local dignitaries, community leaders, Estrella representatives, and the Gomez family, the restaurant’s owners.

Located at 10047 S. Estrella Parkway, the new Rio Mirage Café will bring its popular Sonoran-style cuisine to the heart of Goodyear’s Estrella community. This marks the third location for the restaurant, which has been serving authentic family recipes since 1999. The other locations are in Surprise and El Mirage.

“We are honored to host the groundbreaking of our newest dining experience at Estrella,” said Jeff Zimmerman, Vice President of Development for Estrella Development Company. “Rio Mirage Café is a cornerstone of our vision for a welcoming, lively, and connected community.  Today is a testament to how important it is to have a restaurant at the gateway of Estrella. It’s the first new build, and sit-down restaurant. We are thrilled to have it here. We’re proud to partner with a beloved West Valley institution whose values align perfectly with ours.”

Stephanie Mendoza, Vice President of Operations for Rio Mirage Café and daughter of owners and founders Alex and Rachel Gomez, expressed her gratitude for the warm reception.

“This new restaurant isn’t just another location; it’s something that came to life because of the incredible people who’ve supported us through the years,” Mendoza said. “We’ve shared so many meals, stories, and celebrations, and those moments mean everything to us. We’re incredibly thankful for the support from the Estrella and Goodyear communities.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this vibrant community. The West Valley is home to Rio Mirage Café, and we look forward to adding our family’s history to Estrella’s future. We are excited to be a part of the Estrella family. Our restaurant will be a gathering place for residents and visitors alike, offering a taste of tradition in a modern, welcoming setting.”

The 9,000 SF restaurant will offer panoramic views of North Lake and the Estrella Mountains. It is billed as the “crown jewel” of the Rio Mirage Cafe Enterprise. The Gomez family is eager to take advantage of the incredible lakeside setting and create a destination that is unique to the area and missing in the West Valley.

The Spanish style blends Mission and Hacienda styles that fit so naturally in Arizona. To take advantage of the spectacular lakeside and distant vista views, the restaurant will be two stories, with private dining space on top, and an outdoor dining area. The restaurant is anchored by an enormous bar that is the gathering center surrounded by private sitting areas.

The stone, arches, Spanish tiles, and ornate iron details reflect the level of detail the family insisted on incorporating into the design. The dining areas are quaint, warm, and the perfect backdrop.

“The Gomez family had faith in me to bring a Spanish mission design that would be unique and fit into this neighborhood. We started out by looking at the land, taking advantage of these great views. Once it’s finished, it will be the new neighborhood meeting place. This will be a destination in Estrella, and in the City of Goodyear,” said Patrick O’Brien, Owner and Architectural Designer with O’Brien Luxury Designs, the project architect.

The general contractor is Desert Build (Josh Wagner).

“This opening is our way of saying thank you for believing in us, for showing up, and for letting us be part of your lives. We’re proud to keep growing right here in the West Valley – the place we call home – and keep doing what we love: serving great food, creating a welcoming space, and giving everyone one more place to relax, celebrate, and enjoy life’s good moments,” said  Alex and Rachel Gomez.

Added City of Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo: “We’re excited that the Gomez family is bringing this restaurant to Estrella. Your success is our success. We wish you much success here.”