Since opening their first poke restaurant in Scottsdale in 2016, Ahipoki has now opened 10 restaurants in the Valley and one in Flagstaff. The owners, Jason Jantzen and Michael Zimmerman have now pivoted to develop their latest concept, CHAR’D Brisket Dogs + Burgers.

The new fast-casual concept will feature made-to-order, epicurean brisket dogs and brisket burgers featuring made from scratch recipes, chef-driven toppings and hot dogs and burgers which are made primarily of brisket—an especially tasty cut of beef.

Examples of menu items include a Mac ‘N Cheese Dog, a Cali Dog featuring avocado, tomatoes and pesto sauce, “The Growler” which is topped with fries, cheese sauce and bacon as well as their unique twist on a Sonoran Dog with bacon, grilled onions, jalapenos and house-made chipotle aioli.  Burgers will be no-nonsense, great tasting cheeseburgers with the exception of the Mac ‘n Cheese burger—a cheese lover’s dream.

Capitalizing on the success of their ASU Ahipoki location, CHAR’D will be located right next door in the newly revitalized real estate project, “The Wedge” at 1015 S. Rural Rd #106 in Tempe, AZ.

While Ahipoki has been primarily a health-conscious food concept, CHAR’D will tackle the other end of the spectrum by providing high-end comfort food with a west coast flair.

“CHAR’D really represents a growing west coast food movement that embodies elevated variations of traditional comfort food prepared made-to-order in a fun, quick-serve setting,” says Zimmerman.

Jantzen explains how their experience at Ahipoki will serve the new concept: “Our explosive growth over the last two years has taught us several valuable lessons with location being a primary driver for growth. CHAR’D is very well positioned to capitalize on the growing ASU student population as well as the newly developed Greek Village right next door.”