EMERSA Immersive Cocktail Bar to Open in Buckeye by 2026
The new 1,400-square-foot venue at Verrado Marketplace will feature projection mapping and VR technology.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Cocktails
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Founders Josh Katz, Randy Simmers, and April Simmers plan to launch EMERSA, an immersive cocktail bar, in late 2026. The venue will be located at 1503 N. Verrado Way, Suite 101, in Buckeye, Arizona.
Why it matters
The founders aim to establish a sophisticated nightlife and gathering space in the Buckeye area, moving beyond the traditional offerings found closer to central Phoenix. The project combines advanced digital displays with a curated food and drink menu.
The bar occupies a 1,400-square-foot space and features menu items such as the $19 Halley's Comet cocktail and $22 Sunfall Salmon Bites. Prices for the offerings range from $16 to $22.
The players
Josh Katz
He is a co-founder of the EMERSA cocktail bar concept.
Randy Simmers
He is a co-founder who is helping to bring the immersive bar experience to Buckeye.
April Simmers
She is a co-founder involved in the development of the new nightlife venue.
House of Form
This firm provided the interior design services for the 1,400-square-foot space.
BPR Companies
This organization served as the general contractor for the construction of the bar.
The details
The concept uses 4K VR displays, projection mapping, dynamic lighting, and sound to shift environments for patrons during their visit. The interior design was led by House of Form, with BPR Companies acting as the general contractor.
Timeline
EMERSA is scheduled to open its doors in late 2026.
Culture Shift
EMERSA follows the broader industry trend of integrating high-tech digital environments to create social experiences that differ from traditional bar settings. This evolution reflects a growing consumer preference for venues that combine entertainment technology with standard hospitality services.
Residents in Buckeye can expect a new nightlife option that utilizes projection mapping and VR to alter the room's atmosphere. Visitors will be able to sample cocktails like the $17 Spacetime Odyssey or $18 Opalite alongside a themed food menu.
The takeaway
This development signals a shift in suburban nightlife, where venues are increasingly prioritizing multi-sensory technology to distinguish themselves. Potential patrons can look forward to a blend of modern mixology and digital art once the venue is fully operational.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in local beverage scenes by visiting the Cocktails section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZ Big Media.
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