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Gilbert

Three New Tenants Join Northside at SanTan Village

Western Retail Advisors announces incoming leases for Roka Akor, Sandbox VR, and Aria Nail Bar in Gilbert.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern outdoor commercial paseo in a desert setting, evoking new retail development growth.
Western Retail Advisors has secured three new tenants, including Roka Akor and Sandbox VR, for the Northside at SanTan Village project in Gilbert. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you generally welcome the addition of more high-end retail and dining options in your community?

Western Retail Advisors has secured three new tenants for the Northside at SanTan Village development in Gilbert. The project is designed to address the growing demand for upscale dining and entertainment options for local residents.

Why it matters

The additions to this 37,894-square-foot development are intended to bolster the commercial appeal of the SanTan Village area. By attracting specific lifestyle and hospitality brands, developers hope to serve the substantial population density surrounding the site.

The new leases include 4,336 square feet for Roka Akor, 4,300 square feet for Sandbox VR, and 2,625 square feet for Aria Nail Bar. Two retail units of 2,832 and 1,487 square feet remain available in the project.

The players

Western Retail Advisors

This real estate firm serves as the exclusive leasing broker for the Northside at SanTan Village project.

Roka Akor

This upscale restaurant brand has committed to a space featuring both indoor dining and an outdoor patio.

Sandbox VR

This entertainment company specializes in immersive virtual reality experiences and is currently open for business.

Aria Nail Bar

This personal care establishment has signed a lease for a multi-thousand square foot unit within the development.

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille

This dining establishment established its presence in the Arizona market in 2026.

The details

The development, located on the east side of SanTan Village Parkway, features six buildings oriented around a shared paseo and walking loop. Developers are further expanding the site to include a 134-key hotel north of the remaining retail space.

Timeline

  1. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille entered the Arizona market in mid-2026.

  2. New tenant commitments were announced on October 23, 2026.

  3. Aria Nail Bar is slated to open in the spring of 2027.

  4. Roka Akor is slated to open by mid-2027.

Culture Shift

This expansion follows the established trajectory of the 20-acre Northside master plan aimed at increasing retail density in Gilbert. The move mirrors a broader shift in suburban planning that favors walkable, multi-use outdoor spaces over traditional enclosed malls.

Residents within a 5-mile radius can anticipate new dining and entertainment options as these businesses prepare to open over the coming months. These additions provide increased access to leisure services within the existing SanTan Village shopping corridor.

The takeaway

The continued expansion of the Northside project highlights the area's ongoing transformation into a high-density lifestyle hub. Residents should monitor local announcements for specific opening dates as these new venues finalize their operational status.

Further reading

For more information on the evolving local scene, visit Gilbert Dining Out.

Live Poll

Do you generally welcome the addition of more high-end retail and dining options in your community?