Otra Pizzeria and Better Days to Open in Phoenix

The new restaurant and bar concept debuts in the historic Gerardo’s Building this week.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a historic brick industrial doorway, representing the opening of a new restaurant in Phoenix. — Otra Pizzeria and Better Days will soft-open this weekend in Phoenix’s historic Gerardo’s Building, introducing new dining and bar options. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Otra Pizzeria and Better Days will soft-open in Phoenix the weekend of October 24, 2026. The new establishments occupy the historic Gerardo’s Building located at the corner of Third and Buchanan streets.

Why it matters

This opening marks a significant addition to the city’s Warehouse District, utilizing a renovated historic structure to bring new dining and nightlife options to the area. The project combines a specialized kitchen focus with an upscale bar environment.

Chef Cesar Velasco transitions to a permanent space after operating his pizza pop-up for 3 years. The venue features a first-floor wood-fired oven and an upstairs bar with dedicated late-night service hours.

The players

Cesar Velasco

He is the lead chef who oversees the kitchen team and menu development at the restaurant.

Kell Duncan

He is an operator who manages the upstairs bar alongside The Churchill team.

The Churchill

This is a local hospitality group that collaborates with Kell Duncan on managing the bar space.

The details

The business operates within a renovated historic brick building, featuring counter-service lunch and full-service dinner options. Upstairs, the bar area includes red booths and checkerboard flooring, while the kitchen serves Roman-style square slices late into the night.

2012: Kell Duncan moved to the Warehouse District.
2023: Cesar Velasco began cooking pizzas at pop-up locations.
Weekend of October 24, 2026: Soft opening of Otra Pizzeria and Better Days.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026: Official opening of Otra Pizzeria.
Friday, October 30, 2026: Official opening of Better Days.

Market Landscape

The opening follows a pattern established by the Phoenix Warehouse District historic revitalization initiatives, which encourages the conversion of old industrial sites into modern hospitality venues. This project represents the latest effort to integrate legacy architecture with contemporary food and beverage business models.

Local residents can expect new dining options including Roman-style square slices and full-service dinner starting this week. The venue will offer specific late-night kitchen service from 10 p.m. to midnight.

The takeaway

Visitors planning to visit the new venue should note the distinct service styles offered during lunch and dinner hours. The chef also plans to introduce seasonal dishes that highlight local Arizona ingredients in the future.