Starfish Hospitality Group, a collection of restaurants, coastal catering and an elevated concession concept based in Orange County, will open its first restaurant outside California at the corner of Hayden Road and Via de Ventura. Starfish Scottsdale will be the Valley’s newest neighborhood hotspot, offering an extensive menu of fresh Asian dishes and handcrafted libations inspired by the coastal regions of Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, China and Japan. The restaurant is expected to open in early 2026.
“We want Scottsdale to experience our warmth and excellence when they walk through the doors of Starfish in McCormick Ranch,” said Gretchen McConnell, co-founder of Starfish Hospitality Group. “Our dedication to bringing freshness, quality, ambiance and service to the desert is our company mission. It’s an honor to showcase these elements in our first location outside California, marking an exciting expansion journey for our organization.”
Founded in 2011 by Gretchen and her husband, Archie, Starfish Hospitality Group includes flagship restaurant Starfish Laguna Beach, Starfish Newport Beach, Starfish Coastal Catering, and The Cove by Starfish, a new concessions concept at the Sawdust Art Festival. In June 2026, the brand will be celebrating 15 successful years of business.
Starfish restaurants’ diverse menus are carefully crafted by the McConnells and their culinary team, featuring more than 70 shareable plates. Hand folded dumplings made fresh daily, scratch Thai curries, fresh seafood, wok-fired classics, vegetables, noodles and rice dishes represent their focus on Coastal Asian and fusion style cuisine.
The bar program features exotic cocktails, Asian and local beers and unique sake selections. The globally inspired, extensive wine offerings celebrate the culture, passion and people of viticulture from premier producers from exciting wine destinations.
Standout dishes and drinks include:
- Thai Spicy Beef with Basil; tender steak, green beans, red bell peppers, asparagus, wok fired with fresh Thai basil in a sweet and spicy glaze
- Lobster Macadamia Nut Sushi Roll – fresh lobster tail, mango, cucumber & house made aioli
- Chilean Sea Bass – wrapped in banana leaf, Thai basil green curry, garlic green beans
- Wild Lychee Martini – a signature cocktail made with vodka and fresh lychee puree
- Starfish Cooler – muddled citrus & mint, vodka, Pama liqueur float
- Thai Me Down – a spiked Thai tea martini, garnished with a cinnamon and sugar rim
The new Scottsdale location will be 5,200 square feet—3,800 inside the restaurant with a 1,400-square-foot patio. The redesign of the existing space has been updated and elevated with Starfish’s signature tastefully provocative features. Lush tropical fabrics and custom booth work transform the 90-seat patio, playing into the existing space’s indoor/outdoor feel. The signature custom artwork is meant to transport guests to the coastal regions of Southeast Asia. From celebratory dinners to relaxed work lunches, Starfish Scottsdale is an approachable and versatile space the entire community can enjoy. Guests can also take advantage of high-quality takeout, private dining and extensive catering options.
