Award-Winning Restaurant Roka Akor Joins Northside Retail Center in Gilbert, Arizona

The landscape of the Southeast Valley’s commercial real estate market is undergoing a significant transformation, as the Northside at SanTan Village development in Gilbert, Arizona, nears full occupancy. Phoenix-based retail brokerage firm Western Retail Advisors recently announced a series of high-profile tenant acquisitions, headlined by the prestigious Japanese steakhouse and sushi concept, Roka Akor. This development, spearheaded by Okland Capital and the San Tan Development Group, has rapidly evolved into a focal point for premium retail and dining in one of the nation’s fastest-growing municipalities.

A Strategic Expansion into the Southeast Valley

The addition of Roka Akor to the Northside project represents more than just a new restaurant opening; it signifies a shift in the regional hospitality hierarchy. Recognized by Bon Appétit as one of the "Top 10 Sushi Spots in the U.S.," the London-born concept has spent 18 years cultivating a flagship presence in Scottsdale’s affluent McCormick Ranch area. By selecting Gilbert for its second Arizona location, Roka Akor is betting on the continued demographic and economic maturation of the Southeast Valley.

"In Japanese, Roka means gathering around the fire, and that is exactly what Northside was built for," noted Dario Dell’Anno, Chief Operating Officer of Roka Akor. "We were immediately drawn to the energy of this development and the way its shared spaces and caliber of brands come together to create a truly unique experience. Our Gilbert location will bring everything that has defined our Scottsdale flagship into easy reach of the Southeast Valley—a community that has proven its love of great food."

The expansion is scheduled for completion by mid-2027, serving as a critical anchor for the final phase of the development. This move follows a successful entry into the market by Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, which established an 11,000-square-foot flagship at Northside in mid-2026, setting a high standard for the culinary caliber of the center.

Chronology of Development and Growth

The Northside at SanTan Village project has moved with impressive velocity since its inception. Situated on the east side of SanTan Village Parkway, fronting the bustling Loop 202 freeway between Williams Field and Ray roads, the project was designed to capitalize on the region’s high traffic volume and density.

• Mid-2026: The project marked a major milestone with the opening of Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, which served as a catalyst for subsequent high-end leasing.
• Late 2026: Western Retail Advisors confirmed a surge in activity, securing multiple leases that brought the 37,894-square-foot center to near-full capacity.
• Early 2027: Sandbox VR began operations, successfully drawing foot traffic from younger demographics and tech-focused consumers.
• Spring 2027: Aria Nail Bar is slated to join the tenant lineup, further diversifying the center’s service-oriented offerings.
• Mid-2027: Roka Akor is expected to open its doors, marking the completion of the major restaurant anchoring phase.

Data-Driven Market Positioning

The success of Northside at SanTan Village is not accidental; it is the result of careful demographic alignment. Gilbert remains one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States, characterized by a high-earning, family-oriented population that demands high-quality, "experiential" retail environments.

The project currently serves a significant catchment area. Projections indicate that the site is accessible to more than 274,000 residents within a 5-mile radius and upwards of 1 million residents within a 10-mile radius. This massive built-in customer base, coupled with the proximity to the Loop 202, ensures that the development maintains a high profile for both local residents and commuters.

The physical footprint of the project spans 20 acres at full buildout, with 37,894 square feet dedicated specifically to the retail and restaurant component. By integrating shared outdoor spaces, a central paseo, and a walking loop, the developers have successfully moved away from the traditional "strip mall" configuration, opting instead for a walkable "lifestyle center" model that encourages longer dwell times.

Official Perspectives on the Vision

Blake Bunker, Managing Partner at Okland Capital, emphasizes that the success of the center lies in its intentionality. "Gilbert continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Arizona, with an increasing demand for more upscale and unique dining and entertainment options," Bunker stated. "We were very intentional about designing Northside around where we believe the community is headed. The goal was to create a place where people want to spend time, connect with each other, and enjoy being part of the community."

The leasing strategy, executed by Bryan Babits and Alberto Caballero of Western Retail Advisors, has been equally deliberate. By prioritizing high-end service brands like The Workshop Pilates, The NOW Massage, and Face Foundrié, alongside the dining anchors, the developers have ensured a balanced ecosystem that offers something for every time of day—from mid-day wellness appointments to evening fine dining.

Future Implications and Remaining Opportunities

As the project approaches total occupancy, the remaining two units—a 2,832-square-foot space and a 1,487-square-foot space—are viewed as prime real estate for the next wave of local entrepreneurs. Both units feature patio access and are strategically positioned to benefit from the planned 134-key hotel located immediately to the north.

"Northside has attracted highly credible, in-demand brands, and its two remaining spaces are a great opportunity for future tenants to share in that success," said Alberto Caballero. "Both availabilities include patios, making them ideal for a fast-casual breakfast or lunch concept. Northside’s daytime foot traffic and the surrounding workforce population continue to grow. Add in the hotel planned immediately to the north, and you have a large built-in customer base ready to be served."

The Broader Impact on Gilbert’s Retail Landscape

The maturation of the Northside at SanTan Village reflects a broader trend in Arizona commercial real estate: the "urbanization of the suburbs." As traditional indoor malls face challenges nationwide, open-air, mixed-use developments that blend dining, fitness, and entertainment are increasingly becoming the preferred destination for consumers.

The inclusion of tech-forward entertainment like Sandbox VR and wellness-focused retail like The NOW Massage suggests that the developers are focused on "future-proofing" the center against the volatility of traditional retail. By creating a environment that emphasizes communal gathering—or "gathering around the fire," as the Roka Akor team described it—Northside is positioning itself as a central pillar of Gilbert’s social fabric.

As the final units lease up and the remaining construction phases conclude, the market will likely see a stabilization of rental rates in the area, with Northside serving as the benchmark for luxury retail performance in the Southeast Valley. For investors, tenants, and the public alike, the project serves as a compelling case study in how to synthesize regional demographic growth with high-concept architectural and retail planning.

For those interested in the final available parcels, Western Retail Advisors continues to manage the leasing process, maintaining a rigorous selection process to ensure that any final additions complement the existing, carefully curated tenant mix. With the hotel project looming on the horizon, the momentum behind the Northside at SanTan Village appears poised to continue well into the end of the decade.