Target: spring 2027. That’s the timing Vestar, the company that owns Queen Creek Marketplace, gave in a press release at the end of September 2026. It will be LongHorn’s first restaurant in the Southeast Valley. No exact date yet. We update this page when one is set.
Where it is going
A pad at Queen Creek Marketplace, 21398 Ellsworth Loop Road, south of Smashburger and right next to Olive Garden.
What LongHorn actually is
Darden’s casual steakhouse chain, about 5,800 square feet here. Steaks, ribs, and burgers at a family price point, a step below the special-occasion steakhouses. If the Olive Garden next door is any guide (same parent company, same center), expect it to be busy from day one.
Why locals are watching it
Queen Creek eats out more every year and still has no full-service steakhouse in the Marketplace core. LongHorn is one of five new tenants Vestar announced for the center, alongside Barnes & Noble (opening November 11), JINYA Ramen Bar, Aubergine Kitchen, and LaserAway. Together they push the Marketplace to 96% leased.
Where the date comes from
The spring 2027 target is from Vestar’s announcement, reported by the Queen Creek Independent and KTAR. Darden itself hasn’t posted a date. Restaurant builds slip all the time over permits, inspections, and equipment, so treat spring 2027 as the plan, not a promise. We checked these sources on October 9, 2026.