Omar Alvarez isn’t just opening restaurants. He’s building a culinary universe rooted in memory, fire, and a deep respect for where flavor comes from. Now, the force behind Pa’La Wood-Fired Kitchen and Tortas Paquimé is taking that vision west with two distinct new concepts set to shake up Goodyear and Glendale.
Under the TPQ Foods umbrella, Magdaleña and Paquimex are poised to bring two very different, yet deeply connected, dining experiences to the West Valley this spring. Together, they tell a story of evolution, one that starts in northern Mexico and stretches into a more expansive, modern Latin culinary perspective.
“We’re always looking to grow in new ways by honoring the people and community that have built this with us,” says Alvarez. “Magdaleña and Paquimex are a reflection of that dedication. We’re excited to continue this journey together, bringing our love for great food and community to the West Valley.”
Magdaleña lands in Goodyear’s fast-rising GSQ district, a growing civic and cultural hub anchored by a new city hall, two-story library, community park, hotel, and more. Set to open in late May, the restaurant introduces a fresh take on wood-fired cooking through a Latin American lens, with a menu built around premium meats, fresh seafood, and vegetable-forward dishes designed for sharing.
Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Jason Alford, whose decade-plus experience with wood and charcoal cooking shows up in every dish. “This menu tells a different cultural story,” says Alford. “With Latin American flavors at the center, we’re able to broaden our flavor profile while still relying on the wood-fire techniques that define our cooking. Fire is the oldest form of cooking, and there’s something powerful about connecting every dish back to that source.”
The experience doesn’t stop at the plate. The beverage program, curated by Gilles Kolakowski, focuses exclusively on wines and spirits from Latin America, reinforcing a pairing philosophy rooted in place and discovery. “Our goal is to give guests the sense that they’ve been transported there,” Kolakowski says. “Every place has its own identity when it comes to food and wine, and our focus is on honoring those natural pairings.”
Behind the scenes, that program is supported by extensive staff training, ensuring guests are guided through the menu with confidence and ease. The space itself, designed by House of Form, leans into the idea of a rose, Magdaleña’s namesake, with natural marble, sculptural detailing, velvet lighting, and a chef’s counter that adds movement and texture to the room.
Over in Glendale, Paquimex takes a more casual route without losing the soul of what made Tortas Paquimé a Valley staple. Opening this spring, the concept builds on more than two decades of history, tracing back to Alvarez’s original torta shop inspired by Casas Grandes, Chihuahua.
“Paquimex is a natural evolution of our roots,” says Alvarez. “We wanted to build on the foundation of Tortas Paquimé while creating something that reflects how our company has grown. It’s rooted in the same flavors and traditions, but with a new energy and a format designed for where dining is today.”
The updated fast-casual format introduces a streamlined menu, expanded service, and a curated cocktail program, a notable addition not previously offered at Tortas Paquimé. The result is a more flexible, modern dining experience that still delivers the nostalgic flavors that built the brand.
That balance between honoring tradition and embracing what’s next has defined TPQ Foods since its start in 2002. What began as a single neighborhood concept has grown into a seven-location restaurant group known for handmade Mexican specialties, many crafted in-house through its own bakery, and a collaborative culture that continues to shape its expansion.
Insider Takeaways
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TPQ Foods is expanding west with Magdaleña in Goodyear and Paquimex in Glendale, both opening this spring.
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Magdaleña debuts in the GSQ district with a wood-fired, Latin American menu designed for sharing.
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The beverage program highlights Latin American wines and spirits, backed by strong staff training.
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Interiors by House of Form feature marble, velvet lighting, and a design inspired by a rose.
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Paquimex evolves Tortas Paquimé with a fast-casual format, expanded service, and new cocktail offerings.
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TPQ Foods now spans seven locations and continues its legacy of handmade, bakery-driven Mexican cuisine.
To learn more, visit magdalenakitchen.com and tpqfoods.com.
