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Healthy-style Gilbert restaurant marks 5 years

BY MELODY BIRKETT

GSN Contributor

With two successful locations in California, Fresh Millions opened its third location in Gilbert five years ago near Gilbert and Baseline roads.

From bowls made fresh to order to salads to panini sandwiches, the concept has proven just as successful here as it has been in the Golden State. “We’re focused on a variety of menu options and a lot of globally inspired flavors,” said Satnam Sanghera, founder of Fresh Millions Restaurant Concept. “It’s not a certain kind of food. We have multiple options.” “Our plates are well-defined,” Sanghera said. “Our sandwiches are well-defined. But for the bowls, it’s build-your-own. You choose whatever protein you like, your base, your vegetables, sauce flavor to make your own stir fry. “Somebody can come in and order a hot food item like chicken and steak with fried rice or steak and shrimp with fried rice. If they want to feel healthy, which is a fully tasty flavorful and satisfying option, they can pick a hot bowl. “It’s a bowl where you choose chicken, steak or shrimp as a protein. It comes with your choice of veggies; choice of Satnam Sanghera is the founder of Fresh Millions Restaurant Concept. (Special to GSN) Fresh Millions’ paninis have drawn raves from patrons. (Facebook)

base such as brown rice, white rice, noodles, pasta or spinach; and choice of sauce such as teriyaki, Szchewan, chipotle for a more Hispanic flavor, basil, pesto and Alfredo. We cook it fresh for you.” The counter-service restaurant also offers panini-style sandwiches on focaccia bread, including chipotle or grilled chicken with avocado and steak panini. “You walk up to the counter, you tell us what you’d like to have, and then we cook it for you,” said Sanghera, adding the concept fits well with take-out and delivery orders, the key to survival during the pandemic – along with loyal customers. “Their support was very important for us,” Sanghera said. “Most of the business shifted to take-out and delivery sales. We successfully transitioned to that. We were also able to make some changes to the menu so we could adapt to the take-out/ delivery options.” He also credits his employees for the continued success of the restaurant during the pandemic. “It was a combination of customer support, us being able to innovate and a strong in-store management team - that’s what helped us a lot.”

Sal Deo, who has been “with the company since day 1,” was “instrumental in getting the first location open in San Ramon and then he moved to Arizona to open the Gilbert location,” Sanghera said. “He’s very passionate about the brand and the business. He loves customers more than anything else.”

The restaurant also handles a lot of catering. “We cater businesses meetings, e-meetings and church meetings,” Sanghera said. “It’s a very big part of our business.” Sanghera’s background is in technology software and innovation. He then got into the franchise business and hopes to expand the Fresh Millions concept. “We have a lot of repeat customers. People love our food. This can be taken to the next level. There’s no doubt in my mind.” During the anniversary celebration March 3-5, three days’ worth of deals are being offered. On March 1, people who buy $50 worth of gift cards can get a free $20 gift card.

On March 4, Health care workers can enjoy free Fresh Millions for lunch or dinner (up to $15); others are encouraged to donate $5 to help pre-purchase a meal for a health care worker. On March 5, five popular dishes were be half-priced.

Information: freshmillions.com.

Spencer’s opens new warehouse in East Valley

GSN NEWS STAFF

Spencer’s TV & Appliance, in its now 50th year in business, has opened a warehouse facility and business headquarters on the southwest corner of 40th Street and the Loop 202 freeway in Chandler.

Spencer’s new headquarters will be among a collection of buildings known as the Akimel Gateway in the Gila River Indian Community. “With nearly 4 miles of storage racks, the new warehouse will give Spencer’s the space they need to effectively serve the growing population of the Valley and their additional planned locations,” the company said in a release. Spencer’s said it makes nearly 750 deliveries a day and a centrally located warehouse will give it more effective access throughout the region. Rick Biederbeck, owner stated “First of all, we want to thank the Gila River community for their cooperation and relationship which has made this possible,” said owner Rick Biederbeck. “ We also want to thank all of our employees and customers which have provided us the sales growth and expansion that we never would have dreamed of when we started the company nearly 50 years ago.” Prior to the building’s construction, Biederbeck and the company management offered a prayer to dedicate the land.

“To think of Spencer’s and where it started and where we are today is humbling,” he said. “It’s been a blessing to our employees who now share in the ownership of the company.” Spencer’s opened its first small appliance store at the corner of MacDonald and First Avenue in Mesa in 1973. It now has 10 locations across the Valley.