NCAAM News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Newsletter

David Richard- USA Today Sports

Add us as a preferred source on Google

James Harden Opens Side Gig in Arizona

Originally posted on Lindy's Sports | By Landon Buford | Last updated Aug 16, 2026 9:22 AM ET

Add us as a preferred source on Google

On Monday, August 17, 2026, NBA star James Harden, along with his business associates, fellow Arizona State University Alumni Troy Payne and Nico Fricchione, will open a location of the Smiling Moose Sandwich Grill in Scottsdale, Arizona. The doors will open officially at 10:30 am Mountain Standard Time.

According to Kylie Werner, who is a web editor with ktar.com, Smiling Moose Sandwich Grill’s menu consists of made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, burgers and freshly baked cookies.

“Today marks not just a new chapter for this community, but a new chapter for my life,” Harden said. “I am excited to be a part of the team bringing Smiling Moose to Scottsdale. This has been my home for many years, and it makes sense to have roots in the place that gave me my start. We’re committed to providing quality ingredients, quick service and a welcoming space for everyone.”

The restaurant will feature indoor seating for customers as well as pick-up, online services, and catering options.

“We’re thrilled to bring Smiling Moose to the Valley,” Smiling Moose franchisor Brian Padilla said. “Our goal is to provide delicious, high-quality food in a welcoming environment where families, friends and coworkers can gather and enjoy a great meal.”

As a promotion to get customers to come out in support, the first 100 patrons will receive a free 6-inch along with a $50 Adidas gift card courtesy of the future Hall of Famer Harden. The location of the restaurant is 2765 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.

View this post on Instagram

The Company was founded in the Early 2000s

In 2003, the Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli was started by a group of friends in Edwards, Colorado.

According to the website, the company is best known for: Original Mo! Sandwich, BBQ Bacon Mo!, Southwest Mo!, Garlic Mushroom Mo!, Steakhouse Mo!, Pesto Peak Italiano, Wildfire Chicken, The Motherlode, Cream of Tomato Basil Soup and Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup.

“Our catering concierge and restaurant teams are 100% dedicated to ensuring your order is accurate and delivered on time. From freshly preparing your order in our restaurant to delivery directly to your office, event or meeting place; catering with the Moose is sure to make everyone smile, Eat Messy® and escape the ordinary one bite at a time. 10% gratuity added to all orders.”

The company has expanded into seven states since it was founded and will expand into its eighth state later this month.

James Harden to open Smiling Moose Sandwich Grill in Scottsdale, Arizona. Arturo Holmes - FIFA / Getty Images

The Company Went Through A Rebrand

In 2015, former Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli president and CEO Sue Daggett spoke with Lisa Jennings of www.nrn.com about rebranding the company “to bring a more cohesive look to the concept.”

“Development has happened in such a way that we have pretty different delis out there, in terms of trade dress,” she said. “We hadn’t really gone through the process to develop a national look, or a repositioning that would impact the entire system.”

They were really wanted to make there rebrand into more a Rocky Mountain look and give their consumers a sense of adventure without over doing the Colorado culture.

“It’s inspired by the Rocky Mountains and gives you a sense of adventure without being too in-your-face Colorado,” Daggett said.

This article first appeared on Lindy's Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: