Pima to see two new businesses along Highway 70

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: A gourmet hot dog and signature soda shop is being constructed in Pima at 100 East and Highway 70, with the rest of the property slated to become a tree nursery by Peterson Landscaping.

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

PIMA – Progress continues in Pima as an empty dirt lot next to Pima Elementary School is being transformed into a gourmet hot dog and custom soda drive-through, with a proposed tree nursery on the larger parcel. 

On Wednesday, Public Works Director Evan Stringfellow and a handful of workers trenched across 100 East to access the town’s sewer to add new taps for the businesses. 

Fizz + Franks

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: The new hot dog stand will serve a variety of hot dogs and “Destination Bowls” as well as baked goods and custom-crafted sodas mixed to order.

A new drive-through destination is set to elevate the local food scene with custom soda creations, gourmet hot dogs, and fresh-baked treats. Fizz + Franks has announced its upcoming opening at 50 S. 100 East in Pima, offering residents a unique menu centered around quick, handcrafted bites and beverages.

Designed around an aviation theme—promising to make “taste buds take flight”—Fizz + Franks aims to become a go-to spot for daily stopovers, road trips, and quick snacks.

On the Menu

Contributed Photo/Courtesy Fizz+Franks: The new hot dog and soda stand will serve a variety of gourmet hot dogs and other food items.
  • Signature Fizz Drinks: Custom-crafted sodas mixed to order using popular fountain drinks, specialty syrups, fresh citrus, fruit, and cream, all served over soft flake ice. The “Refreshment Terminal” menu also features energy drinks, iced coffees, and sparkling waters.
  • Destination Dogs & Bowls: Gourmet hot dogs featuring bold, unexpected flavor combinations, as well as “Destination Bowls” that serve the signature hot dog toppings over crisp romaine lettuce.
  • Concourse Bakery: Fresh baked goods prepared in-house daily in limited quantities with a rotating daily selection.
  • Flight Sides: Classic side offerings to round out any meal, including crispy chips and slow-simmered beans.
Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Workers cut into 100 East to add two sewer taps for two new businesses in Pima.

Grand Opening Details

While official menu pricing and a specific opening date are still under wraps, the drive-through plans to operate Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Locals can stay updated on the grand opening by checking back with Fizz + Franks or by emailing fizzandfranks@gmail.com.

Peterson Landscaping Nursery

Peterson Landscaping has acquired property adjacent to the Pima Post Office, with plans to establish a local tree nursery to serve the Gila Valley.

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Public Works Director Evan Stringfellow cuts into a sewer pipe to add taps for two new businesses off Highway 70.

Founded in 2021, Peterson Landscaping has steadily expanded its footprint across Graham County, offering custom design-build services, drip irrigation systems, and full-scale landscape maintenance. Adding a dedicated tree nursery marks a major milestone for the business, bringing a wider selection of regionally adapted trees, shrubs, and flora directly to local homeowners and commercial properties.

The new location, next to the post office off Highway 70, puts the nursery in the heart of town, making landscape planning and plant selection more accessible for residents in Pima, Safford, and Thatcher.

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: The left grey area will be where Fizz+Franks will be, while the rest of the dirt lot is slated to be a tree nursery by Peterson Landscaping.

A local nursery dedicated to species that thrive in the high-desert climate will help residential and commercial clients select trees suited to low-water use, heat tolerance, and proper root growth.

We will announce an opening date and inventory rollout as site development progresses. Residents looking for landscape consultations or project maintenance can contact Peterson Landscaping at 928-985-2722 or visit gilavalleylandscaping.com.