Surprise residents named the stores and restaurants they want next.

Surprise residents have spoken, and now the city is asking them to take one more step: tell their favorite companies directly that they want to see them open in the West Valley.

The 2026 Surprise Retail Survey received 4,165 responses, with 85% of respondents reporting that they live in Surprise. The survey asked people to identify their favorite local businesses, the retailers and restaurants they want added to the community, and the types of dining and entertainment experiences they feel are still missing. View the complete 2026 survey results.

The businesses Surprise residents want most

IKEA topped the most-wanted retailer list, while The Cheesecake Factory finished first among restaurants.

The full list of most-requested retailers was:

1. IKEA
2. Whole Foods Market
3. Macy’s
4. AJ’s Fine Foods
5. Trader Joe’s, specifically a second Surprise location
6. World Market
7. Dillard’s
8. At Home
9. JCPenney
10. The LEGO Store

The most-requested restaurants were:

1. The Cheesecake Factory
2. El Pollo Loco
3. Cracker Barrel
4. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
5. Postino
6. White Castle
7. Pita Jungle
8. P.F. Chang’s
9. Wildflower
10. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

The LEGO Store was a newcomer to the retailer rankings this year, landing at No. 10.

The survey also asked what kinds of dining experiences residents would like to see. “Unique foodie eats” ranked first, followed by fine dining and “eat-ertainment,” a category that combines food with games, activities or live entertainment.

Respondents also identified concerts and plays, additional restaurants, bakeries and cafes, and more clothing and apparel options as areas where demand is leaving Surprise.

How residents can contact the companies

The annual survey is finished, but the city’s retail recruitment effort is not.

Surprise Economic Development has added company contact information to its Retail Survey webpage, giving residents a practical way to follow up with many of the businesses on the list.