A look at some of the Tucson restaurants that packed it up this year.
El Torero Mexican restaurant, at 231 E. 26th St., has been operating in South Tucson since 1957.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarSouth Tucson’s El Torero Restaurant temporarily closed after owner Brad Hultquist suffered a brain aneurysm, according to his brother and business partner Mike Hultquist.
Mike Hultquist on Friday said he expects to reopen the restaurant at 231 E. 26th St. in January.
Owner Ray Flores was not specific, but said Sir Veza’s had to close “in order to determine if there will be sufficient repairs and other remedies ... to fully correct the situation,”
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star/Sir Veza’s Kitchen & Kantina at the Tucson Mall closed eight weeks after owner Ray Flores finished a minor remodel of the restaurant and tweaked the concept from table service to fast-casual.
Flores, in a Facebook post, blamed the closure on “long-term” unresolved problems with the building he rents from the Tucson Mall at 220 W. Wetmore Road.
“We must close our doors effective immediately in order to determine if there will be sufficient repairs and other remedies made available by Brookfield Properties, our Chicago, Illinois-based landlords, to fully correct the situation,” he said in the statement.
The Cans Deli space has a similar vibe to the previous concepts, but with a little fresh paint and a retro mural.
Andi Berlin | This Is TucsonAfter seven months in operation, Cans, a promising concert venue and deli on North Fourth Avenue, is calling it quits at the end of the year.
A lengthy post from management on the Cans Facebook page last week declared its last day open will be Dec. 31.
“This decision has not been an emotionally or financially easy one,” the post read. “Our experience running a venue has taught us many things, and we hope to have gained wisdom and spiritual growth throughout the process.”
Launched by Ben Schneider, owner of TallBoys at 600 N. Fourth Ave., and several business partners, Cans seemed to show up at the right time.
The space, previously occupied by the poutine restaurant U.S. Fries at 340 N. Fourth Ave., came with a deli at the front of the house and a bar and concert venue in the back.
Las Margaritas owner Terry Morse, right, says higher wage, sick pay and rent costs, as well as new competition, led to the decision to close the restaurant after 38 years. With her is manager David Wetstein, who she jokes “came with the building.”
Photos by Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily StarLas Margaritas Mexican Restaurant on North Oracle Road closed on Nov. 25, ending a family legacy of 65 years in the restaurant business, born in a small, unassuming dining room in central Tucson.
“Everybody who walks in that door, the only thing they say is, ‘It’s so sad.’ ‘I was engaged here.’ ‘I had my wedding reception, my anniversary here,’” Las Margaritas owner Terry Morse said Monday, recounting anecdotes from loyal customers once they learned that the 38-year-old restaurant will close. “It’s real sad. I don’t even want to work these next few weeks.”
Bird Bar & Chicken recently changed its concept and menu, but it wasn’t enough to save the restaurant.
Photo Courtesy of Bird Bar & ChickenBird Bar & Chicken — formerly Bird Modern Provisions & Bar in Casas Adobes Plaza, 7109 N. Oracle Road — served its last plate of shrimp and grits and spicy fried chicken on Sept. 14 before owner Brandon Katz and his partners decided to close for good.
“We financially could not continue to support the bleeding. It was a decision made on the financials,” said Katz, whose Fukushu Restaurant Concepts also operates Goodness and downtown’s popular sushi and ramen restaurant Obon. “We took a chance in an area of town that was lacking a certain demographic and food, and I think we accomplished what we set out to do, but we failed to message it.”
Fuddruckers was once one of Tucson's most popular burger joints. It closed on Wednesday after struggling to competing in a now crowded Tucson burger market.
Courtesy Fuddruckers via FacebookTucson's lone Fuddruckers restaurant closed in August, ending a 30-plus-year run here.
The restaurant at 6118 E. Speedway posted a sign on the door saying it was closing at 3 p.m. Aug. 8.
In the last few years, Fuddruckers started to lose its relevance in an overcrowded market. Employees said business had been in a steady decline leading up to the closing.
Mayram Velazquez, a food runner at Zivaz Mexican Bistro, grabs two burrito dishes to bring to a table at the restaurant, 4590 E. Broadway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz. Zivaz faces off against Ole Mexican Grill for Burrito Madness champion. Photo taken Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarFollowing a dozen-year run, Zivaz Mexican Bistro on East Broadway closed its doors for good in mid-July.
The restaurant, recognized by fans in the Arizona Daily Star’s Burger and Burrito Madness competitions, proudly advertised the burger accolade on the side of the building at 4590 E. Broadway for years after the 2013 contest.
The summer slowdown combined with an increase in the state’s minimum wage took a financial toll on the family’s restaurant, co-owner Cecilia Valenzuela said.
Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar at Tucson Mall is calling it quits at the end of business Saturday, May 19, after 13 months.
Courtesy Twigs/In mid-May, just days over 13 months since opening at Tucson Mall, Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar closed its doors.
The restaurant at 150 W. Wetmore Road will close at the end of business Saturday, May 19, according to a Facebook posting Wednesday morning.
Twigs, specializing in regional American fare from pastas and pizza to osso bucco and crab mac and cheese, was the Spokane, Washington-based chain's most ambitious undertaking. In its 16-year history, the farthest it had ventured was opening an outpost in Salt Lake City.
Stray Dogs' milkshakes.
Andi Berlin / Arizona Daily StarMonths after initiating talks to sell their building at 78 W. River Road, the owners of Stray Dogs announced that they were closing in mid-January.
“It’s definitely bittersweet,” said Tom Firth, the managing partner of Hacienda del Sol and a co-owner of Zona 78 on East Tanque Verde Road. “The business has been great. It’s just a lifestyle decision.”
The restaurant was known for their burgers and signature decadent milkshakes.
The building that housed restaurant is slated to become medical marijuana dispensary (and let the jokes commence...)
Mama Louisa’s in Rita Ranch closed last weekend after nearly four years in business.
Google MapsMama Louisa’s on Houghton, the shirttail cousin of the original Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant that’s lived on South Craycroft Road since 1956, closed in mid-April.
The move was announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page; no reason was given why the restaurant was shuttered after nearly four years in Rita Ranch.
However, fans don't need to sweat it too much: The original location on Craycroft Road is still open.
Pionic Pizza, which opened in 2014, closed Tuesday with an event involving family, employees and longtime customers.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarPionic Pizza, the only locally owned, fast-casual pizzeria in Tucson among a handful of chains, closed on Aug. 29, the casualty not so much of economics as family priorities.
“We did everything we could, but (business) did slow down quite a bit. In order for us to revive it would have taken a lot of money and effort, and for me family came first,” said owner Joyce Sinclair, who said she was torn between devoting endless hours running the business with her son Scott and caring for her ill mother.
After more than 10 years of serving authentic Greek fare to Tucson, Opa Greek Cuisine & Fun on Campbell Avenue has called it quits.
A sign on the restaurant's door quietly announced the closing, which happened in early April.
Meanwhile, the Opa spinoff Opa Time Gyros and Salads at American Eat. Co., 1439 S. Fourth Ave., is booming. The restaurant, which is not affiliated with the original location at 2990 N. Campbell Ave., is proving to be one of the most popular of the six restaurants in the south side indoor food court.
Nimbus Brewing Co., at 3850 E. 44th St., closed in May partly due to owner James Counts’ divorce proceedings.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily StarNimbus Brewery, one of Tucson’s oldest and longest-running breweries, closed in early May after a court-ordered receiver determined the business was saddled with crippling debt that made it impossible to continue operating.
Christopher G. Linscott said he changed the locks on the business at 3850 E. 44th St. hours before it was to open at 11 a.m. May 4. Nimbus’ final day was May 3.
“I shut it down because we did not have money to operate,” Linscott said Monday after a hearing before Superior Court Judge Greg Sakall in the ongoing legal battle between owner James Counts and his former wife, Patricia Counts.
May's Counter, 2945 E. Speedway, Tuesday, August 7, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily StarMay’s Counter Chicken & Waffles, a popular dining destination for University of Arizona athletes and students and one of the only Tucson restaurants fully devoted to the Southern specialty, closed at the end of business on Aug. 7 owners decided not to renew their lease.
Tucson restaurant designer John Foster conceived the idea of May’s Counter in 2010, inspired by chicken and waffle restaurants popular in the South. He brought in Phoenix chef Aaron May — who is not the restaurant’s namesake — to help craft the menu; the Fields, who owned the lease, were also partners in the venture.
Luke’s On Grant will serve its last Italian beef sandwiches loaded with peppers and onions on Saturday. The restaurant will close at the end of business June 23 after losing its lease.
After more than 20 years at East Grant Road near North Swan Road, Luke’s on Grant sandwich shop is closing on Saturday, June 23, the victim of a lost lease.
Jennifer Tilton, whose family has owned the restaurant the last 5½ years, said they are looking for a new location. Tilton is the granddaughter of Luke’s founder Luke Del Principe, who still runs Luke’s Italian Beef at 1615 S. Alvernon Way.
Artisanal breads -- Credit: Courtesy Kneaders
Courtesy KneadersThe Utah-based franchisee of Tucson's three Kneaders Bakery & Cafe restaurants shut down the North Craycroft Road restaurant at the end of May, one of three in Arizona that were closed after not meeting earnings goals, company officials said.
The restaurant at 3570 N. Craycroft Rd., at East River Road, had been in business less than two years.
Classic Spaghetti Western Steakhouse is closing at the end of July, 10 months after opening at 1535 N. Stone Ave.
Courtesy of Classic via FacebookWith little fanfare, the owner of Classic Spaghetti Western Steakhouse north of downtown is closing the restaurant on July 28.
In a Facebook posting, owner Kade Mislinski gave no reason for the closure.
Alejandro's Cafe, located at 31 N. Scott Ave., closed its doors in the spring.
“The concept, people just didn’t come,” said management partner John Aldecoa.
Star file photoAbuela's could be on both the open and the closing list in 2018.
The Mexican restaurant in the former home of Old Pueblo Grille closed in March just 10 weeks after opening.
The restaurant at 60 N. Alvernon Way had apparently been losing about $1,000 per day, according to one of the partners involved.
“The concept, people just didn’t come,” John Aldecoa, who was a management partner in the project, said a day after the landlords locked them out. “I guess there’s just a lot of Mexican restaurants here.”
Al Longmire, 78, closed up shop Saturday night following three decades at the same East Grant Road location.
The owners of the popular dining destination decided not to renew their lease.
Advent of gourmet burgers and national fast-casual chains pushes out 30-plus-year-old restaurant.
Owner says they want to focus on her mother's health.
After 10 years and 2 days the original Tucson Tamale Company restaurant is closing, hoping to return again.
The menu at Sir Veza's Kitchen & Kantina is largely the same, but the attitude has shifted to fast-casual.
Brandon Katz blames poor messaging and executing the concept for the closure of the Tucson restaurant.
This ends the restaurant legacy that Elias and Louisa Molina started with Molina's Midway in 1953.
The sweet smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies is no longer a thing at 17 N. Stone Ave., downtown.
Apparently the decision was made at the corporate level.
Born of a food truck, the serial killer-inspired sandwiches and pizza restaurant has a wide following.
Tucson Mall restaurant has been opened just over 13 months.
Diverse group of acts swinging in this week.
Tucson Original Restaurants teams up with Phoenix-based Local Arizona First for inaugural Whiskey & Smoke.
Former Tucsonan has a standing gig at Catalina pub.
Her name was randomly drawn from 25 million entries.
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If your spooky side is longing for something Halloween-esque in the midst of summer, Colossal Cave has you covered.
List is a blend of old and new spots.
Persian Room joins Indian restaurants on the northwest side.
The well-known doughnut shop went through months of health inspection troubles in 2017, even briefly shutting down last summer after a court order
We're not quite ready for the links, but maybe someday ...
The franchise operator said the Tucson store was not making enough money to justify being open.
What's better than free doughnuts? We say not much.
The work of local artist Chiara Bautista will play a role on the next leg of Metallica's ongoing WorldWired arena tour.
Tickets to Baez long gone; lineup includes Paul McCartney tribute show, return of legendary artists John Prine and Herb Alpert and the 25th anniversary tour of Melissa Etheridge's Grammy-winning, multiplatinum record "Yes I Am."
It could be late fall before the Mexican restaurant reopens; insurance still isn't settled.
You know the basics - raise your thermostat temp, use fans... here are seven things you might not know about saving energy in the summer.
The Tucson Border Patrol's emergency beacons have saved the lives of many people stranded in the Arizona desert.
The event will offer workshops on budgeting, credit repair and down payment assistance, and provide resources for current homeowners and new buyers.
Two of the three were pregnant. Three other recently born calves also died while awaiting release.
Emergency personnel from three agencies assisted in the rescue of the hiker.
They're surpassing expectations at school and in their communities while taking care of their dad — and each other.
The administration is falsely arguing that separating migrant children from their parents is a side-effect of enforcement, when it's actually a policy goal.
After a clash of interests stops Arizona water bills for this year, top legislators will try again in 2019.
'Bad Blood' by Wall Street Journal reporter John Carreyrou was released May 21.
Lasting solutions to the Central American migration dilemma will not come from building a higher wall or more prisons.
City Council should work with developer on Monastery project.
It's an important historic structure in Tucson.
The former secretary of state doubled-down on his earlier vow not to appoint Cindy McCain to fill any vacancy.
Several sites on Mount Lemmon are named for Carl E. Sollers, a forest ranger, search-and-rescue crew member and fire control officer.
Tucson’s rainy season officially starts June 15, which will be a welcome change for some residents
Charitable donations by Southern Arizona businesses and organizations.
Six people were killed in recent days by the man, authorities said on Monday.
A high of 110 degrees is possible by the end of the week.
A 37-year-old man was arrested six hours after damaging three businesses and being in a standoff with Tucson police officers Monday morning.
Georgia Tech University says that a law firm found no evidence of sexual misconduct.
No tickets left for fourth annual Pizza Throwdown that pits pizza maker against pizza maker to crown King of the Pie.
Long-term Navy contracts could be worth up to $850 million for Raytheon and Norwegian partner Kongsberg.
FLORENCE — An Arizona National Guard assault helicopter had a hard landing while conducting training in Florence, but authorities say no signi…
Online claims go viral on social media, feeding conspiracy theories across the country.
Water district seeking bids on power to pump Colorado River water.
The lot will be located on the northeast corner of Ajo Way and Country Club Road.
Had Bobby Kennedy lived, it is not hard to imagine the world as a much different, much better place.
The large-scale operation, assisted by aerial surveillance, is part of the Trump administration's increasing focus on employers that hire people in the country illegally.
During 15-year tenure, Balazs transformed the mostly volunteer ensemble into a respected regional orchestra.
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Event expands from a day to a week, including special offers from participating restaurants.
June 15, 2021, was the second hottest day on record for Tucson at 115 degrees. This is what it felt like.
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Anello finds a place downtown.
Dozen of restaurants worthy of jumping off your bike.
Owner says it could be October before South Fourth Avenue anchor reopens.
HSL plans to build 285 units near Interstate 10 and Twin Peaks Road.
Owners of the Phoenix-based Cobra Arcade Bar have announced on Facebook that their new location in downtown Tucson will officially open Friday…
Police are seeking help to identify the two women from the burglary June 12.
A 35-year-old man impersonated a law enforcement officer while trying to get a refund for items he did not purchase, authorities said.
The department was able to determine the animal was shot and killed last week.
The passengers, including two children, were not injured during the vehicle chase, the agency said.
Concert is showcase for local metal rock scene.
Thousands of acres of trees added in the past decade have started to boost production, but unfolding trade war rattles industry.
Shipping container shopping center features hyper-local restaurants, retail shops.
7 Ounce Korean Steakhouse is one of two new Korean barbecue eateries in Tucson.
Thunder Canyon Brewstillery and The Maverick newest additions to airport's multimillion-dollar makeover.
A second dog boutique could be up and running by the end of the year.
7 Ounce Korean Steakhouse is one of two new Korean barbecue eateries in Tucson.
Fans of craft beer have one more day after Thursday to grab a pint at Ten Fifty-Five Brewing’s original taproom, 3810 E. 44th St.
The owner, who operates six restaurants, says he wants to slow down.
The brewery, one of Tucson's oldest, could be sold by summer's end.
Ten 55 will feature locally crafted sausages, craft beer.
Taste of Tucson comes to D.C. area.
Annual event includes free popcorn, free movies and tons of fun.
Meanwhile, Even Stevens downtown could reopen after being locked out by its landlord.
The newest offering on the restaurant's menu combines hemp, flax and chia seeds, quinoa, olive oil, nopalitos and fresh corn.
The shop will be open until Thursday, July 26.
Expect a new menu when the restaurant reopens after closing July 22 for summer break.
The anonymous surprise comes just two days after El Charro's Carlotta Flores was robbed while grocery shopping.
New restaurant breathes life into a building that was once an iconic Tucson burger stand.
The move makes it easier for folks attending downtown performances.
Ten55 Brewing is taking its beer to the next level with the grand opening of its brand new taproom and sausage house downtown this Saturday.
The north side Hawaiian restaurant will serve popular Samurai soft serve Hawaiian ice cream.
Chocolate factory and diner closed two months ago when the heat became too much for the building's cooling system.
Offer good Saturday, Aug. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m.
White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger restaurant, today announced plans to open its first restaurant at "The Block" located on Rou…
Midwest fast-food burger chain makes its first bold move west of St. Louis.
The bar has been operating in Arizona since 1902.
Authorities have not said what caused the crash nor how many people were killed or injured.
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for its employees and U.S. citizens to reconsider their travels to Sonora, Mexico.
Fourth location in Marana still in the works.
Seriously, wear your whitest plain white T and join the grape crushing fun at Sonoita winery.
The seventh annual Born & Brewed Beer Battle celebrates Tucson's bustling craft beer scene.
48-cent-a-cup campaign tips hat at UA alum Rob Gronkowski.
West side location is moving into Trail Dust Town.
Will take the place of Grimaldi's Pizzeria in Sam Hughes Place.
Downtown dive bar finds new home on North Stone Avenue.
Offering free drinks during grand opening Oct. 9.
Café Marcel creperie at 2281 N. Oracle Road is under new management, with an expanded menu that includes, among other things, liquor-infused c…
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Oregon company's first Tucson store on South Wilmot Road is giving away free 16-ounce drinks throughout the day Tuesday, Oct. 9.
Tucson sandwich guru and blues singer-songwriter Austin Counts is about to make his national television debut.
Austin Counts cancels his appearance on Guy Fieri's "Guy's Grocery Games" to tend to his ill father.
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After new midtown eatery Tito & Pep was vandalized, local sign painter Ashley White came to the rescue.
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After 7 months in operation, CANS, a promising concert venue and deli on North Fourth Avenue, is calling it quits at the end of the year.
Residents of Rochester, New York can now get a little taste of Tucson, thanks to the efforts of Marana-raised chef Joseph Zolnierowski IV.
Trail Dust Town location has a more efficient kitchen setup which will reduce wait times, owner has said.
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A new restaurant on North Fourth Avenue is offering a menu of high-end bar food, upscale entrees and Tucson-flavored cocktails.
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Employees-owned diner next to downtown hotel says they were willing to pay the quadrupled rent but still lost their lease.
Mark Fontana is enjoying the elbow room at his recently relocated New York Pizza Department, 6546 E. Tanque Verde Road.
Restaurant side of downtown "brewstillery" to close Jan. 21.
Fate of two others that closed in December undecided.
Owner says the demand was too great to close up shop completely.
Here's a look at all the restaurants and coffee shops that have opened in 2019.
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