Umi Star is moving on up. Unfortunately, it won’t be in Tucson.

With third parties interested in taking the Mexican-Asian concept to Mexico or Phoenix, the deal will mean closure for the small, loungy restaurant that architect, designer, and restaurateur, Jason Anderson built.

“It’s unfortunate that Umi won’t stay in that location, but I’m confident that a different spot with more space will make all the difference.  We are very appreciative to all of the loyal Umi customers that Tucson has given us over the last year and a half.” says Anderson. “We have three new concepts on the way to keep them happy and I’m trying to stay focused on getting the first of those, Nox, open in the old Cafe Jasper space at Skyline and Campbell in early February. It’s a great new concept that we designed specifically for that location.”

Nox is slated to open in early February and will feature New American cuisine with some Latin and Asian influences and a wide range of menu items such as Grilled Baby Artichokes with House made Aioli, Pork Belly Buns with Hoisin Vinaigrette, Chives, Red Chile, and Kimchi, and a world-class craft cocktail and bar program.

Original Chop Shop, planned for late April, is an existing Scottsdale, Tempe, and Chandler concept Anderson plans to bring to Tucson that features healthier and quicker items such as pressed juices, breakfast, salads, and sandwiches.

Hudson, the third concept Anderson plans to open sometime around August – and the most ambitious – will open on the corner of 4th Avenue and 9th Street, across from the 4th Avenue underpass. The Hudson concept is still mostly under development, but expect something that will be a great addition to south 4th avenue.