Brian Metzger certainly isn’t resting. With Gio Taco’s recent downtown grand opening, and a steady stream of business with Jax and The Abbey, shocking is the first word that came to mind when news of Poppy Kitchen hit my inbox. Shocking because, a) it’s been so tightly guarded that not a single word has gotten out, b) it’s opening not even a month after Gio Taco, and c) it’s at La Paloma in the old J-Bar space.

From the press release:

“Poppy Kitchen is the next chapter of my family’s story where love is expressed through our passion for food,” said Metzger. “My poppy was the most kind and loving man I’ve known, who instilled in me a strong work ethic from a very young age,” he shared. “If ever a restaurant could authentically represent kindness, love and strength from a culinary perspective, it’s Poppy Kitchen, and we’re thrilled to be opening our doors on the grounds of one of the most beautiful resorts in the world.”

Described as a “fusion of flavors and flair that have defined the Metzger experience,” I think it’s safe to expect new, creative comfort food that Metzger’s family of restaurants have become known for in Tucson.

This is also the third time Metzger has partnered with FORS Architecture + Interiors.

Along with the news of Poppy Kitchen, Metzger Family Restaurants announced that they were closing their flagship restaurant, Jax Kitchen:

“It’s a bittersweet moment to introduce something new and exciting while simultaneously saying goodbye to the one restaurant that started it all,” said Metzger. “We were facing the end of our lease period at Ina and Oracle, and spent a lot of time reflecting on what the future looked like for this company,” he continued, “and we decided that we needed to be more tightly focused on the company’s growth brands. We’ll forever celebrate the impact that Jax Kitchen had on our family and in this community.”

Jax Kitchen’s last day open to the public will be Sunday, February 16th, just in time for one final Valentine’s Day.

Poppy Kitchen is scheduled to open February 21st.