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Downtown Tucson’s Proper To Close Permanently After Three Year Run

Downtown Tucson’s Proper To Close Permanently After Three Year Run

Jun 18, 20161 min read

One of downtown Tucson’s most promising new restaurants, which opened during what many in the local media referred to as a renaissance of new restaurants opening downtown, is closing its door after three years in business.

Proper, located at 300 E. Congress St. on the southeast corner of Congress and Fifth Avenue will close its doors tonight for the last time at the end of business after dinner service.

Owner Paul Moir, who owns and operates an additional three concepts in Flagstaff, with a fourth concept on the way, cited personal reasons for the closure.

“When we reevaluated our personal lives, we had to make a decision to put our energy into those things that are closer to home and working well for us,” said Moir.

Proper, which opened in May of 2013, breathed an exciting burst of fresh life into downtown Tucson with its open air bar situated right on the corner of Fifth and Congress. The restaurant opened alongside another Flagstaff concept, Diablo Burger. An additional concept, Proper Meats & Provisions, which was slated to open between the two, was able to open in Flagstaff but not in Tucson.

“I love being downtown and I think it still has a lot of promise,” said Moir. “It’s just not working out for us at this time.”

Article written by:

Adam Lehrman

Adam Lehrman

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Adam Lehrman started Tucson Foodie in late 2008 as a way to track his search for the best food Tucson had to offer.

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LAST CALL!

It’s the final day of @Sonoranrestaurantweek (September 13, 2026)! There’s still time to enjoy the great eats and deals across Tucson. Take a look at the menus on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw. 

Tag the restaurants that you loved the most! Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible week.

Produced by Tucson Foodie 
Presented by @Visittucson 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #tucsonLAST CALL! It’s the final day of @Sonoranrestaurantweek (September 13, 2026)! There’s still time to enjoy the great eats and deals across Tucson. Take a look at the menus on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw. Tag the restaurants that you loved the most! Thank you to everyone for being part of this incredible week. Produced by Tucson Foodie Presented by @Visittucson #sonoranrestaurantweek #tucson
@Tortillaschiwas is currently in its soft opening at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory.

Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a James Beard-nominated duo originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the restaurant.

Tortillas Chiwas is currently open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 pm with 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

Photos by @tortillaschiwas 
Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews@Tortillaschiwas is currently in its soft opening at 914 N. Grande Ave. in Barrio Hollywood, inside the former Grande Tortilla Factory. Phoenix restaurateurs Armando Hernandez and chef Nadia Holguin, a James Beard-nominated duo originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, are behind the restaurant. Tortillas Chiwas is currently open Thursdays through Saturdays from 5–10 pm with 38 seats. Reservations are available on OpenTable. Photos by @tortillaschiwas Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
After 4pm, @Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy, serving cocktails, tapas, and late-night bar energy. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩

This weekend’s hours are Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Featured in this video is the Chilte(penis) martini special, made with chiltepin vodka, agua de chiltepin, and pickle juice, available until they sell out.🍸

“Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo 

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonnewsAfter 4pm, @Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy, serving cocktails, tapas, and late-night bar energy. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 This weekend’s hours are Saturday from 2pm to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Featured in this video is the Chilte(penis) martini special, made with chiltepin vodka, agua de chiltepin, and pickle juice, available until they sell out.🍸 “Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonnews
@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿

The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert.

The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples.

🎟️ Doobie members: $110
🎟️ Non-members: $150

The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout.

🔗 in bio

MENU

COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE 
*“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!*
-Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons
-Taki Powder
-“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour)
-Orange Ash
-Green Onion Curls

COURSE 2 / APPETIZER 
*Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites*
-Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip
-Melted Oaxaca
-Savory Avocado Mousse
-Purple Potato Shoestring Frites
-Heirloom Tomatoes
-Pickled Onion Powder

COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER
*Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* 
-Cucumber Serrano Granita
-Caramelized Chamoy Bowl
-Tajin
-Infused Mint/Basil Oil

COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE 
*Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin*
-Beef Franks
-Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon
-Carmelized Shallots
-Refried Beans
-“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust
-Jalapeño Mustard Crema
-Cherry Tomatoes
-Smoked Chile Guero

COURSE 5 / DESSERT
*Gansito à la Mode*
-Chocolate-glazed gâteau,
-Strawberry confit,
-Toasted marshmallow mousse,
-Mexican vanilla semifreddo
-Chocolate crisp.

Photo by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonevents@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿 The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert. The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples. 🎟️ Doobie members: $110 🎟️ Non-members: $150 The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout. 🔗 in bio MENU COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE *“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!* -Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons -Taki Powder -“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour) -Orange Ash -Green Onion Curls COURSE 2 / APPETIZER *Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites* -Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip -Melted Oaxaca -Savory Avocado Mousse -Purple Potato Shoestring Frites -Heirloom Tomatoes -Pickled Onion Powder COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER *Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* -Cucumber Serrano Granita -Caramelized Chamoy Bowl -Tajin -Infused Mint/Basil Oil COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE *Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin* -Beef Franks -Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon -Carmelized Shallots -Refried Beans -“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust -Jalapeño Mustard Crema -Cherry Tomatoes -Smoked Chile Guero COURSE 5 / DESSERT *Gansito à la Mode* -Chocolate-glazed gâteau, -Strawberry confit, -Toasted marshmallow mousse, -Mexican vanilla semifreddo -Chocolate crisp. Photo by @dalton.voss #tucsonlocal #tucsonevents