Welcome Diner, the Phoenix eatery planning to open a Tucson location early September in the former Chaffin’s Diner at 902 E. Broadway Blvd., is currently hiring for all positions.
To apply, send a résumé to Joinourteam@WelcomeHospitality.com.
“We’re excited to be in Tucson,” said Sloane McFarland, co-owner of Welcome Diner. “We’ve spent a lot of time as individuals in Tucson. It’s an honor to be here and we hope to earn the trust of Tucson.”
Those who are worried about losing the vintage feel of Chaffin’s can relax. Through McFarland’s background in renovating historic and infill development projects with his other business Martha + Mary, McFarland aims to maintain the historic integrity of the iconic building.
“Our philosophy was to pull back the layers of paint and get it in a direction of how it was originally,” McFarland said.
Using inspiration from photographs of Chaffin’s Diner in the sixties, McFarland aims to bring back some of the original colors and feel. Through the renovation process, they were also able to make some formerly-inoperable windows function again.
Though the food is still diner-fare, there will be a stronger farm-to-table focus. Co-owner and chef Michael Babcock has been working with the farmers and suppliers in the area.
“We’re super inspired by what’s going on in the Tucson and Sonoita area,” McFarland said. “That will help us guide and grow the menu. We will have a more encompassing menu.”
While diner classics such as biscuits and gravy and burgers are available, Tucsonans can look forward to unique items such as the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich and the Pulled Jackfruit Po’Boy.
Keep up with Welcome Diner on Facebook. For more information, visit welcomediner.net.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
