American Eat Co. & Market plans to bring the space that formerly housed family-owned American Meat Co. on 1439 S. Fourth Ave. back to life.
“We are going to be Tucson’s first local food court,” said Chris Itule, one of four partners opening AECM. “We are planning on having six restaurants, one bar, one coffee shop, and a market all under one roof.”
The 8,000-square-foot building features a modern industrial interior with brick and accents of steel, wood, concrete, masonry block, and graffiti. Edison lights hang from the roof to provide a warm environment.
A patio with vegetation is in the works, while the community dining room will feature approximately 240 seats.
AECM is a project of real estate development company The Common Group, who has been converting buildings in Tucson’s south side into restaurants and retail establishments.
“Tucson’s south side is underutilized and underrepresented,” Itule said.
While Tucson favorites such as street tacos and Sonoran dogs will likely be in the mix of restaurants, AECM will host a variety of cuisines.
“I love Indian food, but I can’t take my son to Saffron,” Itule said. “This will be a place for both casual eaters and gourmets.”
Although an Indian restaurant isn’t confirmed in the lineup of restaurants, it’s certainly welcome at AECM.
“Our focus is partnership to create a unique dinning experience and provide a shared risk with chefs and restaurateurs,” Itule said. “With today’s changing economic climate it is important we as entrepreneurs find new ways to create sustainable businesses.”
Interested chefs and restaurateurs can contact The Common Group directly at info@thecommongroup.com.
Keep up with American Eat Co. & Market on Facebook.
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.
