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Playground Bar & Lounge, the central downtown Tucson nightclub best known for its iconic rooftop, will close July 1 for renovations. The extensive renovations won’t be complete until the fall.
During this time, Playground will relocate operations across the street to Martin Drug Co., beginning July 8.
All Playground events, such as Geeks Who Drink, YogaHour, brunch, and more, will continue from Martin Drug Co.
Sister restaurant HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery will also undergo renovations and will share the Martin space with Playground. HUB’s remodel and expansion is only expected to last one month. On August 11, when HUB tentatively vacates Martin to resume operations in the renovated original location, Playground will fully take over the Martin space.
Retaining employees and remaining open for core guests was cited as a primary reason for deciding to stay open at Martin Drug Co.
“One of the primary reasons for the move is to keep staff employed,” said Director of Operation Sandy Ford. “We have 85 employees at HUB and around 45 employees at Playground.”
Ford, who oversees operations at Martin, HUB, Playground, as well as HUB Ice Cream Factory, also said the renovations are way overdue.
Sister restaurant HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery opened in February 2011 as one of the first businesses – and success stories – setting up shop in downtown Tucson, a trend that has continued and now includes over 80 establishments. Sister nightclub Playground opened in January 2012 followed by standalone HUB Ice Cream Factory in May 2015, and Martin Drug Co. in 2017. All four businesses are owned by developer Scott Stiteler and partners. Another Stiteler project, the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown by Marriott will open in September 2017.
While Playground operates from Martin Drug Co., HUB will offer a limited menu consisting of guest favorites, such as their pot pies, Prime Dip, Prime Fries, and a handful of additional items, including starters, salads, entrees, burgers, and more. Brunch will also be available at select times.
HUB will operate in the Martin space from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday from the Martin Drug Co. space.
Playground will feature a separate bar inside the dining area on weekends, and VIP bottle service tables inside, on the front patio, and in the rear courtyard. Additionally, the massive, 3,000 square foot courtyard (Playground’s rooftop is 2,200 for comparison), which has until now been underutilized by current tenants, will feature DJs and a full bar from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., beginning Friday, July 14.
Playground’s extensive renovations include a new kitchen from the adjoining Bianco space, new private area along Congress Street, new front patio, new furnishings, lights, sound system, televisions, new bathrooms – as well as additional bathrooms, a relocated bar, a permanent, climate-controlled roof structure, and more.
Martin Drug Co. is located at 300 E. Congress St. For more information, keep up with Playground at playgroundtucson.com. Martin Drug Co. information is available at martindrugco.com.
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