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Now that it has been a little over four years since I’ve been working for Tucson Foodie, my photo archive is thick. With 1,300 articles comes thousands of photos. While most of the photos focus on trying to get a taco or salad to look luscious, a sizable chunk of photos have also been trying to capture the faces behind Tucson food and drink. Hundreds of faces.
When I think about the small businesses of Tucson, I think of the families and artisans putting their hearts into their craft. And when I think about those faces, it reminds me of the beauty of Tucson’s tight-knit food and drink community.
Here are the portraits I’ve gathered in the past few years. Keep in mind, I manually scrolled through over 10,000 photos, so I might have missed a few faces by accident. And it’s impossible for me to photograph the entire scene, so simply haven’t photographed countless faces. Also, I’m not including photos of permanently closed restaurants or people where they no longer work (awkward).
Read our article Monsoon Chocolate: World-Class Chocolate, Bon Bons & Bars.
Read our March 2019 article Not Your Average Cafeteria: Farm-To-Table Mindset Cultivated at Sky Islands Public High School.
Read our February 2020 article Arizona Baking Company Showcases Mesquite & Heritage Grains in Premium Baking Mix.
Read our September 2019 article Tucson’s coolest new taco restaurant is inside a converted pink school bus.
Read our March 2018 article Brewery Profile: 1912 Brewing Co..
Read our December 2016 article The Curry Pot Food Truck Bringing Sri Lankan Food to Tucson.
Read our July 2019 article Meet Crema Coffee, Marana’s new craft coffee shop.
Read our March 2017 article Nine on the Line: Yellow Brick Coffee Anna Perreira.
Read our March 2017 article Hungry Kepuha Food Truck Bringing Guam Food to Tucson.
Read our December 2016 article Keeping it Real with Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria.
Read our May 2019 article Just Kabab brings Middle Eastern cuisine to Oro Valley (& you’ll want to try it).
Read our May 2019 article There’s only one place to spend National Chocolate Day.
Read our May 2017 article Nine on the Line: Forbes Meat Company Butcher Ben Forbes.
Read our February 2020 article El Chinito Gordo offers a lively modern vibe with instant culinary classics.
Read our November 2019 article Zipline & dine: Arizona Zipline Tours’ Peppersauce Kitchen cooks homemade goodness.
Read our article 5 Points Market & Restaurant: Almost six years of nurturing community through food.
Read our June 2018 article A look into Brian Smith’s Iron Chef Tucson 2018 victory.
Read our May 2019 article This Dickman’s Ugly Steak sandwich steals the show at Food Groupie Cafe.
Friday, June 19 is their last day open for the time being; stay tuned to their social media for reopening updates.
Read our October 2019 article “CERES” brings fresh hand-made pasta & bread to El Presidio.
Read our May 2019 article Women-run food truck Ensenada Street Food serves up superb secret recipe al pastor.
Read our August 2017 article Merchant’s Garden to offer Tucson’s First Sustainable Certified Seafood.
Read our August 2018 article Ten55 Brewing and Sausage House Grand Opening August 11.
Read our January 2019 article Saguaro Corners: Hearty Comfort Food, Live Music & Mountain Views.
Read our April 2018 article New Chinese noodle shop “Noodleholics” to open on Grant Road.
Read our July 2018 article Celebrate 26 Years of Ghini’s French Caffe with these 10 French classics (SLIDESHOW).
Read our January 2018 article Nine on the Line: Chef Curtis Wright of Time Market.
Read our November 2019 article Presta Coffee is dedicated to bringing Nordic coffee culture to Tucson.
Read our June 2019 article Meet Hop Street Lounge, east Tucson’s new beer, wine & bottle shop.
Read our July 2019 article Red Desert BBQ & Catering to close July 20 in preparation of Boulevard BBQ.
Read our June 2017 article Tools They Use: Yellow Brick Coffee Roaster David Perreira.
Read our November 2019 article 10 pretty pictures of Penca’s new fall menu items.
Read our October 2017 article Nine on the Line: Dee Buizer of Senae Thai Bistro.
Read our November 2016 article Tools They Use: Carriage House Executive Chef Devon Sanner.
Read our October 2019 article Doma’s Delights chef Dominique Stoller Wins Tucson Knife Fight 2019.
Read our December 2019 article Red Light Lounge at Downtown Clifton serves fantastic fry bread & crisp cocktails.
Read our November 2016 article Barrio Bread Retail Bakery in ‘Preheat’; Prepares for November Opening.
Read our February 2017 article Custom ‘Don Nguyen Knives’ are a Hot Commodity Among Chefs, Locals & International Enthusiasts.
Read our November 2019 article Tucson’s first craft cider house Bawker Bawker to open on 4th Ave.
Read our January 2020 article Exo Roast Co. & El Crisol mezcal bar share intertwined mission for community building.
Read our December 2018 article Feast’s Ever-changing Menu Will Keep You on Your Toes.
Read our May 2019 article We asked chefs: what is your favorite ingredient to grill?
Read our April 2019 article Over 30 Years of Quality Food & Drinks Served at Bentley’s House of Coffee & Tea.
Read our December 2018 article Saint Charles Tavern Sits in South Tucson’s Sweet Spot.
Read our December 2016 article Macarons, NY Bagels & French Croissants: Tucson Sisters Bring Woops! BakeShop to Main Gate Square.
Read our April 2019 article Nine on the Line: Emily Dillport from the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.
Read our July 2019 article Fresh table-side salsa and weekly festivities at Guadalajara Original Grill.
Read our February 2019 article Trident Pizza Pub Serves Hand-Tossed, Brick-Oven Pizza with a Tucson Twist.
Elvira’s is currently closed; stay tuned to their social media for any reopening announcements.
Read our June 2017 article Nine on the Line: Elvira’s Beverage Manager Eric Harding.
Read our July 2018 article Pivot Produce: helping local produce make its way to your plate.
Read our July 2019 article Chiltepin Red Ale at Button Brew House is one of the finest spicy beers this side of the border.
Read our March 2019 article “Bowld” Restaurant & Meal Prep to Open in Vail.
Read our January 2020 article Feast like Royalty at Upscale Persian Room Fine Dining.
Read our September 2019 article Former Le Cave’s space finds new life as Mendez Bakery.
Read our November 2018 article Barista del Barrio: Mexican mochas & breakfast burritos by the Briones family.
Read our January 2020 article Villa Peru: an elegant celebration of pisco, ceviche; delightful Peruvian staples.
Read our November 2019 article At Caffé Milano, Chef Fulvia Steffenone Brings a Taste of Italy to Tucson.
Read our January 2020 article Art of Plating 2020 photos: chefs, plates & fun.
Read our June 2019 article “HeeMee Coffee + Bakery” to open downtown on Congress & Stone.
Read our October 2017 article Mid-century Inspired Wine & Beer Bar The Royal Room to Open October 17.
Read our October 2018 article Nine on the Line: Chef Ivor Cryderman.
Read our December 2016 article Nine on the Line: Seis Kitchen’s Jake & Erika Muñoz.
We don’t have an article on him, but know that he’s behind the scenes tailoring wine lists for many local restaurants. He and I did have a lil’ pop-up dinner last year though…
Read our March 2018 article Women’s History Month Episode 2: Coralie Satta, Janet Jones, Wendy Gauthier.
Read our September 2019 article Guided through food: Tucson restaurateur Janos Wilder talks 40 years of global-inspired localism.
Read our May 2016 article Vote and Meet the Chefs for Iron Chef Tucson 2016.
Read our April 2019 article MotoSonora Brewing Company to open on South Park Ave..
Read our August 2019 article Tucson Foodie & local celebs are talking breakfast, live this Thursday.
The Coronet is temporarily closed; stay up to date by following their social media.
Read our April 2014 article A Chat With The Coronet’s Sally Kane.
Read our February 2020 article Inspiration behind Tito & Pep’s Art of Plating winning dish.
Read our October 2018 article Nine on the Line: Chef John “JP” Pratt from Tohono Chul Garden Bistro.
Read our November 2018 article We Experienced the Royal Room’s New Cocktail Menu Firsthand.
Read our January 2018 article Flavor-infused corn tortillas, hot from Che West.
Read our October 2019 article SaddleBrooke’s Ranch House Grill & Brewery a worthy retirement community destination.
Read our April 2020 article Community rallies to save brand-new El Taco Rústico.
Read our December 2019 article Visual guide to the baked treats at popular brunch restaurant Prep & Pastry.
Read our July 2019 article With formal dining & a bistro, Le Rendez-vous makes French classics available to everyone.
Read our December 2018 article Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue: Family-inspired menu drips multicultural soul.
Read our April 2019 article Dante’s Fire’s Ken Foy stoking new flames with fresh menu updates, new partner.
Read our February 2020 article Family-run Raptor Canyon Cafe warms hearts with home-style cooking.
Read our December 2018 article Tucson’s Teppanyaki Evolution & Mr. An’s Legacy.
Read our October 2016 article Tools They Use: Pueblo Vida Brewing’s Kyle Jefferson.
Read our February 2020 article 4th Ave Deli employee Kylie Myers steps up to run the beloved sandwich shop.
Read our January 2020 article Lindy Reilly joins as partner at Fire N’ Smoke, expands menu.
Read our January 2020 article Louie’s Pub provides stand-out service; scorpion bowls & micheladas have a following.
Read our September 2019 article Selena’s brings Salvadorian food to former Desert Island Eatery space.
Read our September 2019 article PHOTO FEATURE: Newly opened Charred Pie serves exceptional pizza in Oro Valley.
The Coronet is temporarily closed; stay up to date by following their social media.
Read our December 2017 article Nine on the Line with Moody Elbarasi of the Coronet.
Read our May 2019 article 10 fun facts about The Dutch Eatery & Refuge.
Both businesses are closed until further notice; stay tuned to their social media for any reopening announcements.
Read our February 2020 article Erman brothers to launch sexy bar “Portal Cocktails” on Fourth Ave.
Read our August 2016 article Tools They Use: BOCA Tacos Chef Maria Mazon.
OBON is currently closed; stay tuned to their social media for reopening announcement soon.
Read our March 2019 article Throwback to the ’80s & ’90s with OBON’s New Cocktail Menu (VIDEO).
Read our August 2019 article Rollies Chef Mateo Otero: “What is Tucson’s Sonoran Chicano food to me?”
Read our November 2019 article Nook serves up creative brunch, lunch & dinner fare to downtown Tucson.
Read our November 2016 article Tools They Use: Mama Louisa’s Executive Chef Michael Elefante.
Read our September 2019 article El Torero back open with neighborhood charm & new gourmet delights.
Read our January 2019 article The Bagel Joint: Wakin’ & Bakin’ Fresh & Local for almost 5 Years.
Read our March 2019 article Pappoule’s: 30+ Years of Tender Gyros & Greek Flavors in Tucson.
Read our April 2018 article Miraval chef Kyle Nottingham to join Commoner & Co., Prep & Pastry team.
Read our August 2019 article PHOTO FEATURE: Sneak peek at August Rhodes Market, opening August 3.
Read our January 2018 article Three-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner at Cafe a la C’Art.
Read our October 2019 article Sonoran Brunch Company to open at 22nd & Kolb on Halloween.
Read our January 2019 article Desert Dream Ice Creamery Now Open on Fourth Avenue.
Read our September 2018 article I spent the last decade going to Yamato Japanese Restaurant for sushi.
Read our July 2018 article “Fat Noodle Ramen House” to open at First Ave. & Wetmore.
Charro Vida is currently closed; stay tuned to their social media for reopening announcements.
Read our February 2019 article Mediterranean-meets-Mexico with finesse & flavor at Charro Vida.
Read our January 2020 article Renee’s Organic Oven expands to new location with bar, patio & menu updates.
Read our June 2017 article Nine on the Line: Chef Riley Chandler of Pop-Up Tucson.
Read our October 2018 article PY Steakhouse Chef de Cuisine Roderick LeDesma Wins Knife Fight 2018.
This food truck is temporarily closed; stay tuned to their social media for updates on reopening.
Read our May 2019 article Foxy Roxy’s Chicken n Cone sizzles with quirky wing flavors on the go.
Read our September 2016 article Tools They Use: Chef Ryan Clark.
Read our December 2019 article Enter Fini’s Landing with fresh seafood & beer on tap in the desert.
Read our February 2017 article Sand-Reckoner Vineyards Tasting Room Now Open in Warehouse Arts District.
Read our April 2018 article “Tamarind” Indian Fusion Restaurant Now Open Near Foothills Mall.
Read our October 2017 article Nine on the Line: Scott Girod of Anello.
Read our May 2019 article Green Feet Brewing: 3 Years Serving Those Who Serve.
Read our May 2017 article Nine on the Line: Fiamme Pizza’s Scott Volpe.
Read our December 2019 article Crank the kitchen game up a notch with gifts for the home chef in your life.
Read our May 2017 article This Week at Carriage House: Primavera Cooks, Tucson Feeds Paris Cocktail Challenge.
Read our February 2020 article 2020 James Beard Award Semifinalists include Barrio Bread, BOCA, Whiskey Del Bac, Mi Nidito.
Read our January 2018 article Nine on the Line: Chef Steven Schultz of Wild Garlic Grill.
Read our May 2019 article Internationally acclaimed Tucson restaurant Cafe Poca Cosa remains fresh & local after 33 years.
Read our March 2019 article Pouring at Hotel Congress Since the ’50s: “Tiger” of Tiger’s Tap Room.
Read our November 2019 article Soul food’s the star at Mama Carey’s Kitchen & Catering. Please note; the restaurant has since closed, but Carey still offers catering.
Read our January 2017 article REVEL Wine and Beer to Open Near 4th Avenue January 14.
Read our February 2018 article Caps & Corks Beer, Wine & Bottle Shop to Open in Marana.
Read our April 2017 article Nine on the Line: The Parish Executive Chef Travis Peters.
Reilly is temporarily closed; stay tuned to their social media for an update on reopening.
Read our February 2017 article Nine on the Line: Chef Tyler Fenton of Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink.
Read our September 2017 article Nine on the Line: Chef Tyler Lapotosky at the Flying V Bar & Grill.
Read our July 2019 article Tucson’s new Town Under Black Distillery features blue corn whiskey with cacao husks.
Read our January 2018 article Tucson’s First Eritrean Restaurant Queen Sheba Now Open.
Read our August 2019 article Tumerico charms locals with quality food & warm vibes (& free yoga).
Read our July 2019 article Chef Chic Wendy Gauthier crowned Iron Chef Tucson 2019 winner (PHOTOS).
Read our August 2017 article Nine on the Line: Travis Miller of Serial Grillers.
Read our October 2019 article Chinese noodle shop Mian Sichuan now open on North Oracle Road.
Read our February 2020 article The Journey & Evolution of Yoshimatsu Japanese Eatery.
According to Rincon Market’s social media, they are temporarily closed. However, the building has a notice posted, stating that the tenant is locked out due to failure to pay rent. We hope to see them reopen regardless.
Read our June 2016 article Meet Yuri Rabayev, Rincon Market’s Fishmonger Extraordinaire for Over 20 Years.
Read our 2020 article Yellow Brick Coffee brews quality & knowledge in every cup.
Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the 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...
