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Pops Hot Chicken is hosting a soft opening at its new location on Fourth Ave.

Pops Hot Chicken is hosting a soft opening at its new location on Fourth Ave.

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Pops Hot Chicken, which was originally a food truck, has been setting up shop in the spot that previously housed TallBoys at 600 N. Fourth Ave.

Now, they’re ready to get things fired up. The spicy Nashville-style chicken joint is hosting a soft opening with a limited menu on Friday, May 21 – Sunday, May 23, with the grand opening taking place on Saturday, June 5.

Pops Hot Chicken
Photo courtesy of Pops Hot Chicken on Instagram

With the new opportunity, Peter Yucupicio, owner of Pops Hot Chicken, has some big plans for his first standalone brick-and-mortar restaurant.

“We’re expanding our menu, too,” said Yucupicio. “We’re going to be offering more breakfast and brunch items at the new location, which will still have our southwest take on southern-style flavors.”

Soft Opening Schedule & Menu

Friday, May 21 from 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Hot Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandos with tots and mac and cheese
Saturday, May 22 from 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Hot Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandos with tots and mac and cheese
  • DJ Junes will be providing the beats from 8 – 11 p.m.
Sunday, May 23 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Breakfast Sandos and Homemade Biscuits
Pops Hot Chicken sandwiches at American Eat Co. (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Pops Hot Chicken sandwiches at American Eat Co. (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Aside from the new menu items, he plans to have a full bar to accompany the spicy cuisine — a lovely way to douse the flames inside your mouth during the late-night hours of wandering around on Fourth Avenue.

The original Pops Hot Chicken food truck went up in flames back in February 2020, but Tucupicio says he’s got plans to make another attempt at going mobile in addition to the new location. Also, with one move comes another, and at some point, the chicken sandwiches are moving out of the southside food hall, American Eat Co.

Pops Hot Chicken is located at 600 N. Fourth Ave. To keep up with Pops Hot Chicken Truck on Instagram.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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Tucson’s Greek dining scene offers spanakopita, slow-roasted lamb, and fresh-baked baklava across the city. This guide focuses on kitchens that cook Greek food as their core identity rather than Mediterranean restaurants with Greek dishes.

Whether you want a quick lunch near campus or a long dinner with friends, this guide points you to Greek cooking. 

Make sure to stop by the @Tucsongreekfestival at Jácome Plaza this Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7! 

More details on Tucsonfoodie.comTucson’s Greek dining scene offers spanakopita, slow-roasted lamb, and fresh-baked baklava across the city. This guide focuses on kitchens that cook Greek food as their core identity rather than Mediterranean restaurants with Greek dishes. Whether you want a quick lunch near campus or a long dinner with friends, this guide points you to Greek cooking. Make sure to stop by the @Tucsongreekfestival at Jácome Plaza this Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com
Join the Tucson Foodie team for our November Foodie Dinner at @Wildgarlicgrillofficial on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6–8:30 pm!🔥

Enjoy a three-course menu featuring:

FIRST COURSE 
Lemon Sole Paupiettes filled with shrimp and crab mousse, with basil-red pepper beurre blanc

MAIN COURSE
Mesquite-Grilled Gold Canyon Ranch Filet Mignon with blue oyster mushrooms, roasted heirloom potatoes, asparagus, and morel mushroom-truffle cream sauce

DESSERT
Raspberry-Vanilla Crème Brûlée

Optional wine pairings and drink specials will also be available!🍷

Tickets are $105 per person, plus tax. Foodie Club members receive a discount with a promo code at checkout!

Seats are limited! Ticket ink in bio.🎟️Join the Tucson Foodie team for our November Foodie Dinner at @Wildgarlicgrillofficial on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6–8:30 pm!🔥 Enjoy a three-course menu featuring: FIRST COURSE Lemon Sole Paupiettes filled with shrimp and crab mousse, with basil-red pepper beurre blanc MAIN COURSE Mesquite-Grilled Gold Canyon Ranch Filet Mignon with blue oyster mushrooms, roasted heirloom potatoes, asparagus, and morel mushroom-truffle cream sauce DESSERT Raspberry-Vanilla Crème Brûlée Optional wine pairings and drink specials will also be available!🍷 Tickets are $105 per person, plus tax. Foodie Club members receive a discount with a promo code at checkout! Seats are limited! Ticket ink in bio.🎟️
TUCSON GREEK FEST GIVEAWAY!🎉

We’re giving away 2 pairs of (Saturday) VIP tickets to Tucson Greek Fest! 

Experience the warmth and hospitality of Greece right here in Tucson! Head downtown to Jácome Plaza for a weekend filled with delicious Greek food, lively music, folk dancing, shopping, and plenty of cultural celebrations.

Gyros, baklava, saganaki, and so much more. 

📍Jácome Plaza | 101 N. Stone Ave.
Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Like this post 
2. Follow @tucsongreekfestival and @tucsonfoodie 
3. Tag a friend in the comments (unlimited entries) 

Good luck! 

No purchase necessary. Must be 18+ to enter. Winners will be selected at random and contacted by @tucsonfoodie. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.TUCSON GREEK FEST GIVEAWAY!🎉 We’re giving away 2 pairs of (Saturday) VIP tickets to Tucson Greek Fest! Experience the warmth and hospitality of Greece right here in Tucson! Head downtown to Jácome Plaza for a weekend filled with delicious Greek food, lively music, folk dancing, shopping, and plenty of cultural celebrations. Gyros, baklava, saganaki, and so much more. 📍Jácome Plaza | 101 N. Stone Ave. Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 HOW TO ENTER: 1. Like this post 2. Follow @tucsongreekfestival and @tucsonfoodie 3. Tag a friend in the comments (unlimited entries) Good luck! No purchase necessary. Must be 18+ to enter. Winners will be selected at random and contacted by @tucsonfoodie. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.
Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during October! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️

🍔@Thebigdaneenergy: Fried Chicken & Pandan Waffle @kindeethaiaz, Green Chile Burger @bosburger__, Corned Beef and Eggs @bajacafetucson 

🥯@Addiewankenobi: Everything Bagel with Heirloom Tomato @batatucson, Branzino @tohonochulgardenbistro, Pad Kee Mao @kindeethaiaz, Appetizing Board with Tuna Salad @knellersdelicatessen 

🍜@Deathfreefoodie: Tofu and Vegetable Chow Fun @jundynasty 

🍣@Jackie_tran_: Heirloom BLT @sawmillrun, Seared Salmon Nigiri @kintokisushihouse, French Toast @sunshine_wine_tucson, Smoked Prime Dip @knellersdelicatessen, Chongqing Noodles @noodleholicstucson, Duck a L’Orange @corktucson 

Tell us about some of your favorite dishes in the comments!Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during October! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️ 🍔@Thebigdaneenergy: Fried Chicken & Pandan Waffle @kindeethaiaz, Green Chile Burger @bosburger__, Corned Beef and Eggs @bajacafetucson 🥯@Addiewankenobi: Everything Bagel with Heirloom Tomato @batatucson, Branzino @tohonochulgardenbistro, Pad Kee Mao @kindeethaiaz, Appetizing Board with Tuna Salad @knellersdelicatessen 🍜@Deathfreefoodie: Tofu and Vegetable Chow Fun @jundynasty 🍣@Jackie_tran_: Heirloom BLT @sawmillrun, Seared Salmon Nigiri @kintokisushihouse, French Toast @sunshine_wine_tucson, Smoked Prime Dip @knellersdelicatessen, Chongqing Noodles @noodleholicstucson, Duck a L’Orange @corktucson Tell us about some of your favorite dishes in the comments!