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

May 21, 2021

By Matt Sterner

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.

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)

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.

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Article By

Matt Sterner

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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