There’s a new locally-focused vegan market and deli coming to midtown Tucson.
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market is aiming to have its soft opening in early December with a larger Grand Opening taking place in January 2022.
The new deli is currently in the process of taking over the space at 5071 E. Fifth St., which is the spot that used to house Eli’s Deli on Fifth Street.
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market has a goal and that’s to satisfy the cravings of even the pickiest of carnivores, all while hosting pop-ups from local vegan chefs, offering several grab-n-go options, and pouring organic fresh-pressed juice.
“My vision for the deli is to support and uplift local businesses whenever possible, so I plan on having lots of local options in the market section, like menu items and also in the coolers,” said Tanya Barnett, owner of Midtown Vegan Deli and Market. “In regards to the pop-ups, I plan on hosting them on Sundays after our regular hours to allow local chefs to showcase their own food. Food that they can also sell in the grab-n-go section after.”
Aside from the to-go options, they’ll offer space for dine-in, are working on setting up an outdoor seating area, and are in the process of getting a beer and wine license.
“This building has a ton of history. It started out as Feig’s Kosher Market & Deli back in 1971 and was well-loved by the community for many years,” said Barnett. “I plan on paying homage to the original deli by offering some items off of their menu, including Matzo Ball Soup and a veganized version of their potato salad.”
When it comes to the remodel, the changes have been moving along smoothly and they’ve received an overflow of help and support from the community.
“I decided to take the leap because I think it’s time to bridge the gap between vegans and meat-eaters,” said Barnett. “My ultimate goal is to get Tucsonans to commit to taking animals out of their diet just one day a week. I want to show them that making better choices can be tasty and fun. I really think together we can save the planet one bagel sandwich at a time.”
Stay tuned for more information about the opening and what’ll be on the menu.
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market is located at 5071 E. Fifth St. For more information, follow them on Facebook.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt 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.
