Passing the torch isn’t always easy but it’s a simple decision when you know your business is in good hands. After 29 years, Jeff Azersky and Jim “Murph” Murphy of Kingfisher Bar & Grill have sold the restaurant at 2564 E. Grant Rd.
“We have sold Kingfisher Bar & Grill,” Azersky and Murphy said in a statement. “The young couple, Jacqueline Kuder and Ted Burhans, that will be taking over are experienced, energetic, longtime Tucsonans, excited to continue to keep Kingfisher going in much the same manner as it always has been.”
Azersky and Murphy made the announcement on Monday, October 24, and the new owners take over tomorrow, Tuesday.
“It’s a good thing from our perspective,” said Azersky. “I’m excited because they’re invested in the community. She’s an accomplished chef who used to write for the Tucson Weekly, and he’s a great front-of-the-house kind of guy. We’re excited for Kingfisher 2.0.”
Since 1993, Kingfisher Bar & Grill has been winning awards for its cuisine, which includes a variety of seafood, grilled meats, and poultry dishes. Most importantly, it’s been luring the appetites of locals for nearly 30 years.
“We would like to say thank you for all of your support,” said Azersky and Murphy. “Through thick and thin, over the last 29 years, we have always been grateful for how many guests would come to dine here with such regularity. There are so many great restaurants in Tucson, and for some reason you chose us. To our staff, many of whom have been here as long as we have, we also want to say thank you. Kingfisher would not have enjoyed the success he have had without them.”
The restaurant is open for lunch 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Tuesday – Saturday (reservations are required from 4 – 9 p.m.) Curbside carryout is available to order from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m on Tuesday – Saturday with pickup between 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Kingfisher is located at 2564 E. Grant Rd. For more information, call (520) 323-7739 and visitkingfishertucson.com.
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.
