Join Juan Irais Benavides and Michelle Benavides as they breathe new life into Lovin’ Spoonfuls. With a wealth of restaurant experience, they’re taking Lovin’ Spoonfuls to new heights.
Since 2005, Lovin’ Spoonfuls has built a tight-knit community, treating their employees like family, and both Juan and Michelle are all about preserving that warm and welcoming atmosphere. For instance, Chef John Paul Lopez has been there from the beginning, and Pastry Chef Ashley Welsh has been whipping up sweet treats for the past five years.
Juan’s connection to Lovin’ Spoonfuls runs deep.
He worked in the same building when it was known as Coco’s Bakery Restaurant years ago. Later, he spent three years at Lovin’ Spoonfuls, working alongside the original owner, Sunny. It was their talented chef, Lopez, who made Irais aware of the exciting opportunity to make Lovin’ Spoonfuls their own.
Juan and Michelle genuinely appreciate May, the previous owner, for giving them this incredible chance. “We owe a lot to May. Without her, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” said Juan.
“It was like a dream come true! We’ve always wanted to run our own restaurant, and suddenly, there it was, right in front of us,” said Michelle, who feels extremely blessed to have the opportunity to own Lovin’ Spoonfuls.
Michelle, too, has had her fair share of restaurant experience over the years. Their shared passion for the culinary world has brought them together professionally and personally. “He was a cook, and I was a server. That’s where it all started. Our relationship even started in restaurants. That’s our passion,” she reminisced.
With different menus available throughout the day, which are all 100% plant-based, Lovin’ Spoonfuls is known for its hearty vegan dishes like Fried Chicken Alfredo, Chili Cheese Fries, and even Chicken & Waffles.
“The Wildcat burger and the Fried Chicken Dinner are our most popular,” said Michelle. “Our Buffalo Chicken Wrap was a big hit this summer. So, that will go on the menu for sure.”
With Juan and Michelle at the helm, Lovin’ Spoonfuls is entering an exciting new chapter. They know the ins and outs of the restaurant world and are committed to serving exceptional vegan food. Whether you’re vegan or not, stop by and experience the love and flavor that Lovin’ Spoonfuls is all about.
The restaurant is currently open from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Lovin’ Spoonfuls is located at 2990 N. Campbell Ave. #120. For more information, visit lovinspoonfuls.com and follow the restaurant on Instagram. Lovin’ Spoonfuls is also a Foodie 500 Restaurant Partner.
Article written by:
Hannah Hernandez
More about HannahOne of Tucson’s distinguished media creators, Hannah Hernandez, also known as Death Free Foodie, navigates the realms of digital imagery, video editing, and photography.
The trajectory of Hannah’s life changed in 2017 when she adopted a vegan lifestyle, which invited new ways of relating to food and its sources. Choosing to start with sources most immediate to her, Hannah eagerly began exploring local vegan purveyors. Before she knew it she was applying her creative passions toward promoting vegan businesses and makers around Tucson, and Death Free Foodie was born.
Through Death Free Foodie came increased exposure to Tucson’s vegan culture and communities, and it was only a matter of time before Hannah acquired a dedicated following. The growth of Death Free Foodie paralleled Hannah’s personal growth beyond her comfort zones, and she welcomed a new chapter of endless foodie experiences and community involvement.
As means of relaxing, Hannah enjoys dancing and painting her heart out. She also has a garden in her backyard where she grows her favorite herbs, fruits, and veggies.
You can catch glimpses of the many expressions of Hannah’s life’s harvest via her Instagram stories. If you’re curious to see what Hannah’s up to next, follow her at @Deathfreefoodie and check out the link in her bio for reliable access to vegan content.
