Chef Janos Wilder — Tucson’s first James Beard Award winner — has officially announced his latest culinary project: Studio Janos. The new experiences will be open on Thursday, September 28.

“After over 40 years in the restaurant business in Tucson, I am thrilled to present the most personal expression of my work,” said Wilder. “Studio Janos is the place where I will create my most delectable dishes, share my extensive culinary knowledge, and create exceptional experiences for my guests.”

Drawing on his broad career as a chef, restaurateur, and heritage food advocate, chef Wilder’s new venture allows him to focus on hands-on cooking and the flexibility to interact with his guests on a number of levels. For instance, more intimate private dinners (in the studio or catered), team-building activities, informative and fun cooking classes, and lectures on local food culture and the Tucson City of Gastronomy. 

Studio Janos also features a complete video studio as well as consulting services.

Wilder has inspired a generation of chefs in the southwest, cultivating and promoting the spirit and flavors of the centuries-old food culture that inspired UNESCO to designate Tucson as the first US Creative City of Gastronomy. 

As board chair of the non-profit TCOG (Tucson City of Gastronomy) he has been integral in the development of the TCOG Certification member program (artisans, caterers, and retailers recognized for their commitment to localism), the Chef Ambassador program (training local chefs to bring Tucson’s food heritage to local and international events), as well as advising Heritage food business start-up programs.

In a career that has helped put Tucson’s culinary scene on the worldwide stage, having created over a half dozen award-winning restaurants and as the opening consultant on the five-star KAI restaurant at Wild Horse Pass, Wilder brings years of experience to each component of Studio Janos offering unique experiences at a world-class level.  

Studio Janos is located at 124 E. Broadway Blvd. and will be open for business as of Thursday, September 28. For booking and additional details, visit studiojanos.com or call (520) 991-9780.

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