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In the tune of Paul McCartney, let’s sing “JoJo’s is open in Tucson, Arizona…”
Hey, that has a nice ring to it. Not only because it’s a spin on the classic Beatles song “Get Back” but because the restaurant at 76 W. Washington St. is officially back in business (get back, JoJo).
In 2010, Jo Schneider took over La Cocina in downtown Tucson. Just a couple of years ago, the name changed to LaCo. Fast forward to this very moment and Jo has retired, leaving the business to her family. Now, the restaurant is named after Jo, a loving tribute to their mother: JoJo’s Restaurant.
The name also signifies a change in the menus and an all-around experience on the corner of Washington Street and Court Avenue.
“We’re keeping some of the standards and the top sellers on the menu,” said Ben Schneider of JoJo’s. “With a name like La Cocina, we were thought of as a Mexican restaurant, so we thought ‘Let’s just wipe the slate clean.’ At the same time, we’re keeping my mom in the back of our minds — always — and wanting this to be a place she’d be proud of like. We’re always thinking about her.”
JoJo’s will now have three menus throughout the day, and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Tuesday – Friday.
“It’s a quick, grill-oriented menu,” said Ben. “We have grilled chicken, housemade burgers, grilled salmon, grilled veggies, and you can get some of these as a salad or a plate — everything’s gonna come fresh off of the outdoor grill we have here. The whole menu is meant to serve the downtown lunch community and be quick-service. It’ll separate ourselves from the dinner menu. We’re making everything really clean, simple, and fresh. — everything is coming out within 10 to 15 minutes so people can get back to work.”
In the spirit of LaCo and Tallboys, brunch service oughta be just as buzzin’ on the weekends. Right now, brunch will be served 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
“We’ve been working on refining everything and kind of making it more presentable,” Ben mentioned about not just the brunch menu but every menu. “A little bit smaller portions and better quality ingredients.”
Over the summer, Ben and his wife Carolyn O’Connor, who operates the nearby CERES and Dandelion Cafe, embarked on their own pasta tour throughout Italy, traveling to other places in Europe, and were deeply inspired by European service, portions, and food quality.
One of the dishes they’re most excited to share with Tucson is JoJo’s Francesinha, which is a dish inspired by something they ate in Portugal.
“This is one of the coolest things I have eaten,” said Ben, reminiscing about his trip to Europe. “We’ve created our own version of the Francesinha — using birria and blending it with tomatoes, onions, and a beer reduction. We’re kind of making our own croque madame with pulled pork, bacon, melted cheese, and an egg on top with a sauce you eat with a spoon.”
When the dinner bell rings at JoJo’s, it’s a whole new experience for those familiar with the former menu at LaCo.
“It’s way more focused on shareables and entrees,” said Ben. “We’ve built this menu where you can have multiple different sizes of shareables for multiple people or large parties — items that can be brought out ‘family style’ throughout the meal. It’s basically a choose-your-own-adventure thing where you can have pub food, grab a burger and fries, and a margarita. Or, you can really enhance your experience — kind of ball out a little bit more — and have some higher-priced entrees. It just makes for a more rounded experience.”
“The new menu also takes a little weight off of the kitchen because they’ll be able to drop off food as it comes out,” Ben continued. “We’re really excited about the shareable menu items.”
The former Dusty Monk and Tallboys bar on the east side of the property that faces the mural of animals riding bicycles is now the Monsoon Room.
The new bar, which is described as having a “jungle vibe” with dark green painted walls and vintage lamps, is open from 4 – 10 p.m. on Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday – Saturday.
They’ll have a small bites menu available in the Monsoon Room with a plethora of drinks (both non-alcoholic and spiked) to keep you company.
JoJo’s Restaurant is located at 76 W. Washington St. For more information, follow JoJo’s on Instagram.
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