Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
The Arizona Black Owned Business (BOB) Festival: A Celebration of Resilience in Arizona and Beyond

The Arizona Black Owned Business (BOB) Festival: A Celebration of Resilience in Arizona and Beyond

Nov 3, 20233 min read

Tucson is gearing up for a celebration of resilience and unity, and it’s an event aimed at bringing communities together like never before. The Black Owned Business (BOB) Festival, set to take place on Saturday, November 25, is a dynamic occasion that welcomes people of all backgrounds and ages to join in the festivities. The festival is more than just a gathering; it’s a statement of solidarity and a testament to the determination of Black businesses throughout the state.

Photo courtesy of Off the Hook

BOB Fest offers an array of interactive activities, live music, art exhibitions, dance performances, a diverse range of vendors, food trucks, and invaluable information about the thriving Black community in Tucson. It’s intended to be a day filled with inspiration and an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of the city’s Black-owned businesses.

The Heart and Soul Behind BOB Fest

At the core of the festival is a passion for bringing together Black business owners. An integral part of this endeavor is Blax Friday, which has emerged as the largest Black business directory in Arizona. Building on their successful “Soul Food Wednesdays” market, which started with just five vendors and has now grown to an impressive 50, BOB Fest is set to become the most significant Black business festival in the region.

With a target of 75+ vendors and live musicians, BOB Fest is poised to be a monumental event, expecting over 500 attendees this year. The festival’s mission is to provide a platform for Black entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and offerings, fostering connections with a diverse audience.

The Rich Tapestry of Black-Owned Businesses

As the festival unfolds, you’ll have the chance to explore a wide range of products and services offered by Black-owned businesses. From art and fashion to food and technology, the festival is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit within the Black community. Discover unique offerings, interact with the entrepreneurs behind them, and show your support for these talented and dedicated individuals.

Participating Vendors

  • Baked
  • Cute & Classy Krispies
  • Stash’s Juice Joint
  • Chez Peachy
  • Sweets, Cakes and Treats
  • Love In A Cup
  • Song & Sugar Sweets
  • Matcha Tea Girl
  • Living Immunity
  • TT’s Treats
  • Pam’s Kitchen
  • Dee’s Kitchen Rendezvous
  • Hot Sauce and Pepper
  • Purple Tree Truck
  • D’s Island Grill JA
Save the Date and Get Ready to Celebrate

BOB Fest is a chance for everyone to come together, dance while listening to music that will make you groove, savor delectable food from local vendors, and explore the diverse offerings of Black-owned businesses. Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and be a part of this monumental event. Let’s come together to celebrate the strength and creativity of Arizona’s Black business community and create lasting memories in the process. We’ll see you there!

BOB Fest will take place on Saturday, November 25, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 55 N. 5th Ave. For more details on the event, visit blaxfriday.com. If you’re a Black-owned business that would like to get involved as a vendor at the event, applications are being accepted through Monday November 6.

Article written by:

Sam Jump
Tucson Foodie is Tucson's premier food and dining publication, covering the best restaurants, events, and culinary experiences in Southern Arizona.

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Take us with you.

Discover the best local spots, browse the dish database, build and share your to-visit lists, support local, and join the Foodie Club when you're ready.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.1K followers
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com
@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰

The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise.

📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰 The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise. 📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.
The grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉

@istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. 

The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. 

“The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar

Daily hours: 11am - 9pm

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comThe grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉 @istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. “The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar Daily hours: 11am - 9pm Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Phoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! 

Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up.

Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. 

Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comPhoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up. Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com