The family-owned restaurant tucked away near the main strips of St. Mary’s and I-10 — a local business that’s been operating for nearly 40 years — needs a holiday miracle this December.

On Saturday, December 23, the market is hosting its annual “Tata and Nana’s Miracle on Anita St.” — a holiday toy drive that Mario and Grace Soto started 39 years ago. This year, Gracie Soto, the granddaughter, is hoping the community will support her fundraising efforts to keep Anita’s Street Market up and running.

The fundraiser, which is also a toy drive, will include a Santa Claus sighting, free hot chocolate, hot dogs for sale, and bags of candy for the kids.

“Alongside our Christmas event, it’s a very important fundraiser to keep Anita’s Open,” the market shared on Facebook. “We will be selling menudo, champurrado, nachos, raffles, and a bake sale! Thank you in advance for all your love and support!”

“It’s not about me, it’s about the market, it’s about the history, the culture,” Soto told KOLD. “It’s about losing a staple in Tucson. I know how many people want this store, investors are calling left and right. I know what it’s valued at, and I know this has a lot of potential but to me, it’s priceless. If that wasn’t the case I would have sold it a long time ago.”

Soto also let the media outlet know that lenders plan to put Anita’s Street Market up for auction in mid-January 2024. In early 2023, the market closed for months because equipment issues, leading to late payments on the building’s mortgage.

So, head over to the market Saturday, December 23 and show the family love and support this holiday season.

Anita’s Street Market is located at 849 N. Anita Ave. Keep up with Anita’s Street Market on Facebook.

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