Recently, Coop flew the coop — AKA closed its location inside American Eat Co. to venture into new territory here in Tucson. Next up: it’s moving into The Low Down’s spot on Fourth Avenue, which is also a chicken-themed restaurant.
So, what does all of this mean? It’s a double-whammy of an article! The Low Down is moving out of the space at 429 N. Fourth Ave., and Coop, which is a CowPig concept, is set to open on Saturday, April 20.
“Words honestly can’t explain how grateful I am,” Thomas Castro of Coop shared on Instagram. “This is seriously a dream come true and it never would have happened if it weren’t for all of you guys. I love you so much, Tucson! I can’t wait to get back in the kitchen and start cooking for you guys again!”
This is Coop’s first brick-and-mortar and the family is beyond excited to join the other businesses on Fourth Avenue. Last year, Javier Castro, chef and mastermind behind CowPig, and his son, Thomas, opened Coop inside American Eat Co. on Saturday, April 20 (the same date they’re aiming to open the new location on Fourth Avenue).
Expect some new menu items, beer, cocktails, and desserts.
For The Low Down, it’s been a great ride for them in the space. To remind you, the restaurant was formerly known as The Drunken Chicken and the name and menu changed around September 2023.
The team behind The Low Down also owns and operates Mr. Heads at 513 N. Fourth Ave., which is staying put and hangin’ onto its title for having mass amounts of Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap — one of the most in the U.S., as a matter of fact.
“From the very beginning, The Low Down was more than just a bar and restaurant; it was a gathering place for friends, a stage for local talents, and a home for unforgettable culinary experiences,” The Low Down team shared on Instagram. “Each dish served, every drink poured, and all the laughter shared have woven a rich tapestry that, though no longer continuing, will remain a cherished part of Fourth Avenue’s storied fabric.”
Saturday, March 30 will be The Low Down’s last day and they’re inviting everyone to come out and celebrate their departure and Coop’s arrival. Micah Blatt and Ben Sattler of The Low Down and Mr. Heads couldn’t be happier for Castro family’s move to Fourth Avenue.
“We love the concept of the Coop and it definitely fills a void that The Drunken Chicken left behind,” they said. “It’s super cool for us as we will still be their neighbors and super excited for the good food and energy Thomas and Javier will bring to the Avenue.”
“Here’s to new beginnings and to the endless possibilities that await,” they added.
Recap: The Low Down is closing and Coop is moving in with plans to open on Saturday, April 20. Support The Low Down team at their other concept, Mr. Heads.
All in all, it’s a celebration of local businesses doing big things.
Lastly, if you’ve had enough chicken and plan on crossing the road on Fourth Avenue, make it a full-on chicken-themed experience! Within walking distance rests Bawker Bawker Cider House — Tucson’s only cidery, which is named after the language of chickens.
Just look both ways before you cross the road.
Coop is located at 429 N. Fourth Ave. and is planning to open in late April (Saturday, April 20). For more information and to keep up with the latest, follow Coop on Instagram. Also, show some love for The Low Down crew at their other concept Mr. Heads, located at 513 N. Fourth Ave. Follow Mr. Heads on Instagram to stay in the loop. One more thing — support the CowPig food truck.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
