There’s a new dining and entertainment experience along Broadway Boulevard.

Tuesday, April 9 is the return of the almighty Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine at 2731 E. Broadway Blvd. — a block that’s now also known as Z Street.

The corner of Broadway and Treat Avenue is now a culinary powerhouse. As a matter of fact, you’re in for a treat. We have Zemam’s once again, the welcoming of Zerai’s International Bar, and the soon-to-be Zidamo (a coffee shop that’s aiming to be open before the end of the year).

Over the weekend, Zemam’s hosted a soft opening — vehicles were lined up and down Treat Avenue. Zemam’s Too at 119 E. Speedway Blvd. has since closed in order for Amanuel Gebremariam, his family, and the team to put all of their focus on Z Street.

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This transformative project falls within Rio Nuevo’s Sunshine Mile redevelopment zone, a visionary initiative aimed at breathing new life into the area of Broadway. There’s even a brand-new parking lot located between Rocco’s Little Chicago and Z Street — the spot of land used to house the long-abandoned Shakey’s Pizzeria building.

Zerai’s International Bar, found right next to Zemam’s (2725 E. Broadway Blvd.), has local, regional, and international beers on hand with a crafty cocktail menu. The restaurant used to be BYOB but now there’s no need for it with a full bar menu at your fingertips.

They also have a few TVs spread around the bar, so expect to see sports you wouldn’t typically see at too many other sports bars in town — rugby, cricket, football (not the kind with helmets and shoulder pads), etc.

As mentioned earlier, Zemam’s will introduce the Zidamo coffee house before the end of the year — a joint venture with Savaya Coffee — and a space for a variety of international food trucks and carts, adding even more diversity to the corner.

Named after his mother, Zemam’s began with just a handful of tables and a kitchen barely bigger than a bathroom. But now, it’s set to anchor Tucson’s newest dining destination, paving the way for future redevelopment projects in the Sunshine Mile district.

Zemam’s is currently open from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Tuesday – Sunday and closed on Monday. Stay tuned for Zerai’s hours of operation. The dance parties are coming back, too, with the first happening on Thursday, April 18 from 8 – 11 p.m.

Zemam’s on Broadway is located at 2731 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information and to keep up with the latest, visit zemamsrestaurants.com and z-street.com. Zemam’s Too at 119 E. Speedway Blvd. has closed.

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