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.
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.
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.
