On Sunday, April 28, Claire Johnson welcomed everyone into Claire’s Cafe & Gallery one last time.
After nearly 40 years in business, Johnson closed her namesake café and art gallery that had been open since 1986 at 16140 N. Oracle Rd. It’s a moment to celebrate, though! It’s about time Johnson takes it easy and enjoys retirement.
“Thank you for a wonderful 38-year run,” she shared on social media.
“It’s with a mix of sadness and gratitude that we’re saying goodbye,” Tucson Originals shared. “Claire’s Cafe has been more than just a spot for grub it’s been the heartbeat of Catalina. From its humble beginnings in ’86 to now, Claire has filled our lives with laughs, good eats, and memories we’ll carry forever.”
In 1979, Johnson bid farewell to her hometown of Chicago and moved to the sunshine here in Tucson. Her culinary journey led her through local spots such as Blue Willow, Eclectic Cafe, Oro Valley Country Club, and Lodge at Ventana Canyon until she found her place in the mid-1980s as the executive chef of CB Rye, a Jewish deli.
Read Edie Jarolim’s June 2023 article “Where the Latkes Meet the Lariats.”
“Claire, your dedication and love have made this place feel like home. Your commitment to quality and genuine kindness have made Claire’s Cafe a second home for many of us,” Tucson Originals added. “As we say farewell, know that your legacy will live on in our hearts and in the community you’ve built.”
When it came to showcasing the community, Claire’s Cafe was also an art gallery — it’s in the name.
Johnson is a chef but also a silversmith. She offered her café as a showcase for her fellow creatives in the Catalina area. Eventually, her gallery started to attract art from the greater Tucson community. Creative pieces like sculptures, watercolors, oil paintings, and Western and Native American work could be seen on display over the years.
“Though we’ll miss this spot dearly, we’re comforted knowing that the spirit of Claire’s Cafe will stick with us wherever we roam. Thanks for being such a big part of our lives and our town. You’ll always hold a special place in Tucson’s heart.”
So, what’s next for Johnson? A much-needed vacation!
Just the other day, friends set up a GoFundMe to wish them a vacation like no other.
To keep up with Claire Johnson, follow Claire’s Cafe & Gallery on Facebook.
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.
