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Teacher Appreciation Week: Food & Drink Specials in Tucson

(Photo courtesy of Barrio Brewing Company)

Teacher Appreciation Week: Food & Drink Specials in Tucson

May 6, 20244 min read

Teacher Appreciation Week begins Monday, May 6!

This tradition dates back to 1953 when Eleanor Roosevelt successfully advocated for a dedicated day to honor and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of educators. In 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association took it a step further by designating the entire first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week.

Here in Tucson, restaurants and other businesses are offering deals to teachers — some specials are happening on multiple days while others are on a specific date.

We’ll keep adding to this list as we find more deals! Heads up: bring along your educational staff ID just in case businesses ask for it.

Al Gusto Coffee Company

Multiple Locations
a truck is parked on the side of a building
(Photo courtesy of Al Gusto Coffee)

The popular coffee shop on wheels is stopping by multiple schools this week to serve coffee to teachers (some of these gatherings are private for the school staff while others are open to the public).

Here’s this week’s schedule:

  • Tuesday, May 7 from 7 – 9 a.m. – Roadrunner Elementary (Private), 16651 W. Calle Carmela
  • Tuesday, May 7 from 10 – 11 a.m. – Impact Marana (Private), 7800 N. Schisler Dr.
  • Wednesday, May 8 from 7 – 9 a.m. – Estes Elementary, 11280 W. Grier Rd.
  • Wednesday, May 8 from 12:45 – 3 p.m. – Private Event at 531 E. Elliot Rd. in Chandler, Arizona
  • Thursday, May 9 from 7 – 8:30 a.m. – Mountain Vista School, 2618 W. El Paseo
  • Friday, May 10 from 7 – 11 a.m. – Legacy Traditional School, 3500 W. Cortaro Farms Rd.
  • Sunday, May 11 from 8 a.m. – noon – Pantano Church, 1755 S. Houghton Rd.

Learn more.

Barrio Brewing Company

5285 E. Broadway Blvd.

The downtown brewery is hosting a Teacher Appreciation Happy Hour from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 9. All teachers can get one free drink and an appetizer! They’ll also have additional Happy Hour specials.

Learn more.

Cuppa GoGo

4877 E. Speedway Blvd.

Beginning Tuesday, May 7, Cuppa GoGo is offering buy-one-get-one regular-sized drinks for all teachers and nurses.

Learn more.

Dedicated

4500 E. Speedway Blvd. #41

Let them know you’re a teacher by saying you “have their test scores” and you’ll get a free mini bundt cake from Monday, May 6 – Sunday, May 12.

Learn more.

Eclectic Cafe

7053 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

“To show our appreciation we are offering teachers and nurses 20% off their dinner! Monday, May 6 through Friday, May 10 from 4 – 8 p.m., present your ID and receive a 20% discount on your meal (cannot be combined with other offers). Thank you for educating us and keeping us healthy!”

Learn more.

Flora’s Market Run

2513 E. Sixth St. 

“In honor of National Nurses Week and Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re offering FREE coffee and 20% OFF your order! Offer ends May 12th.”

Learn more.

Galaxy Theatres

100 S. Houghton Rd.

Teachers can score a free medium popcorn from Monday, May 6 – Saturday, May 11 (with a purchase of a movie ticket, of course).

Learn more.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

7348 N. Oracle Rd.

On Tuesday, May 7, they’ll be offering a free small ice or gelati to all teachers. Just show ’em your educational staff ID to claim the offer.

Learn more.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

4362 N. Oracle Rd.

On Teacher Appreciation Day, Tuesday, May 7, guests can enjoy 15% off all pizzas with the code “TEACHER24.”

“Whether you’re a teacher looking to satisfy your pizza cravings or a parent looking to treat your kid’s favorite teacher, a pizza covered in edge-to-edge in Mountain Mike’s legendary crispy, curly pepperoni is an irresistible treat.”

From Thursday, May 9 to Sunday, May 12, Mountain Mike’s is also bringing back its Heart-Shaped Pizza for four days. Plus, the brand is sweetening the deal with $3 off any Heart-Shaped Pizza during this period exclusively through the Mountain Rewards app.

Learn more.

Prep & Pastry

6450 E. Grant Rd. #160 • 2660 N. Campbell Ave.

“In honor of National Nurses Week and Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re offering FREE coffee and 20% OFF your order at all locations! Offer ends May 12th.”

Learn more.

Sauce Pizza & Wine

5285 E. Broadway Blvd. • 6450 E. Grant Rd. • 2990 N. Campbell Ave. #110

“Enjoy 15% off as our heartfelt thanks.” This deal is valid until Saturday, May 11.

Learn more.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At 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.

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@Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy after 4 pm, bringing cocktails, tapas, disco lights, and a lively bar atmosphere to the same space. The dual concept comes from the team behind Talega Coffee Co., with coffee and scratch-made breakfast and lunch served during the day, followed by happy hour and bar service at night.

Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 

“Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo 

Photos courtesy of @_velvetcowboy 
Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonnews@Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy after 4 pm, bringing cocktails, tapas, disco lights, and a lively bar atmosphere to the same space. The dual concept comes from the team behind Talega Coffee Co., with coffee and scratch-made breakfast and lunch served during the day, followed by happy hour and bar service at night. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 “Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo Photos courtesy of @_velvetcowboy Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonnews
@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕

Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week:

@anello_pizzeria 
@dominicksrealitalian 
@doscabezas
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@reillypizza 
@frescotucson 
@zio_peppe_az 

For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw

#tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕 Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week: @anello_pizzeria @dominicksrealitalian @doscabezas @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @reillypizza @frescotucson @zio_peppe_az For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw #tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek
@Asaditoszulmyta started with a tent and a grill on Tucson’s south side. Now, a year later, the Salvadoran food stand has grown into a food truck, a Central American market, and a gathering place for Tucson’s Latin American community.

Stop by Asaditos Zulmyta for their grand opening and Central American Independence Day celebration on Sept 12th from 7-10pm! Enjoy free aguas frescas, specials, a DJ, and more. 

Don’t forget to walk over and grab a coffee at @Redcaptaincoffee! 

4004 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 

Thanks for having us, @Asaditoszulmyta!@Asaditoszulmyta started with a tent and a grill on Tucson’s south side. Now, a year later, the Salvadoran food stand has grown into a food truck, a Central American market, and a gathering place for Tucson’s Latin American community. Stop by Asaditos Zulmyta for their grand opening and Central American Independence Day celebration on Sept 12th from 7-10pm! Enjoy free aguas frescas, specials, a DJ, and more. Don’t forget to walk over and grab a coffee at @Redcaptaincoffee! 4004 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ Thanks for having us, @Asaditoszulmyta!
This year, 18 Mexican restaurants are participating in @sonoranrestaurantweek from September 4-13. Also, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins immediately afterwards on Sunday, September 15.❤️

Here’s the full list, in alphabetical order. 

@agavehousetucson 
@ameliastucson 
@bktacos 
@bocatucson 
@buendia.breakfast.lunch 
@asadataqueria 
@casadelrioaz 
@elcharro.cafe 
@crudamariscos 
@elmezquitetucson 
@humo.tucson
@lachingadacocina 
@lafridamexicangrill 
@laollamexicancafe 
@nanas_kitchen_2008 
@reformatucson 
@seiskitchen 
@sonoramoonshine 

Don’t forget to upload your receipts to enter our giveaway🎉

More on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw
Presented by @Visittucson 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieThis year, 18 Mexican restaurants are participating in @sonoranrestaurantweek from September 4-13. Also, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins immediately afterwards on Sunday, September 15.❤️ Here’s the full list, in alphabetical order. @agavehousetucson @ameliastucson @bktacos @bocatucson @buendia.breakfast.lunch @asadataqueria @casadelrioaz @elcharro.cafe @crudamariscos @elmezquitetucson @humo.tucson @lachingadacocina @lafridamexicangrill @laollamexicancafe @nanas_kitchen_2008 @reformatucson @seiskitchen @sonoramoonshine Don’t forget to upload your receipts to enter our giveaway🎉 More on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw Presented by @Visittucson #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie