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CATALYST Creative Collective at the Tucson Mall (Photo courtesy of SAACA)

Calling All Chefs: Host Events at CATALYST Creative Collective

Events

May 22, 2025
By Matt Sterner

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is seeking out partners for the CATALYST Creative Collective’s Kitchen in the Tucson Mall.

“Looking for a dynamic space to bring your culinary creativity to life? The CATALYST Kitchen at Tucson Mall is a premier destination for chefs, educators, and food innovators looking to host classes, tastings, and workshops,” said Kevin Larkin, Program Manager at CATALYST Creative Collective.

CATALYST Creative Collective at the Tucson Mall (Photo courtesy of SAACA)
CATALYST Creative Collective at the Tucson Mall (Photo courtesy of SAACA)

Located within CATALYST Creative Collective, this state-of-the-art food prep kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel prep tables, commercial refrigeration, a convection oven, microwave, and more. It’s an ideal spot for pop-up culinary experiences and food-based events.

The kitchen can fit up to 24 people — perfect for an interactive and engaging environment for hands-on learning and demonstrations.

Beyond the kitchen, CATALYST offers a collaborative atmosphere where artists, makers, and entrepreneurs gather to create, teach, and share their passions. Plus, there’s plenty of food traffic in the Tucson Mall, making it a fine choice for culinary entrepreneurs looking to grow their audience.

“Whether you’re a local chef eager to host a cooking class or a food startup looking for a professional space, the CATALYST Kitchen is ready to support your vision,” Larkin added.

A few of the partners in the space have included:

  • Chez Peachy
  • Antsy Nancy
  • Humble Board
  • Mr. Ice Guy
  • Chantilly Tea
  • Plant Based Potential
  • Song & Sugar Sweets
  • Vitamin Cottage
  • Yellow Brick Coffee

Anyone who’s interested in booking or learning more, email Larken at kevin@saaca.org.

CATALYST Creative Collective by SAACA is located inside the Tucson Mall at 4500 N. Oracle Rd. #110. For more information, visit saaca.org.

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Article By

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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