Tucson’s culinary scene always seems to be poppin’ with news. Quite a few new restaurants have opened in the past year, while others have reopened after being closed for a while.
However, like most things, nothing lasts forever, and a handful of local restaurants and businesses permanently closed their doors this year.
“We are so sorry to announce that, unfortunately, we are no longer able to run Cuppa Gogo. We appreciate all of you so much for supporting us throughout the years. We really do have the BEST customers for enjoying our team and our product! We can never thank you guys enough. We will miss all of you so much. Until next time.”
“There have been many moments shared, friendships forged, last calls, and candlelit conversations, but most of all, we’re proud of the community we’ve created. We poured our hearts into this place with passion, allowing it to pulse with life, so seeing this chapter close is a heartbreak like no other.”
“It’s with a heavy heart that we have come to the decision to close Fatboy Sandos. There were many reasons that forced us to come to this very tough decision. We are so grateful for all of the support and love we have received throughout this amazing experience. To our staff. We love and appreciate you and your hard work that made us what we are — something so amazing that perfectly added to the diverse and unmatchable Arizona food scene.”
The Midtown brewery that first opened in 2014 permanently shut down all operations in January. This was the last remaining location after the other two taprooms and one pizza concept closed.
“I opened Flora’s Market Run with the same excitement as a kid on Christmas morning,” said Nathan Ares, owner of Flora’s. “Sadly, I also opened Flora’s Market Run during a trying time in groceries. It started with supply chain issues and ended with price increases. As a small, independently owned market, I had no way to compete with the buying power of the big guys. So, I pivoted. I downsized the market and added a juice bar. When that didn’t take off, I pivoted again — turning the market into an event space. But given the climate of the economy, nothing quite landed.”
“Restaurants are a very tough business, especially nowadays. We could go on with the reasons/excuses, like bad location, a landlord with a shotty building and unwillingness to help, constant hikes in wages, ballooned food costs, dope fiends harassing guests on their way in, the city and police not protecting or helping the area, credit card fees, point of sales percentages, taxes, insurance, paper goods costs — ALL shooting through the roof on us; everyone having their hands in the restaurant’s pocket, and so on and so forth.”
“After 11 unforgettable years, it’s time to say farewell, Tucson. From the wild nights to the unforgettable memories, we’ve loved every second of this ride with you. To all our friends, staff, and party people — thank you for making HiFi Tucson what it was. You will all be deeply missed.”
“As we prepare for this final chapter, we want to thank each of you who has walked through our doors, ate and danced the night away, and helped make Hush the special place it became. It has been a privilege to be part of your nightlife experience, and we are grateful for the countless moments we’ve shared together.”
“It’s just the start of something new. We’re actively exploring a new downtown location and can’t wait to share what’s next! We’re extremely grateful for all the love and support from our amazing community — thank you for being part of our journey!”
“With a heavy heart, we announce Le Cave’s Bakery will be closing its doors this Sunday, February 23, or sooner depending on remaining supplies and staffing.”
The bakery first opened in 1935 at 1219 S. Sixth Ave. but closed in 2017. Naomi and Chris Pershing then purchased the business in 2018, opening its new location — equipped with a drive-thru — at 22nd Street near Alvernon Way.
Longtime Tucson raspados shop Oasis Fruit posted on their Facebook page announcing their closure:
“After 41 wonderful years, it’s time for us to say goodbye. It’s with a mix of gratitude and bittersweet emotion that we announce the closing of Oasis Fruit Cones & Raspados as John and Julie step into a much-deserved retirement.”
Located near the back of Ermanos Bar on Fourth Avenue, the cocktail lounge was a popular go-to spot for those seeking a craft beverage.
“It tested our resilience as we aimed to stay true to our values in hard times, embracing the ever-changing tides of the industry.”
Borderlands quietly closed their flagship downtown location and their newly opened Foothills location. Only their Sam Hughes location at 2500 E. Sixth St. remains.
While the restaurant closed, the owners are working on a new concept for the space. Details coming soon.
On Friday, April 25, doors were locked and signage was posted on each door of The Bambi Bar, stating that the bar had shut down at 5050 E. Speedway Blvd.
This particular building has actually been a Chicago-style sandwich shop on the east side for around 40 years. First, it was Luke’s Italian Beef, and then Kenny D’s followed suit.
The McCreas then took over, opening Tommy D’s just a couple of years ago, serving Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago dogs, etc. Then, in August 2024, Tommy and Janna McCrea sold the business, and new ownership officially took over in September 2024.
Charro Vida, the plant-forward Tucson restaurant known for blending Sonoran and Mediterranean cuisines, officially closed on Sunday, May 25. The team at Flores Concepts made the decision after over five years of operation. Now, Charro Steak North resides.
Zona 78, a longtime Italian staple on Tucson’s east side, will serve its final meal under its current name on Sunday, June 29. The restaurant at 7301 E. Tanque Verde Rd. announced it will rebrand as Figs Oven + Enoteca, a new Mediterranean-inspired concept.
Black Iris Cafe in downtown Tucson officially closed on Wednesday, June 25. The cafe made the announcement on Tuesday via its Instagram.
Tucson Coffee Cricket closed its cafe inside 5151 E. Broadway Blvd. on July 31. The local shop announced the news via social media and invited guests to visit before the final day.
Northeast Tucson restaurant Commoner & Co. hosted its last day at 6960 E. Sunrise Dr. on Saturday, July 19.
“We are excited to move Commoner to Gilbert,” said Nathan Ares, owner of Ares Collective Restaurant Group. “We’re excited to do some fun things in Tucson in the future, but for the time being, our concepts are performing so well in the Valley.”
Transplant Pizza Tucson closed its River Road and La Cholla Boulevard location after service on Tuesday, Aug. 26. A sign posted at the door thanked customers for their support and invited them to visit the Speedway Boulevard location at 4605 E. Speedway Blvd.
Additionally, owner Travis Miller confirmed the team looks forward to strengthening its existing restaurants.
“We look forward to focusing our efforts back into our existing businesses,” Miller said. “We are excited about the future and look to strengthen our existing concepts for 2025 and beyond. Thank you Tucson for your continued support for our local businesses, and other Tucson small businesses that need some local love.”
After 40 years of serving downtown Tucson, beloved Mexican restaurant The Little One closed after lunch on Friday, Sept. 19.
Good Oak Bar, a cornerstone of downtown Tucson’s nightlife since 2013 and former wielder of the best fried pickles in town, will serve its final drinks on Saturday, Oct. 18. The bar establishment announced the closure in an Instagram post, thanking Tucson for more than a decade of support.
After four years serving burgers, Thunder Bacon Burger Co. has permanently closed. Owners Lindon “Lindy” Reilly and Shelly Reilly said several challenges led to the difficult decision.
“There are a myriad of reasons,” Shelly said. “Food and labor costs are rising but if we raised our prices again, we’d have complaints about $18 burgers.”
She added that downtown parking and nearby activity deterred customers. “Being downtown, the parking issues and Ronstadt bus station across the street are big reasons we’ve heard that people don’t come to our restaurant.”
Downtown Tucson restaurant the National closed its doors on Tuesday, Nov. 4 after a year of service. The closure comes just over one year after its grand opening in October 2024. The restaurant announced the news in a public statement, expressing gratitude to patrons and staff. the National’s brief run ends in the historic Congress Street building as a new chapter begins for the space.
Café Maggie, a neighborhood cafe 745 N. Fourth Ave., permanently closed after a four-and-a-half-year run. The cafe announced the closure Sunday on Instagram, citing a costly equipment breakdown and years of financial losses.
The Fourth Avenue Mexican restaurant quietly closed its doors late 2025 after opening earlier in the year.
Love Tucson food? So do we. That’s why our stories are free to read — and focused on the chefs, farmers, and restaurants that make Tucson so delicious.
👉 Get exclusive perks & support local with the Foodie Insiders Club and learn how to eat local year-round.
