Downtown Tucson’s the Little One to close after 40-year run

After 40 years of serving downtown Tucson, beloved Mexican restaurant The Little One will close after lunch on Friday, Sept. 19. The restaurant’s final day of service will run during its usual lunch hours (10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Moving forward, the restaurant will only accept cash payments.

She shared the news and her plans in a recent Instagram video:

Over the decades, The Little One became known for its warm hospitality.

“It’s feeling like you’re coming home. It’s feeling like you just had your mom or one of your aunts make you a really lovely meal,” Davila said in an interview Monday morning.

Patrons often arrived without knowing what would be served, a tradition that reminded Davila of family dinners. “I don’t know many restaurants that can say, just let us feed you, and you have no idea what you’re getting,” she said.

40-Year Legacy in Downtown Tucson

Little Café Poca Cosa opened in the late 1980s, then later became known as The Little One and remained a family-run fixture for four decades. Regulars often received hugs at the door, underlining the restaurant’s warm, family atmosphere. The Little One also remained cash-only and famously had no telephone for years. It also encouraged patrons to bring their own containers for takeout to reduce waste, reflecting the Davila family’s eco-minded values.

Additionally, the Davila family made giving back central to the business. Customers donated money through a jar on the counter to support shelters in Sonora, Mexico.

“The whole point of the little restaurant is to give back to the community,” Davila told Tucson Foodie in 2019.

Even as The Little One closes, that spirit continues: Davila noted that everything in the restaurant must go, from baskets to plants. She plans to sell the decor and equipment and donate a portion of those proceeds to charity, continuing The Little One’s tradition of helping the community.

Next Chapter: Davila Homemaking

“I’m very, very grateful, you know, for the 40 years,” Davila said. “But honestly, I left my career to come and help the family, and I’ve really, really loved it. But it’s never really been my passion.”

Instead of retiring, Davila plans to launch a new venture: Davila Homemaking. She described it as a personal homemaking consulting service that blends cooking, organizing and decorating.

“It’s just been a loving little spot of home that warms people’s hearts,” Davila said of the restaurant. “I want to take that to people’s homes next.”

She intends to do exactly that with Davila Homemaking. The new service will provide personalized in-home consulting focused on cooking, home organization and hosting. Davila plans to blend the roles of personal chef, organizer and decorator for her clients, helping them with everything from meal prep to decluttering.

“My passion is helping people turn their house into a home,” Davila said. “So I will come, and it’s not just cooking classes. It’s helping you set the table, cook dinner, or organize your home so you can invite people over.”

Davila Homemaking can be found at davilahomemaking.com. She can also be reached directly at 520-312-0837. Ultimately, she hopes to bring The Little One’s spirit into homes across Tucson.

For more information on the Little One, read our July 2017 article The Little One, Formerly Little Café Poca Cosa: Big on Heart & Flavor. The Little One is located at 151 N. Stone Ave. Keep up with the Little One on Instagram.