Jackie Tran Returns to Tucson Foodie as Our New Editor

We’re thrilled to officially announce that Jackie Tran has joined Tucson Foodie as our new Editor. This news feels less like a change and more like a homecoming—because, in many ways, Jackie has been an integral part of Tucson Foodie’s story for years.

Jackie worked full-time for Tucson Foodie during Adam Lehrman’s ownership, long before I took over. Over the years, he’s written more than 1,200 articles—including some of the best pieces we’ve ever published. If you want to see his storytelling and photography at their peak, check out his feature on Yamato Japanese Restaurant, his visual guide to over 30 different types of tacos in Tucson, and his guide to chili peppers at Mexican markets in Tucson.

Jackie’s impact on Tucson’s food scene extends beyond words on a page. He’s one of the most talented food photographers in the region, with work that has graced the pages of Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and The New York Times. 

Jackie’s return comes with more than just great writing and photography. His background as a chef with a trained palate and a robust culinary vocabulary gives him a unique perspective that will bring depth to our content. Most recently, Jackie explored the world of food trucks with his own venture, Tran’s Fats—a project that showcased his creative approach to cuisine.

Despite the rumors, Jackie Tran never owned Tucson Foodie—but that hasn’t stopped people from asking if I bought it from him! Jackie’s name is synonymous with the local food scene, and I’m so excited to have him back to help elevate our storytelling.

What I’m Looking Forward To:

I’m excited for Jackie to dive back into writing, sharing his rich storytelling and beautiful photography—a winning combination that Tucson Foodie has missed. 

His return will elevate our storytelling capabilities, offering deeper dives into the culinary world for those who crave long-form stories, whether they’re industry professionals or dedicated foodies. While our News articles and curated Guides remain essential, Jackie will add that extra layer of depth and artistry. His keen eye will improve the curation of our interactive Guides, making them even more valuable to our readers.

We’re also looking forward to seeing Jackie’s familiar face in our social media feeds again—let’s be real, we all missed it.

Welcome back, Jackie. We can’t wait to dig into this next chapter together.

If you’d like to follow his culinary adventures, check out Jackie on Instagram.

Matt Sterner will continue to be our go-to for News and help us dive deeper into video content, while Jackie focuses on writing and editorial development.