Chef Maria Mazon & Borderlands Brewing Co. Part Ways

(Photos courtesy of Chef Maria Mazon and Borderlands Brewing Co.)

Chef Maria Mazon & Borderlands Brewing Co. Part Ways

Oct 10, 20232 min read

In January of this year, Borderlands Brewing Company and Chef Maria Mazon debuted their brand-new menu at 2500 E. Sixth St. — Borderland’s new taproom in the Sam Hughes neighborhood.

But today, the two groups have officially parted ways.

“Honestly, it really hurts because I saw myself owning more restaurants,” said Mazon. “But putting everything on the scale, it wasn’t fair for the customers — for my partners. I was going in and out of the city for other projects, and new restaurants need more attention if you want your new restaurant to succeed. The chef and owner need to be there 24/7. I thought I could do it but I need to put my mental health first.”

a person smiling for the camera
(Photo courtesy of Chef Maria Mazon)

Mazon shared the following on social media about the moves:

A few months ago, we announced that the second project between Borderlands Brewing and Mazon — a new concept named Dos — was set to open this summer in the Foothills. The restaurant has plans to take over the former Harvest Restaurant on River Road (stay tuned for more details on that).

“I felt like Wonder Woman, you know? And, that’s not the case,” said Mazon. “I have a 15-year-old son and BOCA — I still go in every day. I’m still on the line every day because it’s my baby. I’ve gotten a lot of opportunities and more coming my way. It’s not fair for the customers and our partners that I’m not there as much as I’d liked to be.”

a sign on the side of a fence
(Photo courtesy of BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon)

Meanwhile, Mazon has big plans for BOCA and SONA Tortillas, which is her shop just a few steps away from the restaurant.

“I’m moving SONA next door where the flower shop used to be,” she said. “We’re going to run the store there and we’re also going to create a small kitchen studio for cooking classes. If I’m able to get even more of the premises, I want to host super, super private dinners — like literally 10 people at a time! You know, it’ll have modern stuff — TikToks and other things — but my intention is to host private dinners.”

As far as the menu goes at Borderlands Brewing in the Sam Hughes neighborhood, it’s there to stay for now until any future changes are made.

a chair sitting in front of a building
Sam Hughes location (Photo courtesy of Borderlands Brewing Company)

BOCA by Maria Mazon is located at 533 N. Fourth Ave. For more information, follow Chef Maria Mazon on Instagram or BOCA on Instagram.

Borderlands Brewing Company is located at 119 E. Toole Ave. and 2500 E. Sixth St. For more information, visit borderlandsbrewing.com or follow Borderland Brewing on Facebook and Instagram. 

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.

You Might Also Like

Recibe gratis el boletín semanal de Tucson Foodie

Nuevas aperturas, eventos, platos recomendados y guías — cada miércoles. Sin spam.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.4K followers
@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park!🌙 

Vendors apply in bio! App deadline is October 26. 

Photos by @astra1wanderer@Vegantucsonnightmarket returns December 5, from 6-9pm at Rillito Park!🌙 Vendors apply in bio! App deadline is October 26. Photos by @astra1wanderer
@Jundynasty has served Sichuan dishes on Grant Road for 13 years.🌶️ 

General manager Jacob Yeung credits one idea above all: “We’ve grown since then, but the key has always been consistency.”

Stop in for Flaming Chili Oil, Walnut Shrimp, chow fun, or sautéed green beans finished with Sichuan peppercorns. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. 

2933 E. Grant Road

Read the full story at tucsonfoodie.com@Jundynasty has served Sichuan dishes on Grant Road for 13 years.🌶️ General manager Jacob Yeung credits one idea above all: “We’ve grown since then, but the key has always been consistency.” Stop in for Flaming Chili Oil, Walnut Shrimp, chow fun, or sautéed green beans finished with Sichuan peppercorns. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. 2933 E. Grant Road Read the full story at tucsonfoodie.com
@Lovinspoonfulstucson is closing after more than 20 years in Tucson. Its final day of service runs on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Customers can stop in between now and Saturday for one last meal. The team plans to sell down its inventory, though it hopes to have favorite dishes available. Regular hours remain 9am-3pm through the final day.

“Running this kitchen has been a labor of love, but the numbers just aren’t adding up anymore, and as parents, we have to make the hard choice to step back and take care of what matters most at home.” 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com@Lovinspoonfulstucson is closing after more than 20 years in Tucson. Its final day of service runs on Saturday, Oct. 24. Customers can stop in between now and Saturday for one last meal. The team plans to sell down its inventory, though it hopes to have favorite dishes available. Regular hours remain 9am-3pm through the final day. “Running this kitchen has been a labor of love, but the numbers just aren’t adding up anymore, and as parents, we have to make the hard choice to step back and take care of what matters most at home.” Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
A little love for the chefs who make Tucson’s food scene so special. These are just some of the many talented chefs who make our city what it is.

Happy International Chefs Day to the talented people behind the plates, the creativity, and the meals we keep coming back for. We’re grateful for all you do!💐A little love for the chefs who make Tucson’s food scene so special. These are just some of the many talented chefs who make our city what it is. Happy International Chefs Day to the talented people behind the plates, the creativity, and the meals we keep coming back for. We’re grateful for all you do!💐