Treat — a brand-new concept from the folks at Ciao Down — is hosting its soft opening Monday, April 14, at 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.
The new dessert concept came to fruition due to a creative spark and a positive response from the community. It’s what “gave rise” to the sweets-focused brand, said Paul Reyes, founder of Ciao Down and Treat.
“Funny enough, the idea started with a loaf of bread,” he said. “One day, while working in the studio, we realized we needed fresh bread. However, our little pizza studio just didn’t have the space to make it happen. When the space next door opened up, we jumped on the opportunity.”
Reyes’ initial plan was simple — make fresh bread for Ciao Down.
Then, he and the crew quickly realized they needed to bake even more to operate efficiently from a financial perspective.
“That’s when the concept of a bakery/gelato took shape,” Reyes added. “We brought on an executive pastry chef, handed her a mixer and a credit card, and told her to go wild. Since then, chef Bina Kiwaczyk has amazed us with hundreds of creations, everything from pizza dough and focaccia to indulgent sweets and delicate pastries.”
Sweets Galore
Treat features an ever-evolving menu of in-house-crafted desserts, ranging from cookies and tarts to cakes and confections.
“We love to switch things up and experiment,” said Reyes. “Chef Bina has full creative freedom in the kitchen, and we honestly never know what magic she’ll come up with next, which is exactly the way we like it.”
However, a few are so tasty that they’ve already earned a permanent place on the menu. Expect to consistently see old-fashioned molasses cookies, mini macarons, brown butter crispies, and gelato.
Also, every treat is made in-house.
“One of the most magical parts of the process is that chef Bina bakes everything from bread to cookies in our pizza oven,” said Reyes. “She’s in the studio before sunrise, and the smell of fresh-baked focaccia, cookies, and pastries fills the space (and the neighborhood) before most people have had their morning coffee.”
If you’ve been to Ciao Down in the past or the neighboring Tucson Hop Shop, you know there’s plenty of space for your four-legged friends to kick and relax. Therefore, Reyes has even added doggy gelato to the menu.
“We’re teaming up with local Arizona-based gelato makers to bring the magic of Treat to everyone,” he said. “Our doggy gelato is made with organic coconut milk, a touch of honey, real maple syrup, and bits of fresh bacon. It’s a simple, all-natural recipe that’s safe, delicious, and pup-approved.”
Hours of Operation
To start, Treat will mirror the hours of the Ciao Down: 2 – 9 p.m. on Monday – Thursday, noon – 9 p.m. on Friday – Saturday, and closed on Sunday. They’re also planning to extend weekend hours to satisfy those late-night cravings.
“We want to be there when our guests want us most,” Reyes added.
Full Steam Ahead
It’s been a wild ride for Reyes and the Ciao Down team — “humbling, energizing, and full of surprises.” What started as a food truck dream has grown into something bigger than they ever imagined.
“Opening our first brick-and-mortar studio was a huge leap, but the response from the community made it all worth it,” he said. “Then came Treat! Now, with the Marana location on the horizon, we’re continuing to build something that feels true to who we are: a little bit scrappy, a little bit bold, and always rooted in good food and good people.”
Ciao Down Kitchen will be located at 6781 N. Thornydale Rd. #261, which is the former Monsoon’s Tap and Grill.
This location will include a bakery, a cozy café-style dining area, and room to host events like pizza-making classes, pop-ups, and seasonal dinners.
“It’s not just another Ciao Down; it’s the next evolution of who we are,” Reyes added. “We’re not only expanding the menu with all-day options like breakfast pizzas, fresh pastries, and espresso drinks, but we’re also building in space for creativity and connection. It’s designed to be a true neighborhood hub, a place where families can gather, food lovers can discover something new, and the community can feel at home.”
With Treat now open and the Marana kitchen on the horizon, the Ciao Down crew is proving that when creativity meets community, something truly sweet can rise.
“We’re rockin’ and rollin’ and deeply grateful for every step of the journey. Tucson has shown us nothing but love, and we’re doing everything we can to give that love right back.”
Treat and Ciao Down are located at 3230 N. Dodge Blvd. Stay tuned for an official grand opening of the Marana location (6781 N. Thornydale Rd. #261). For more information, visit ciaodownpizza.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt 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.
