Welcome Diner Prepares for September Opening, Now Hiring For All Positions

Welcome Diner, the Phoenix eatery planning to open a Tucson location early September in the former Chaffin’s Diner at 902 E. Broadway Blvd., is currently hiring for all positions.

To apply, send a résumé to Joinourteam@WelcomeHospitality.com.

“We’re excited to be in Tucson,” said Sloane McFarland, co-owner of Welcome Diner. “We’ve spent a lot of time as individuals in Tucson. It’s an honor to be here and we hope to earn the trust of Tucson.”

Those who are worried about losing the vintage feel of Chaffin’s can relax. Through McFarland’s background in renovating historic and infill development projects with his other business Martha + Mary, McFarland aims to maintain the historic integrity of the iconic building.

“Our philosophy was to pull back the layers of paint and get it in a direction of how it was originally,” McFarland said.

Using inspiration from photographs of Chaffin’s Diner in the sixties, McFarland aims to bring back some of the original colors and feel. Through the renovation process, they were also able to make some formerly-inoperable windows function again.

Though the food is still diner-fare, there will be a stronger farm-to-table focus. Co-owner and chef Michael Babcock has been working with the farmers and suppliers in the area.

“We’re super inspired by what’s going on in the Tucson and Sonoita area,” McFarland said. “That will help us guide and grow the menu. We will have a more encompassing menu.”

While diner classics such as biscuits and gravy and burgers are available, Tucsonans can look forward to unique items such as the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich and the Pulled Jackfruit Po’Boy.

Keep up with Welcome Diner on Facebook. For more information, visit welcomediner.net.