It’s been an incredible run for Anita’s Street Market and the crew behind the scenes is ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary with the community on Saturday, February 25.
From 2 – 5 p.m., there’s going to be live music, drinks, cake, and even a freebie rolled tortilla with butter for each guest who pays a visit.
Back in December 2020, the original owner, Grace Soto, passed away and the community displayed an outpour of love for the family and the shop. Since then, Gracie Soto, Grace’s granddaughter, has been carrying on her grandmother’s legacy via food and community.
“My heart is full of joy,” Gracie shared on Facebook. “It’s been a journey since I can remember. I remember my nana and tata always being so grateful to their customers, and they would remind me ‘if it wasn’t for our customers, we wouldn’t be here right now.'”
Back in December 2021, the future of the restaurant and market on Anita Avenue wasn’t all too clear. There were some talks of closing its doors permanently, which was a difficult statement for owner Gracie to make publicly.
“I want to say a tremendous thank you a million times over,” she said. “Thank you for your love and support, especially these past three years. I feel like this little tendita is so special (there’s a beautiful story behind it) and there’s no other place I’d rather be than keeping my nana and tata’s legacy alive.”
Anita’s Street Market is located at 849 N. Anita Ave. Keep up with Anita’s Street Market on Facebook.
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.
