It’s an area where a lot of local food trucks have garnered success. All throughout the week, folks from all over town visit the Metal Arts Village by foot, vehicle, or bicycle for cold beers and a welcoming atmosphere at Tucson Hop Shop.
Among the trucks that park in front of the craft beer shop, Ciao Down is one of the more familiar restaurants seen on wheels. However, now the pizza joint is moving in permanently at 3230 N. Dodge Blvd., Suite E.
The move-in process is truckin’ along nicely so far and the crew behind Ciao Down is planning on opening up the doors sometime this fall. Plus, the food truck will still be making its rounds throughout Tucson when the stationary restaurant gets going.
They’re planning to share the patio space with Tucson Hop Shop for dine-in visitors, too. Jessie Mance, co-owner of Tucson Hop Shop is excited about the opportunity of having a neighboring restaurant that coincides with the taproom’s hours.
“We are so thrilled to have a consistent food option for our customers with Ciao Down coming,” said Mance. “They will be open for all of our Hop Shop business hours, which is something our customers have always wanted. It will mean we say goodbye to most of our food truck nights. We are thinking we will probably only need to book food trucks on Friday nights (to keep up with our busiest night) and for large public events.”
Those that have ordered from the food truck before can expect the same signature pies like The Snakebite, which is made with raspberry chipotle jam, jalapeño peppers, cream cheese, bacon, and extra virgin olive oil. Also, The Edgy Veggie will still be around for the hungry eaters looking for something meat-free — a pizza packed with mushrooms, green peppers, onion, black olives, and cheese.
Additionally, Ciao Down is planning to expand the menu. Keep an eye out for new items like sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards.
For more information and to keep up with the latest, visit ciaodownpizza.com or follow Ciao Down on Instagram.
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.
