This isn’t the first time the TV show “Bar Rescue” has come to Tucson to transform businesses in need. The Original Hideout got a makeover in 2018, the Billy Bar made its debut in 2021 (it used to be The County Line Lounge and Grille and Elbow Room)(all have since closed), and RJ’s Replays transformed into The Frozen Cactus.
Over on the northwest side of town, High 5 Grille got polished up a bit in November 2023 and became Cinco Cantina for the remainder of the year at 3682 W. Orange Grove Rd.
However, on Wednesday, January 3, the restaurant permanently closed its doors after Jon Taffer, the food and beverage industry consultant on the TV show, lent a hand. The owners of the restaurant shared the following on social media:
“It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I must inform you that Cinco Cantina has closed its doors. I want to thank all of my loyal customers for your patronage and support over the last few years. I have met so many great people and made some wonderful and lasting friendships. I will miss all of you but I know I will see some of you around town. Please continue to support all local area businesses. They rely on you to keep their doors open.”
A notice was also left on the front door of Cinco Cantina, mentioning that the landlord, Marana Mercado Associates, has taken “repossession” of the space.
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.
