In the last year or so, Rio Nuevo selected the teams of Larsen Baker, Ambrell Capital, and Repp + McLain Design & Construction for development of The Sol Block — the several properties between Tucson Boulevard and Treat Avenue. Since then, The Broadway Beer and Wine Bar (Caps & Corks’ sister concept), Quisty’s Gourmet Salads and Sandwiches, and Rocco’s Little Chicago announced plans to move into the space.
“Rocco’s has been maxed out for years, and we’re chomping at the bit to get into a bigger spot with a bigger kitchen,” said Rocco DiGrazia of Rocco’s, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary in Tucson. “The beer-and-food feedback loop of moving next to Caps & Corks/The Broadway is going to be magical.”
The latest to sign on and move into Sol Block, located at 2559 E. Broadway Blvd., ought to get you feelin’ buzzed. Decibel Coffee Works, which is currently located at the MSA Annex, announced that it’s going to open a brand-new location there on the historic Sunshine Mile.
“Decibel is so excited to be opening our second location at the Sol Block,” said Dana Fehr, co-owner of Decibel Coffee. “We’re going to be surrounded by some incredible people and businesses that we’re looking forward to working next to every day.”
So, it’s turning out to be quite the block, folks — pizza, coffee, sandwiches, salads, wine, and craft beer. The team behind The Broadway, which is the same masterminds responsible for the northwest side’s Caps & Corks, is pumped to open the taps in 2024.
“We are beyond thrilled to be able to bring our love for craft beer to the area and more importantly provide folks a fun and welcoming space to enjoy,” the Hammetts shared about The Broadway Beer and Wine Bar. “We absolutely love the downtown and campus area but realize not everyone likes to navigate the traffic and parking in those areas — that’s where we feel we can fill a need.”
“We are also over the moon to share a wall with Rocco’s! We can’t wait to enjoy an amazing craft beer, wine, and mocktail alongside some Rocco’s pizza and wings. Perfect way to spend a day/night in one of Tucson’s most historic stretches.”
Read our June 2023 article, “The Broadway Beer and Wine Bar to Open on Sunshine Mile in 2024.”
There’s Still More to Come
Sol Block still has space available for more — they have their sights set on a breakfast restaurant, smoothie shop, or bagel/bakery concept. The current 1,800-square-foot space opens up to the patio that will be shared with Decibel Coffee Works.
Additionally, there are a couple of spaces that would be great for yoga, massage, and pilates, and then one large space that could be great for a gym/fitness concept.
There’s still no exact opening date for each of the local businesses but we’ll do our best to keep you in the loop. In the meantime, keep an eye on the stretch of buildings located around 2559 E. Broadway Blvd. as construction gets underway.
Follow The Sunshine Mile on Instagram to keep up with the latest, too.
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.
