What started as LemonShark Poke back in 2019 has officially transformed into Desert Shark, a locally owned and operated restaurant that’s bringing a fresh perspective on poke and more.
Back in August of 2024, we had a sneak peek of the menu but now it’s officially in full swing — open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The restaurant, located at 2501 E. Grant Rd., is now under the ownership of Fabian Moreno, who is debuting his first venture as a restaurateur.
After months of reimagining the menu, design, and branding, Moreno has brought his vision to life with a concept that still holds a sense of familiarity for fans of LemonShark.
You’ll still find your favorite Build-Your-Own-Poke bowls, but Moreno has also introduced new signature items like the Desert Heatwave, featuring sushi rice, crispy wontons, ahi, shrimp, mango, takis, and his signature Shark Bite sauce.
“Having the option to mix in seasonal ingredients and experiment with new flavors is what excites me the most,” said Moreno. “While keeping the core poke experience intact, we’re adding our own desert-inspired twist.”
Beyond poke, the menu offers bento boxes, sushi rolls, miso soup, potstickers, and more, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly options also make it a welcoming spot for those with dietary restrictions.
Folks can also expect rotating seasonal specials throughout the year, a move Moreno hopes will keep customers engaged and excited to try something new.
As mentioned earlier, the new concept is open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (dine-in and delivery).
Desert Shark is located at 2501 E. Grant Rd. For more information and to keep up with the latest, follow Desert Shark 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.
