After closing earlier this year due to the pandemic, reopening in June, but then closing once more, chef Janos Wilder has announced that DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails will not reopen its doors.
“This is unmistakably a tremendously hard time for small businesses, especially restaurants the world over,” said Janos Wilder. “For me personally, it has also been an opportunity to take stock of where I am in my career and ask myself, is the day to day of running a restaurant really the best use of my time now?”
Janos and Rebecca Wilder opened the restaurant back in October 2010.
DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails’ presence became a huge part of the big boom of restaurant openings downtown — establishing the area as a principal dining destination.
“I have been so fortunate to work with wonderfully talented people at each of our restaurants. The dance that we were able to carry out night in and night out from the kitchen to your table was something I never tired of.”
So what’s next for Janos?
The James Beard award-winning chef is taking the closure as an inflection point.
“After well over 50 years working as a professional chef, it’s time to continue my work without the rigor of 60–70 hour work weeks, spend more time with family and focus on propelling the incredible momentum so many have helped generate in recognizing Tucson’s distinct culinary heritage.”
The Carriage House, also owned by Janos and Rebecca, will carry on with its catering and group events at its 125 S. Arizona Ave. location.
In addition, Janos will be presenting a series of online cooking classes named “Cooking in the Time of COVID.” He’ll be teaching how to prepare meals at home and will expand on menu planning options for those cooking with very little time.
“The pandemic is a setback and my heart aches for so many that are struggling to keep their doors open. Even in these challenging times, I am constantly amazed and inspired by the innovation and creativity of the next generation. Downtown Tucson will continue to thrive in the years to come. Like the desert we live in, we are a resilient community. I am so grateful for all this city has given me and my family and I am eager to continue to serve the community moving forward.”
If you’d like to keep up with what’s happening at The Carriage House, located at 125 S. Arizona Ave., visit carriagehousetucson.com.
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.
