Frida American Brasserie plans to open in August at 2905 E. Skyline Dr., in the former Living Room space at La Encantada. The concept introduces a polished dining experience with a strong Champagne focus and European-inspired American cuisine. Owners Charles Hunt and Frida Hunt, who also own Villa Peru with their family, aim to create a high-energy yet refined destination for Tucson diners.
A Champagne-centered concept
Frida American Brasserie will center its beverage program on Champagne and Champagne-based cocktails. The menu will feature a wide range of dishes, from elevated small plates to steakhouse-style entrées. Guests can expect items like mini lobster rolls, crab cakes, duck confit salad, and filet mignon medallions.
Additionally, the kitchen will also serve seafood-forward options such as oysters, lobster tails, and grilled halibut. The menu will include indulgent additions like caviar and veal ossobuco. As a result, the restaurant aims to balance casual bites with upscale offerings.
Design built around experience
The design will emphasize both aesthetics and guest interaction. A custom-built, two-story Champagne display will anchor the dining room. Additionally, a private second-floor space will showcase red wines, creating what the owners describe as a wine cellar-style experience above the main floor.
Moreover, the restaurant will feature a 30-foot indoor-outdoor bar with a backlit marble base. The patio will function as a climate-controlled “living patio,” designed to stay comfortable during Tucson summers. Guests seated in booths can press service buttons to request Champagne cart service.
A high-energy brunch and nightlife element
Frida American Brasserie plans to incorporate entertainment into its dining experience. The restaurant will host DJs during Sunday brunch and weekend evenings. This approach aims to create an upbeat, social atmosphere that transitions from daytime dining into nightlife.
Inspired by minimalist elegance
The concept draws inspiration from Carolyne Bessette Kennedy’s iconic minimalist style. The restaurant will use a black-and-white aesthetic across branding, uniforms, and interior design. As a result, the space will reflect a clean, sophisticated visual identity that complements its Champagne-forward concept.
What to expect next
Frida American Brasserie will continue to share updates leading up to its August 2026 opening. The team encourages guests to follow along on social media and sign up for updates online. With its combination of design, Champagne service, and elevated menu, the restaurant aims to become a standout destination on Tucson’s north side.
For more information, visit fridatucsonaz.com.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
