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HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery, a literal “hub” of food and drink activity in central downtown Tucson, will close in July for renovations. HUB’s renovations are expected to extend for a tentative month. During the makeover, HUB will operate temporarily out of sister bar Martin Drug Co. at 300 E. Congress St., just across Fifth Avenue on the corner of Fifth and Congress. Martin Drug Co. will also be expanded in the process, allowing HUB to take over the entire former Proper space.
HUB plans to close at 10 p.m., July 4 and reopen as a pop up restaurant at Martin Drug Co., on July 10. A limited menu of HUB favorites will be served alongside Martin Drug Co. drinks. No dinner service will be available Friday and Saturday nights to make room for Playground, also a sister business that will be renovated, as well.
Retaining employees and remaining open for HUB’s core guests was cited as a primary reason for the decision to continue operations during the renovations.
“One of the primary reasons for the move is to keep staff employed,” said Director of Operation Sandy Ford. “We have 85 employees at HUB and around 45 employees at Playground.”
Ford, who oversees operations at HUB, Playground, as well as HUB Ice Cream Factory, also said the renovations are way overdue.
HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery opened in February 2011 as one of the first businesses – and success stories – setting up shop in downtown Tucson, a trend that has continued and now includes over 80 establishments. Sister nightclub Playground opened in January 2012 followed by standalone HUB Ice Cream Factory in May 2015. All three businesses are owned by developer Scott Stiteler and partners. Another Stiteler project, the AC Marriott will open in September 2017.
While operating from Martin Drug Co., HUB will offer a limited menu consisting of guest favorites, such as their pot pies, Prime Dip, Prime Fries, and a handful of additional items, including starters, salads, entrees, burgers, and more. Brunch will also be available at select times.
HUB’s hours during the renovation, which will span from Monday July 10 through August 11 at Martin Drug Co., are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
HUB’s renovations will include a number of upgrades, including a new kitchen, new tables, chairs, bar stools, new and larger bathrooms, a private dining room, which will include opening the wall into the adjoining former Bianco Pizzeria space, and a new back seating area. The back patio will also be removed.
For more information, keep up with HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery on Facebook and at hubdowntown.com. Martin Drug Co. is located at 300 E. Congress St. For more information, visit martindrugco.com.
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