For more than 40 years, chef Jonathan Landeen has delighted Tucson palates with his signature brand of culinary genius. After a long successful career, he is pleased to announce that Jonathan’s Cork has been sold and he and his wife and partner Colette will retire as of Monday, March 27 when new owners Glenn and Sally Murphy take the reins.
Landeen moved to Tucson from Nebraska with his family in the late 1950s where his Anesthesiologist father set up practice. After trying a variety of jobs, he heard the call of the culinary world and made his way to New Orleans where he worked with chef Paul Prudhomme at the legendary Commander’s Palace. His broad knowledge of Cajun Cuisine from that period has had a great influence on his cooking style throughout the years.
Upon returning to Tucson, he held Executive Chef positions at several restaurants before buying The Tucson Cork (formerly known as the Cork and Cleaver) in 1994. For the past 29 years, Jonathan’s Cork has maintained its signature style with classic offerings like escargot, prime beef dishes, game meats like Bison, venison, and ostrich, outstanding seafood entrees, and classic dishes.
All in all, it’s a nostalgic time for the Landeen family.
“Colette and I are so thankful to the community and most importantly, our guests and regulars who have been with us from day one — they really are the heart and soul of the Cork,” said Landeen. “It has truly been a labor of love for us. I couldn’t have asked for a more loyal crew, our little ‘family’ has weathered every storm, held it together no matter what. I know that with their guidance, the new owner will continue to deliver the very best of our traditions.”
About the new owners
When longtime restaurateur Glenn Murphy and his wife Sally heard Jonathan was ready to “pass the cleaver” to new management, the pair leaped at the opportunity to welcome friends, locals, regulars, and visitors to one of the most inviting restaurant spaces in Tucson.
As a native of Perth, Australia, Glenn Murphy first stepped into a commercial kitchen at the age of 15, excelling in the Hilton Hotel culinary program. During his career, he has owned and/or operated more than 40 restaurants and bars on three continents, Australia, the U.S., and Thailand.
Sally (Shamrell) Murphy is a native Arizonan who grew up in Bisbee and is less camera shy than Glenn, having worked as both a TV journalist in Tucson and an actor in Los Angeles. The two met more than 20 years ago, when Glenn operated “Backstage,” live music venue located next door to the Cork. They both feel that this move is fate and look forward to the responsibility of upholding tradition while operating one of the last strongholds of Tucson’s famed “Restaurant Row.”
“The Cork has such a rich history of fantastic food in a cozy old-school environment… it’s like a comfortable old glove and we can’t wait to continue that legacy,” said Murphy.
Jonathan’s Cork is located at 6350 E. Tanque Verde Rd. For reservations call (520) 296-1631 and visit jonathanscork.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.
