Downtown Tucson adds a new burger concept with Kaiju Burger grand opening on Saturday at Brick Box Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd.
The project comes from Rafael and Destiney Medina, who built a following through pop-ups before committing to a brick-and-mortar space. Regulars may also recognize them as the duo behind Katsu House (still taking catering and wholesale opportunities) and (the now-closed) Fatboy Sandos. Now, they bring wagyu smash burgers, matcha soft serve, and Japanese-inspired details to the city core.
From pop-up to permanent home
Previously, Kaiju Burger began as a side project at Brick Box Brewery. Initially, they explored smash burgers while running Katsu House pop-ups. Over time, the burger concept gained momentum.
“So after some time of messing with recipes and different meats, buns, sauces, etc I felt like I had something special I wanted to share with Tucson,” Rafael said.
Eventually, Kaiju Burger launched Sunday pop-ups in September 2025. The team refined the menu ahead of its downtown opening.
A name rooted in family and Japanese culture
Notably, the name Kaiju draws from Japanese pop culture.
“Kaiju loosely means unusual animal or beast in Japanese,” Rafael said.
He also tied the name to his son’s love of Godzilla films. As a result, the brand blends playful visuals with serious food.
Simple menu, focused execution
Importantly, Kaiju Burger keeps its menu intentionally small.
“I knew I wanted to keep the menu small. Short and simple menu so we can obsess and focus on doing our limited items the best we can,” Rafael said.
Everything focuses on balance and consistency. Ingredients include wagyu patties, Japanese kewpie mayo, and house-made pickles.
“Yes, all the menu and the items are very simple,” he said. “But everything we do is with intent.”
Signature items define the concept
At launch, Kaiju Burger centers on two flagship offerings.
“I really believe our KB Special and our matcha soft serve will be our flagship items,” Rafael said.
The KB Special Smashburger, priced at $10, features wagyu beef, new school American cheese, caramelized onions, Kewpie mayo-based Kaiju sauce, house pickles, and Kaiju pepper on a potato bun. Guests can add a patty or bacon for an extra charge.
Alongside burgers, the menu offers classic and loaded fries. Standard fries cost $4 and come battered and seasoned, with an optional Kaiju sauce add-on. Kaiju Fries, priced at $7, layer American cheese, Kaiju sauce, caramelized onions, house pickles, and Kaiju pepper, with an option to add a patty.
For lighter fare, the Garlic Panko Crusted Caesar Salad costs $9. The salad includes chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, shredded Parmesan, and garlic-toasted panko. Guests can add a wagyu patty for an additional charge.
The restaurant also emphasizes accessibility. For $1.50, diners can make any item vegetarian or vegan using Beyond Meat. Vegan and gluten-free buns are also available.
Dessert focuses on soft serve made with organic cream from Straus Family Creamery. Flavors include matcha or vanilla, served in a cone or cup for $6.99. Optional toppings include a chili oil drizzle or a matcha cone dip.
A kids menu, branded as Lil Kaiju’s, features a plain wagyu burger, grilled cheese, and fries at lower price points. The section reinforces the restaurant’s family-friendly approach while keeping quality consistent.
Tucson influence and community focus
Rafael credits Tucson’s food culture for shaping the concept.
“Come with something unique and with intent, and Tucson will come and support you like no other, no matter the kind of food,” he said, “I love that about my city.”
The business also emphasizes inclusivity. The menu includes gluten-free and vegan burger options.
Additionally, the Medinas highlighted community partners.
“We always have to shout out Jim and Nixon with Brick Box Brewery whenever we can for giving us the space to do what we do and trusting us,” Rafael said, “as they do with many other businesses as well. There’s no other brewery in Tucson that does as much for the community as they do.”
He also mentioned local artist Ari Cherry designed menus and kids coloring pages.
A deeper personal journey
Beyond food, Kaiju Burger reflects a personal turning point.
“Something I don’t share often, but also don’t mind sharing, is in 2022 I was so lost, incarcerated, sitting in a prison cell and going down the wrong path in this life,” Rafael said.
After release, he found purpose through cooking. The restaurant now reflects resilience, family, and creative drive.
What to expect downtown
Ultimately, Kaiju Burger blends playful branding with disciplined execution.
“Kaiju Burger is playful on the surface, but underneath it’s about honest food, consistency, and community,” Rafael said.
The downtown opening marks the next chapter for a concept built patiently, one pop-up at a time.
Hours and details
Kaiju Burger operates 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, noon-8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-8 p.m. Sunday.
Kaiju Burger is located at Brick Box Brewery, 220 E. Broadway Blvd. Keep up with Kaiju Burger on Instagram.
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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.
