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“Raptor Canyon Cafe” to open downtown in former Veg Box

Raptor Canyon Cafe (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

“Raptor Canyon Cafe” to open downtown in former Veg Box

Sep 14, 20182 min read

Raptor Canyon Cafe announced plans to open on Monday, September 17 at 75 E. Pennington St., which previously housed Veg Box.

Husband-and-wife team Dennis and Konni Calello operate the family-owned restaurant along with their sons Ken and Frank Calello.

“We came up with the name because we’ve always had a lifelong interest in birds of prey, which led us from the east coast to southern Arizona,” Ken said.

The 2,778-square-foot space features approximately 60 seats in the dining room and patio.

While Raptor Canyon Cafe is a new downtown joint, it feels more like a homey restaurant where your aunt would bring you tea and cookies.

“For the decor, we were shooting for the southwestern feel,” Ken said. “We wanted to replicate the feeling you’d get walking through a canyon complete with an inset ceiling painted a light blue to give that clear sky feel.”

https://www.facebook.com/RaptorCanyonCafe/posts/413264172535515?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDIIXJhsdkkLHXXVYOkZ_6HMYupwPWfxg11muQUG-FACKxNP7hPTyrb1xswS8v79DoeC9wqxtxO8E5-twQRYdDTJUuYL3k6U29Qrav_rLO_23kG278WrCncd4UaWzpXnTCsn8HQRG6M5xMKbzjJ_MWhdEAJ7XQ_kofcJn5jUHeH7pjFc9aw&__tn__=-R

The menu will feature breakfast, lunch, and baked goods. Breakfast will feature their take on traditional entrees along with fast, on-the-go items catered for the business crowd.

“Maple-glazed waffle sticks, hash brown stacks, and avocado toast are just of few of our signature items, and our burritos and breakfast sandwiches come in varieties that fit any palate,” Ken said.

The lunch menu will feature a mix of classic casual American style cuisine and Southwestern favorites.

“Meatballs, hamburgers, and chicken tenders are all made fresh in house, and our tomato sauce is a tightly guarded recipe handed down through our family for generations,” Ken said.

Sandwiches will be served on fresh rolls from local bakery La Baguette Parisienne.

“Add in our locally-roasted (Glendale) coffee and the delicious baked goods made on site, and it’s pretty clear that locally sourced and homemade is our top priority,” Ken said.

Operating hours are 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Raptor Canyon Cafe is located at 75 E. Pennington St. For more information, call (520) 336-5698. Keep up with Raptor Canyon Cafe on Facebook.

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. 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.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

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