Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar will open its second location September 1 at the Village at Sam Hughes in Midtown Tucson. The new restaurant sits inside the former Rincon Market building, just east of the University of Arizona campus.
“This new location is in an iconic building full of history and being able to be a part of that is meaningful to us,” said Thomas McCarthy, local designer and Redbird partner. “I personally grew up 3 blocks down the street and used to frequent Rincon all the time, so it’s a bit surreal to be in the space. We’re also very excited to be in such proximity to the University of Arizona and within the Sam Hughes Neighborhood. We gained a great following in Northwest Tucson, and we’re excited for more in this area to experience our scratch-made comfort food and cocktails, great service, and welcoming atmosphere.”
Expanding the Redbird Experience
The new location mirrors the original concept, offering scratch-made comfort food, craft cocktails, and warm hospitality. However, it features a larger kitchen, expanded dining room, and a bar with 12 rotating draft beers.
“The main goal is to bring what’s made us successful from the original location to midtown,” McCarthy said. “So, for the most part, it’ll be a very similar experience—but in a much different building.”
Design and Community Connection
McCarthy designed the restaurant’s custom mural, which Tucson and Austin-based artist Delsa Designs painted. The artwork brings desert-meets-tropical energy inspired by the Sonoran landscape.
Redbird also partners with Tucson purveyors including Mendez Bakery, Linda Tortillas, Barrio Brewery, Dragoon Brewery, Maya Tea Company, and Sonoran House Coffee.
Leadership and Vision
Chef Rory Martin leads the kitchen, drawing on nearly two decades of culinary experience. Sergio Pinon directs operations and the bar program, while Jon Plude oversees consistency and guest experience. McCarthy shapes Redbird’s creative direction.
The team views Redbird as more than a restaurant.
“We can’t wait to expand that reach and become a true staple of Tucson’s community,” McCarthy said. “It’s also worth mentioning, our team is a huge part of that community as well and we believe strongly in being a people first company—building our staff up and treating them as important as they truly are translates directly to our guests and the overall health of the business.”
Location and Hours
Redbird is located at 2515 E. Sixth St. in Tucson’s Sam Hughes neighborhood. Hours are from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
Stay tuned for more photos after the restaurant opens.
For more information, visit redbirdrestaurants.com.
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.
