Tucson’s culinary scene was rather busy in 2022. Numerous restaurants opened their doors for the first time, others reopened after being closed for a while, and local chefs and businesses were showcased on a national — perhaps global — level.
However, like anything, nothing lasts forever and a handful of local restaurants and businesses permanently closed their doors this year. Here’s a list of a few (not all) that are no longer serving hungry Tucsonans.
For more information on the new local businesses that opened in Tucson this year, check out our article “60+ Restaurants, bars & food trucks that opened or reopened in 2022.”
4 SEASONS RESTAURANT
1423 W. Miracle Mile
The spot that served Thai, Chinese, and American cuisine, shared the following on Facebook:
“We have provided high-quality Thai food for nine years and have been an enthusiastic part of the local community. Thank you for making 4 Seasons Restaurant one of the town’s most popular eating establishments.”
For more information, read the full article.
1702 / THE ADDRESS BREWING
1702 E. Speedway Blvd.
The news came about on Facebook when the brewery shared the following:
“It is with a broken heart that I have to inform everyone that 1702 will be closing on May 27th. I do not have the words to express how much you all have meant to us over the last 15 years. So many friendships were formed and memories were made within these walls. You have made us so very happy and I truly hope we gave some of that happiness back to you dear friends. Thanks, Tucson, for everything. We love you all so much.”
For more information, read the full article.
Buena Vida Restaurant
919 N. Stone Ave. #1104
The restaurant nestled next to the Sahara Apartments on Stone Avenue closed its doors recently, saying goodbye to its burritos, tortas, and lucha libre decor.
For more information and any updates on a reopening or relocation, follow Buena Vida Restaurant on Facebook.
CHEF CHIC
1104 S. Wilmot Rd.
Chef Wendy Gauthier, who many know as the 2019 Iron Chef Tucson champion and owner of Chef Chic, embarked on a new journey in Tucson’s culinary world. On Sunday, October 30, she closed her restaurant, Chef Chic, and took on the role of executive chef for the Lodge at Ventana Canyon.
“It’s great for me and my family — for my team,” said Gauthier. “It’s going to be an exciting, exciting adventure.”
For more information, read the full article.
Donut Wheel
4801 S. Campbell Ave.
It wasn’t ideal but the owners, Sam and Sandra Phetdara, had been on a month-to-month lease with the property management company since 2007, so the possibility of them needing to move out of the building had been on their minds for quite some time.
For more information, read the full article.
Fat Noodle
811 E. Wetmore Rd.
After a four-year run, the ramen shop Fat Noodle has decided to close up its brick-and-mortar restaurant and will now make the food truck its focal point, which is how the restaurant originally got its start.
Looking forward, Fat Noodle’s food truck is still excited to be catering events and is planning on setting up shop at several spots around town like it has been for years. The food truck made its debut in July 2014 and its from-scratch approach, including noodles made with local Sonoran wheat, has earned a nice following ever since.
For more information, read the full article.
FRANKIE’S SOUTH PHILLY CHEESESTEAKS
2574 N. Campbell Ave.
The restaurant shared the news by posting a note on its door, stating the following:
“We are sad to announce that this location will be closing permanently on Friday, December 31, 2021, at 2 p.m. Unfortunately, we were unable to come to a lease agreement with our landlord. Thank you for your support, loyalty, and kindness over the years. Our Ina location will remain open and continue to serve the food that makes Philly famous. Please continue to support your small family-owned businesses in the community. We cannot survive without you.”
With that being said, the Marana location is still up and running. The location at 3780 W. Ina Rd. #184 has a brand new bar, adding more draft beer, wine, canned and bottled beer, and a full selection of spirits.
For more information, read the full article.
L STATION CAFE & BAR
500 N. Fourth Ave. #1
L Station Cafe & Bar opened its doors in December 2020, serving breakfast dishes, handhelds like burgers and chicken sandwiches, and plenty to sip on like coffee, beer, and cocktails.
Before the restaurant took over the spot, Chocolate Iguana was the familiar face on the corner before moving down the street at 413 N. Fourth Ave. in 2018.
For more information, read the full article.
MANTIS GOURMET CHINESE FOOD
8250 N. Cortaro Rd.
At the end of this year, Mantis Gourmet Chinese Food is permanently closing its doors at 8250 N. Cortaro Rd. The very last day to grab a bite from the restaurant is Saturday, December 31.
There are some positive developments, though, for Mantis fans in Marana and beyond. The restaurant is planning to reopen again. They’re unsure of the whereabouts at the moment but keep an eye out on their social media for any updates.
For more information, read the full article.
PIZZA LUNA
1101 N. Wilmot Rd., #119
The Portland-inspired pizza concept opened its doors in 2018 by co-owners and operators Tracy and Marc Frankel, who also run businesses in Oregon. Pizza Luna shared the news about the closure on social media, stating:
“Thank you, Tucson for welcoming us so warmly five years ago. Now it is time to say goodbye. We are grateful for your patronage and all the wonderful memories.”
For more information, read the full article.
Sonoran Brunch Company
1060 S. Kolb Rd.
Back in 2019, Sonoran Brunch Company moved into the former New Mexico diner Poco & Mom’s, but the restaurant closed its doors back in May. Since the closure, they’ve hosted pop-up brunches and sold cookies at Thunder Bacon Burger Co.
For more information and to keep up with the latest, follow Sonoran Brunch Company on Facebook.
SULLIVAN’S EATERY & CREAMERY
6444 N. Oracle Rd.
It’s always a bummer to see local restaurants and businesses close up shop, especially so for a restaurant that’s been open for nearly half a century. Sullivan’s Eatery & Creamery, which opened 45 years ago on the northwest side, officially closed its doors at 6444 N. Oracle Rd. The restaurant was originally a Swensen’s and opened up back in 1977.
One of the reasons for the closure, according to Alex Mustaffa, is the certain business model in the current times. For example, the restaurant, which is a family-friendly restaurant that doesn’t serve alcohol, had steadier foot traffic before the pandemic threw a wrench into the day-to-day workflow.
For more information, read the full article.
STAY NAKED KITCHEN
4695 N. Oracle Rd. #108
The meal preppers announced the closure on Instagram, sharing the following:
“It is with a heavy heart that we are to inform you that due to market conditions, StayNaked Kitchen will, unfortunately, be closing its doors permanently. We appreciate and love you all for the kind and loving support y’all have displayed over the years. It has been such an honor to serve our community.”
For more information, read the full article.
TEN55 BREWING COMPANY
110 E. Congress St.
The local beer house that began brewing 10 years ago, and then opened the doors to its downtown location in 2018, moved out of the space at 110 E. Congress St. in May.
With that being said, the new location, which an address has yet to be announced, will be closed for the summer while the crew gets the space prepared for brewing, eating, drinking, and good times.
For more information, read the full article.
TINO’S PIZZA
6610 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Tino’s Pizza didn’t give an exact reason why they’re closing, but simply the fact that they’re retiring Dino’s legacy after 37 years in business.
“We invite you to celebrate the end of an era with us. We appreciate all the love and support.”
For more information, read the full article.
Tony’s New York Style Italian Deli
6219 E. 22nd St.
The owners were unable to be reached about the closure, but a few details were left behind in a recorded message, which can be heard when calling the restaurant’s phone number.
“It saddens me to inform you that we will be permanently closed due to the COVID restrictions, forcing us to no longer be able to do business. We appreciate the loyalty of our customers over the last 42 years. Thank you again for your loyalty.”
For more information, read the full article.
Wings Over Broadway
8838 E. Broadway Blvd.
The restaurant has gone through difficult obstacles over the last few years and it all eventually became too “much to overcome.”
“The only reason we have survived as long as we have is because of the truly great community,” Wings Over Broadway shared in a Facebook post. “We made a lot of great friendships and relationships over the years and we’ll never forget and will always appreciate all of you.”
For more information, read the full article.
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.
