Downtown Tucson restaurant the National closed its doors on Tuesday, Nov. 4 after a year of service. The closure comes just over one year after its grand opening in October 2024. The restaurant announced the news in a public statement, expressing gratitude to patrons and staff. the National’s brief run ends in the historic Congress Street building as a new chapter begins for the space.
A Short-Lived Downtown Dining Concept in Historic Space
The National opened on Oct. 19, 2024 in the former National Shirt Shop building at 98 E. Congress St. The restaurant served fast-casual breakfast and lunch café with dishes ranging from pastries to breakfast burritos. The cafe’s vibe attracted downtown workers and weekend brunch crowds. Additionally, it featured a retail area and live music venue, making use of the historic corner space at Congress Street and Scott Avenue.
The concept expanded over time. In June 2025, the National added limited dinner service on weekends, introducing approachable evening comfort classics. The owners and chef Thomas Boone aimed to evolve the menu and extend hours to cater to downtown’s nightlife. However, the restaurant ended up pivoting back to daytime service. Ultimately, the National’s journey spanned just over a year in business.
Gratitude and Transition Announcement
The National, led by restaurateur Patricia Schwabe, shared a farewell when announcing the closure.
“We are truly thankful for your support and the memories we’ve shared,” the statement said, noting it was an honor to serve the community. They thanked their dedicated staff in the statement, saying “you’ve been the heart of the National.” The message emphasized appreciation for everyone who made the café-bar possible over the past year.
Additionally, the statement revealed what’s next for the prime downtown location. Los Milics Vineyards, an Arizona winery, is set to take over the 98 E. Congress St. space, hopefully by Jan. 1, Schwabe said.
Los Milics Vineyards, known for its award-winning wines in southern Arizona, plans to open a tasting room and wine bar in the former National site. While their wines will be the focus, they will also utilize the kitchen to have food for pairing, Schwabe said.
Meanwhile, the National’s team is helping ensure a smooth transition for the new occupants.
The space at 100 E Congress St. will take a new life focusing on retail, Schwabe said. They are taking applications for a seasonal market with local vendors. For more information, email patricia@peachprops.com.
Tooley’s Cafe to Continue the National’s Legacy
Patricia Schwabe also operates two other Tucson eateries — Penca and Tooley’s Cafe — and she will adjust those sister businesses in light of the National’s closure. Penca, a downtown Mexico City-influenced restaurant at 50 E. Broadway Blvd., plans to introduce new lunch offerings and extended hours to serve mid-day diners.
Meanwhile, Schwabe is moving the National’s coffee service and pastries from pastry chef Brianna Hernandez to Tooley’s Cafe at at 299 S. Park Ave. in the Lost Barrio neighborhood, with service open this weekend by Friday. The staff from the National’s team will now greet and cook for customers at Tooley’s Cafe, which had remained temporarily closed since summer 2024. The long-running cafe built a reputation for its turkey tacos and shady patio.
Los Milics owner Pavle Milic did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.
Keep up with Tooley’s Cafe on Instagram and Los Milics Vineyards on Instagram.
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.
