In order to efficiently meet the growing demand for its hand-made goods, Tucson Tamale Company has officially opened its second production facility. The new spot can be found in a repurposed iconic building at 102 W. 29th St., which used to be the former Malone Meat and Poultry Facility.
The company’s other facility, which opened back in 2015, is located near Grant Road and the two locations together are planning on wrappin’ up 10 million tamales in 2022.
“It is amazing to realize how far we have come since 2008, from that magical 1,000 square foot storefront on Broadway to having over 28,000 square feet of production and warehouse space today,” said Sherry Martin, co-founder of Tucson Tamale.
Earlier this year, Tucson Tamale and Diamond Ventures teamed up to purchase and renovation of the building. The empty food processing plant got a facelift — reflecting the revitalization that’s taking place in the region’s urban core.
“Our tamales are sold in 4,000 grocery stores in all 50 states, and we spread the tamale love by shipping our tamales to individuals and households as gifts as well as through recurring subscriptions,” said Sherry Martin. “They are a great gift any time of year – but especially as we enter this holiday season.”
It’s a proud moment indeed, and co-founders Sherry and Todd Martin are thankful for everyone who’s helped them create the tamale empire that it is today. They’re also grateful for those who have helped devour them, too.
“Our company’s success is defined by our great employees, suppliers, wholesale clients, and loyal tamale lovers everywhere,” said Todd Martin, co-founder. “The opportunity to collaborate with the City of South Tucson, and a local team led by Diamond Ventures, an experienced and highly respected developer, has been a wonderful experience for all of us.”
A celebration of partnerships
Tucson Tamale and Diamond Ventures let loose with a Grand Opening celebration on Wednesday, December 1, honoring the community partnerships that helped make the expansion a reality.
“We are pleased and excited to be a part of Tucson Tamale’s expansion in South Tucson,” said Bill Kelley, chief financial officer at Diamond Ventures. “Working with the city has been great. This kind of project is what we do, and Diamond Ventures looks forward to continued opportunities to work on local business expansion as our regional economy recovers.”
Additionally, Tucson Tamale is aiming to hire about 50 people to lend a hand at both of its production facilities.
The holidays and tamales go hand in hand
Being that the holidays are in full swing, tamales become a common dish in households not only in the southwest but all around the country.
Therefore, if you’re struggling with what to get Aunt Edna in northern Missouri this holiday season, perhaps you should send her a tasty tamale care package. If you think about it, it’s a gift thatNow through Sunday, December 12, Tucson Tamale is shipping all combo boxes at a flat rate of $9.95 in the continental U.S. (free shipping to anyone in Arizona).
“We are so proud that our tamales have become national food ambassadors for Tucson and our shared pride as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy,” said Sherry Martin.
Tucson Tamale Company’s local restaurants and marketplaces are located at 7159 E. Tanque Verde Rd. and 7286 N. Oracle Rd. For more information, visit tucsontamale.com.
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.
