Zemam’s on Broadway Boulevard has kept its doors closed since the street widening project broke ground. However, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes with the Ethiopian restaurant on the corner of Broadway and Treat Avenue. As a matter of fact, you’re in for a treat if you’ve been wondering what’s been going on at 2731 E. Broadway Blvd.
We first reported about this back in December 2021, but most recently, the Rio Nuevo board voted unanimously to provide Zemam’s funds to support its expansion along the Sunshine Mile on Broadway. This means that Zemam’s and the two buildings next to it are becoming a communal backyard and patio space.
Zemam’s will reopen, an International sports lounge will move into one of the buildings, and a new coffee shop named Sidamo Coffee will open its doors in the other. The coffee shop is in partnership with Savaya Coffee and the three buildings collaboratively will be named Z Street.
The construction is expected to start in April of this year and the team has its sights set on a fall grand opening (perhaps sometime in November or December 2023).
Keep in mind that Zemam’s Too on Speedway Boulevard is still open and dishing out the goods. Pay them a visit sometime soon at 119 E. Speedway Blvd.
Zemam’s on Broadway is located at 2731 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information and to keep up with the latest, visit zemamsrestaurants.com and follow Zemam’s and Zemam’s Too on Facebook and Instagram.
You can read all about the project at rionuevo.org.
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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.















