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The future is bright for Zemam’s & its ‘Z Street’ project on Broadway

(Photo courtesy of Zemam's)

The future is bright for Zemam’s & its ‘Z Street’ project on Broadway

Apr 3, 20231 min read

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.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At 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.

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@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿

The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert.

The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples.

🎟️ Doobie members: $110
🎟️ Non-members: $150

The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout.

🔗 in bio

MENU

COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE 
*“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!*
-Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons
-Taki Powder
-“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour)
-Orange Ash
-Green Onion Curls

COURSE 2 / APPETIZER 
*Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites*
-Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip
-Melted Oaxaca
-Savory Avocado Mousse
-Purple Potato Shoestring Frites
-Heirloom Tomatoes
-Pickled Onion Powder

COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER
*Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* 
-Cucumber Serrano Granita
-Caramelized Chamoy Bowl
-Tajin
-Infused Mint/Basil Oil

COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE 
*Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin*
-Beef Franks
-Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon
-Carmelized Shallots
-Refried Beans
-“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust
-Jalapeño Mustard Crema
-Cherry Tomatoes
-Smoked Chile Guero

COURSE 5 / DESSERT
*Gansito à la Mode*
-Chocolate-glazed gâteau,
-Strawberry confit,
-Toasted marshmallow mousse,
-Mexican vanilla semifreddo
-Chocolate crisp.

Photo by @dalton.voss 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonevents@Tucsondoobie’s infused dinner series returns Sunday, Sept. 20, with chefs @chefmattlove and @chefroselena!🌿 The five-course dinner features playful takes on familiar favorites, including carne asada frites, a Sonoran hot dog-inspired tarte tatin, and a Gansito-inspired chocolate dessert. The dinner runs from 6–9 pm near downtown Tucson. Tickets include the five-course meal, mocktails, sponsor experiences, a gift bag, and @tucsonprimeleaf product samples. 🎟️ Doobie members: $110 🎟️ Non-members: $150 The exact location will be emailed to ticket holders before the event. Membership is available during checkout. 🔗 in bio MENU COURSE 1 / AMUSE-BOUCHE *“Yu-Tang Crab Ain’t Nuthin To F*** Wit!* -Goat/C.R.E.A.M. Cheese Crab Rangoons -Taki Powder -“Yu-Tang” Sauce (Yuzu Sweet & Sour) -Orange Ash -Green Onion Curls COURSE 2 / APPETIZER *Purple Haze Carne Asada Frites* -Smoked Coffee Guallijo Tri-Tip -Melted Oaxaca -Savory Avocado Mousse -Purple Potato Shoestring Frites -Heirloom Tomatoes -Pickled Onion Powder COURSE 3 / PALATE CLEANSER *Agua-CHILL-e Slushie”* -Cucumber Serrano Granita -Caramelized Chamoy Bowl -Tajin -Infused Mint/Basil Oil COURSE 4 / MAIN ENTREE *Sonoran Dog(ish) Tarte Tatin* -Beef Franks -Mexican Coke Glazed Bacon -Carmelized Shallots -Refried Beans -“Bolilo Style” Tarte Crust -Jalapeño Mustard Crema -Cherry Tomatoes -Smoked Chile Guero COURSE 5 / DESSERT *Gansito à la Mode* -Chocolate-glazed gâteau, -Strawberry confit, -Toasted marshmallow mousse, -Mexican vanilla semifreddo -Chocolate crisp. Photo by @dalton.voss #tucsonlocal #tucsonevents
@Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy after 4 pm, bringing cocktails, tapas, disco lights, and a lively bar atmosphere to the same space. The dual concept comes from the team behind Talega Coffee Co., with coffee and scratch-made breakfast and lunch served during the day, followed by happy hour and bar service at night.

Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 

“Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo 

Photos courtesy of @_velvetcowboy 
Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonnews@Talegacoffee at 177 N. Church Ave. transforms into @_Velvetcowboy after 4 pm, bringing cocktails, tapas, disco lights, and a lively bar atmosphere to the same space. The dual concept comes from the team behind Talega Coffee Co., with coffee and scratch-made breakfast and lunch served during the day, followed by happy hour and bar service at night. Velvet Cowboy’s grand opening is Oct. 16, with upcoming events including drag brunches, DJs, and live music.🪩 “Opening this place feels a little surreal. To now have a space where we can bring together coffee, food, art, booze, and all the weird things we love feels like a reflection of how far we’ve come.” —Tyler Melo Photos courtesy of @_velvetcowboy Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonnews
@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕

Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week:

@anello_pizzeria 
@dominicksrealitalian 
@doscabezas
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@reillypizza 
@frescotucson 
@zio_peppe_az 

For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw

#tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕 Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week: @anello_pizzeria @dominicksrealitalian @doscabezas @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @reillypizza @frescotucson @zio_peppe_az For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw #tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek
@Asaditoszulmyta started with a tent and a grill on Tucson’s south side. Now, a year later, the Salvadoran food stand has grown into a food truck, a Central American market, and a gathering place for Tucson’s Latin American community.

Stop by Asaditos Zulmyta for their grand opening and Central American Independence Day celebration on Sept 12th from 7-10pm! Enjoy free aguas frescas, specials, a DJ, and more. 

Don’t forget to walk over and grab a coffee at @Redcaptaincoffee! 

4004 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 

Thanks for having us, @Asaditoszulmyta!@Asaditoszulmyta started with a tent and a grill on Tucson’s south side. Now, a year later, the Salvadoran food stand has grown into a food truck, a Central American market, and a gathering place for Tucson’s Latin American community. Stop by Asaditos Zulmyta for their grand opening and Central American Independence Day celebration on Sept 12th from 7-10pm! Enjoy free aguas frescas, specials, a DJ, and more. Don’t forget to walk over and grab a coffee at @Redcaptaincoffee! 4004 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ Thanks for having us, @Asaditoszulmyta!