Tucson restaurants rebound

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TUCSON (KVOA) – A year ago, most restaurants in Tucson were struggling to keep their doors open. But as the city emerges from the pandemic, they see an influx of guests.

“We’ve seen a huge boost, especially since March 28, when a number of the severe restrictions on restaurants in southern Arizona were lifted,” said Grant Krueger of the Union Public House. “We’re making similar, if not better, numbers than we were just before the pandemic.”

This is a trend that can be seen throughout the catering trade.

According to the Open Table, the catering business is 90% of the 2019 stand.

A Mastercard Spending Pulse report also notes that April marks the second straight month of positive growth for the restaurant industry, with restaurant spending up 118.8% from 2020.

Barrio Charro opened during the pandemic so can’t compare current sales. But Chef Julian Alarcon says the demand is there. The restaurant recently expanded to include dinner and can accommodate more guests.

“About a month ago we only had about three tables in the restaurant, so we’ve now doubled it and will actually be adding a few more tables by the end of this month,” Alarcon said.

And while it looks like gastronomy is recovering, there are still some challenges.

“We have enormous product shortages, we have product peaks and cost increases and we are still struggling with labor shortages,” said Krueger.

However, he is optimistic about the slow summer season.

“But with what we’ve seen over the past few months, we believe we’ll get started right away this summer and it should last into the fall season.”

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