Watch out Zany Beaver, a new restaurant specializing in poutine is coming to Fourth Avenue.
The Range discovered a new restaurant that may be opening in August called US Fries. The slogan on the website reads in red, white and blue: “It’s Not Poutine, It’s a Meal!”
The majority restaurant owner Thomas E. Jones told The Range he plans on opening the first of 15 restaurants in Tucson. Jones said within three to seven months he plans to open two locations in Austin. “I have always wanted to start a national brand,” he said.
US Fries will be open as late as 3 a.m. The poutine fast food joint will be located at 340 North Fourth Avenue. Jones said the Canadian based restaurant will cater to a “college demographic.” There will be up to 25 seats in the facility. The menu on the website is subject to change, but there will be 10 regular options and one monthly special.
Jones said he plans on moving from his home in Calgary Alberta, Canada to the Old Pueblo within 60 days. Lani Buchanan, chief and an executive of the company, will also make the move as well. Buchanan started Fries & Dolls food truck. The hot pink food truck serves gluten-free gourmet French fries and smokies. Buchanan and the truck have been featured on Eat St. and The Great Food Truck Race.
Jones said he’s currently hiring 15 employees.
Reportedly, Jones doesn’t anticipate getting a liquor licence in the near future.
“The business itself is completely paperless and operational,” Jones said. “We track and monitor everything in real time.” Jones has experience working in the financial services sector and land development over the last 20 years and currently works with investing firm, Rick Thomas & Associates.
This article appears in May 8-14, 2014.
when the downtown development was earlier on did they have a model to follow ? this looks like hit or miss the Buffalo Exchange high priced second hand clothes says people don,t buy clothes downtown . that must of been careless research of what do we the people want downtown not what the city council wants for downtown . we can not afford to shop for the dollar in hard times understated,with what is not developing downtown . the santa monica mall flourishes . a model of success are we still living in cowboy times the population dictates we are not a small town ..buses stop running at night so night shopping without a car is a zero . 3rd shift commutes by public transportation is a zero . the people are either not voicing what they,d like or are burnt out over rio nuevo all together .