Tuesday, August 18, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has financially impacted a lot of economic sectors, but local restaurants remain one of the hardest hit sectors and they continue to struggle as Arizona and the larger United States fight to control the spread of the virus.
Because of this, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to delay a previously scheduled restaurant permit rate increase and provide credits to businesses that have already paid the higher fee.
According to a county press release, the fee increase was originally adopted in 2016 as a way to recover costs incurred by the Pima County Health Department Consumer Health and Food Safety department. They perform regular restaurant safety inspections and have recently been tasked with enforcing increased health and safety standards in restaurants related to the current public health crisis.
The fee was planned to increase gradually over five years, and the supervisors’ decision yesterday will delay the final increase of 25 percent. The county says these extra costs were partially offset by their Restaurant Incentive Program, which allows restaurants to save up to 25 percent on their permitting fees if they adopt certain practices such as having a certified food handler on staff, eliminating trans-fats in their food and posting nutritional information on their menus.
Restaurants can still apply for these savings through the program, as it is not affected by this recent change in fees. It is currently unclear when the fee might be reinstated.
“The pandemic was a big blow to many local restaurants. We’ve strived to support our restaurants as they adapt, while keeping the broader community safe,” said Director Loni Anderson of the Consumer Health and Food Safety Division. “We know that the vast majority of restaurants have a passion for what they do, and want to do right by their customers. The Restaurant Incentive Program, and today’s delay, are designed to benefit restaurant owners, and the whole of Pima County.”
For more information, visit www.webcms.pima.gov/health/food-safety.
Tags: COVID-19 , Coronavirus , Pima County , Consumer Health and Food Safety , Fee Increase , Restaurants , Image
Friday, July 24, 2020
North-central Tucson's Dillinger Brewing Company is opening a second location at the southeast corner of Ninth Street and Fourth Avenue in the former space of The Coronet.
"To have that level of visibility is going to be awesome," Dillinger Brewing co-owner Eric Sipe said.
Sipe and his business partner, Arron Long, said they had been looking for a new space to open a more central located taproom, but the pandemic put the brakes on that—at first. They're excited to be opening a second location in the heart of downtown, according to Long
"This kind of fell into our lap and we couldn't turn it down," Long said. "It the right size for us and it's got a great outdoor area that has great foot traffic."
The two owners still plan on keeping their original taproom open but plan on explaining their brewing capacity, according to Long. While brewing won't take place at the new spot, the owners plan on creating a barrel-aging program in the the space's two 200 square-foot rooms.
"Our current spot is going to host production and brewing atmosphere," Long said. "The downtown location will feature our specials and barrel-aged releases."
Long said the property's landlord has been willing to work with the brewery over concerns of opening during the pandemic, considering Gov. Doug Ducey extended the order to keep bars, movie theaters and tubing events closed until the virus' number decrease.
"We have complete confidence (the landlord) is willing to with us completely in the event at the shutdown lasts longer," Long said. "Every apprehension we was eased by how cool the landlords are being."
Down on the other end of Fourth Avenue on the corner of University Boulevard, Epic Cafe—the hipster coffee house loved by artists, students and aspiring writers—has decided to call it quits due to slow sales during the pandemic.
Owner Kimberly Flagg said she planned on reopening on Aug. 15, but with coronavirus lingering on and uncertainty looming, the owner decided it's better to close the doors and try to sell the late-night hangout spot. Flagg took over Epic Cafe in 2016 when the business was previously experiencing hard times. It's been in business on Fourth Avenue for roughly a quarter century.
"I'm pretty devastated at the moment. We really hoped to reopen on Aug. 15 on the condition the pandemic would be under control, the U of A would be open and doing face-to-face classes, that we would get some more funding to dig ourselves out of the COVID hole," Flagg said. "But it didn't happen so I put the 'for sale' sign up because if somebody could come in and buy it, Epic doesn't die."
Flagg said she's received several offers to take over her lease but only if they can change the concept. That's a non-starter for Flagg.
"I don't want someone to buy it and turn it into something else. I want someone to buy it and keep it Epic," Flag said. "I bought it because I didn't want to see this cafe close. If somebody loves Epic and wants to keep it Epic, come see me."
Monday, June 22, 2020
The restaurant announced its closure and thanked their customers for all the "amazing memories" and the "overwhelming accolades from customers & food critics over the years" on a Facebook post last Sunday afternoon.
However, the post alluded that Chef and Owner Andreas Delfakis might have a new project in the works stating, "Stay tuned for the next adventure because that's how we roll!"
While the Greek-born chef perfected and served some of the best traditional Greek fare this side of Thermopylae, Delfakis' skills shine brightest upon tasting his flavorful Greek seafood dishes like the Santorini platter—fresh prawns and seafood acquired that day, then sauteed with olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs and white wine. Delfakis opened Athens on 4th Avenue in 1993.
We're hoping another venture is in the works! To keep up with what Delfakis and company are up to next, follow their Facebook page here.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
We've checked in with more than 100 local restaurants to find out which are now open for dine-in service, which are still only offering take-out, and which are planning on opening in the near future. As plans are rapidly updating, email jeff@tucsonlocalmedia.com or comment on this article if you'd like your restaurant added to the list or if you know of a change in information. Support local business!
FOURTH AVENUE/ UNIVERSITY
● 4th Avenue Deli — Take-out available, and delivery through Postmates and Uber Eats. Dine-in service not available yet.
Hours: Monday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m
Phone: (520) 624-3354.
● Boca Tacos y Tequila — No date for dine-in service to be reopened yet, however outside patio is available. Take out or curbside pick up; bocatacos.com; delivery is by ondaguey.com within five miles.
Hours: Daily 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: (520) 777-8134.
● Brooklyn Pizza — Take-out and delivery through DoorDash, GrubHub, UberEats, Postmates and brooklynpizzacompany.com. Tentatively planning to reopen dine-in service in June.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 11 p.m
Phone: (520) 622-6868
● Caruso’s Italian Restaurant — Dine-in services are only provided through reservations and call-ahead only. Take-out available.
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday from 4 p.m to 8 p.m.,
Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m
Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Phone: (520) 624-5765
● Cheba Hut — Curbside pick-up with chebahut.com and delivery through DoorDash. Dine-in service not available yet.
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Phone: (520) 495-4719
● Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. — Take-out and delivery only. No dine-in service available yet.
Hours: Monday - Friday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: (520) 444-5305
● The Dutch Eatery and Refuge — Dine-in services available with reservations recommended. Take-out and delivery through GrubHub, DoorDash, Uber Eats and thedutchtucson.com.
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Phone: (520) 792-6684
● The Drunken Chicken — Limited dine-in service with seating inside and outside. Take-out and online ordering via thedrunkenchickenaz.com. Delivery through GrubHub and Postmates.
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Phone: (520) 617-0000
● Exo Roast Coffee/El Crisol Bar — Exo Roast Coffee reopened on May 30. Take-out only, and shipping of coffee and products on www.exocoffee.com.
Hours: Daily 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Phone: (520) 777-4709
● Frog & Firkin — Dine-in services available, as well as take-out and free no-touch delivery daily from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Hours: Daily: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Phone: (520) 623-7507
● Fuku Sushi — Take-out and delivery through GrubHub, Uber Eats, Postmates and Eat Street.
Tentative plans to reopen dine-in service in the first weeks of June.
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. to Midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Phone: (520) 798-3858
● Gentle Ben’s — Dine-in service available. Take-out and delivery service through GrubHub, Uber Eats and www.gentlebens.com.
Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Phone: (520) 624-4177
● Jimmy’s Pita and Poke Bowl — Dine-in service available for both UA and NW locations. Take-out and delivery through DoorDash, GrubHub, Postmates and https://www.jimmys2go.com/.
Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m (until 8 p.m. at NW location)
Phone: UA location (520) 882-7482; NW location (520) 912-4972
Thursday, May 28, 2020
National Hamburger Day is upon the Republic and it is every citizen's duty to devour at least one at every meal today—including breakfast, especially if it's got a fried egg on top. While a burger is traditionally defined as a beef patty, fictitious lawmakers have loosened the definition allowing turkey, pork and meatless patties to be acceptable despite objections from the White House.
Here are a few places around the Old Pueblo that are more than willing to help you fulfill your civic duty:
Tags: burger , eats , chow , national , yum , delicious , Image
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Today's vote was along party lines, with Democratic Supervisors Ramon Valadez, Sharon Bronson and Betty Villegas voting for the changes and GOP Supervisors Ally Miller and Steve Christy voting against them.
Some of the most significant revisions include removal of the $500 civil penalty, allowing bartop seating as long as six-foot distancing requirements are met and nixing 50 percent occupancy guidelines if physical distancing allows for higher occupancy.
“I think we have adequately captured all of the information that has been provided. I think our revision that we had Tuesday afternoon was based on a large part from the comments we’ve received here,” Pima County Administrator Huckelberry said before reading the revisions. “With all the notifications suggested I believe we would recommend to the board adoption.”
The board also clarified that parties—not individuals—must be spaced 6 feet apart to be in compliance with the proclamation. The county is still requiring parties not to exceed 10 or more people. Servers are not required to wear gloves and only have to follow current health code handwashing policies, instead of documenting each hand sanitization or glove change.
“The specificity of number (to a party) has been left out on purpose,” Huckelberry said. “Typically it’s two, but it could be (more) if we follow the same language in the policy, it’s up to 10 per party.”
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
The Board of Supervisors will meet again on Thursday, May 21, to finalize an easing of the new restrictions.
The move to change the new regulations came after complaints from restaurant owners and an investigation by Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, who was asked to look into the situation by three state lawmakers.
The new regulations were first created last week during an emergency meeting last Wednesday, May 13. The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to enact 15 of the 17 new guidelines recommended by the county’s Back to Business Bars and Restaurants Task Force as temporary regulations to the county health code. Supervisors Steve Christy and Ally Miller voted against the new rules.
State Sen. Vince Leach and state Reps. Mark Finchem and Bret Roberts filed a complaint with Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s office on Friday, May 15 calling for an investigation into Pima County’s actions. The state lawmakers say the county’s proclamation attempts to supersede Gov. Ducey’s May 12 executive order allowing dine-in service at Arizona restaurants as long as they follow the state’s recommended guidelines.
Monday, May 18, 2020
Participants will need to undergo a wellness check and sanitize their hands before entering the hearing room. Anyone who has a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or exhibits COVID-19 or influenza-like symptoms will not be admitted, according to the county's new guidelines.
Attendees will also be required to wear a mask at all times and maintain a six-foot physical distance between each other while in the hearing room. Access will be limited to accommodate physical distancing requirements.
The county is expected to continue discussions on whether or not county employees will be allowed to continue telecommuting, in addition to other agenda items. During the executive session, the county officials will also discuss their legal response to a recently filed complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's Office regarding updates to the county health code during the pandemic.
Friday, May 15, 2020
State Sen. Vince Leach and state Reps. Mark Finchem and Bret Roberts say that the county is exceeding its authority in creating the regulations and have asked Attorney General Mark Brnovich for an investigation.
"We've seen throughout this crisis how important it is to balance health concerns with the need to reopen businesses and get Arizonans back to work," Leach said in a prepared statement. "Gov. Ducey and the Legislature have been working with experts to find that balance and determine the best course of action for the entire state. It is unfortunate that Pima County is taking actions that are not consistent with the state. The cumbersome regulations in its proclamation will not facilitate an easy reopening for businesses."
Members of the county’s Back to Business Bars and Restaurants Task Force said that while they helped create guidelines and best practices, they didn’t think their recommendations would become regulations with fines attached.
“We offered to help be a part of this from the very beginning and now we’re the ones being targeted with fines,” said Ray Flores, owner of El Charro and its related restaurants. “If it’s really about public health and human safety, then all businesses should have to go through this. This is not a restaurant problem, this is a human population problem.”
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Dr. Bob England, director of the Pima County Health Department, clarified how the county health department would enforce the new guidelines approved by the Pima County Board of Supervisors yesterday.
"We are not going to have people sitting in the bushes while you eat," Dr. Bob said. "If there's one thing I've learned about our registered sanitarians and others in the year I've been here, it's that they want to help businesses do the right thing."
Education and assistance will be the health department's focus while the new regulations are in place, Dr. Bob said. The regulations will stay in place until the pandemic is declared over by Pima County's chief medical officer, Dr. Francisco Garcia.
"Actual enforcement of any kind is going to be a last resort," Dr. Bob said. "We want all of us to continue to do what we know we should to prevent transmission in this disease."
Dr. Bob also wanted to let businesses know that the county health department will be unable to assist them with procuring the necessary PPE to protect their staff. They don't have any to share and are still waiting on orders they placed two months ago.
"We can't give away stuff we don't have," Dr. Bob said. "We have a lot of material on backorder since March."
The county is expecting a large shipment of N-95 masks which will be going straight to health care workers, Dr. Bob said. He also cautioned against using an N-95 mask if you are not trained. Improper use could pose a risk for catching COVID-19, according to Dr. Bob.
"You need to be fit tested or at the very least trained to use it," Dr, Bob said. "If you put on an N-95 mask and you don't know what you're doing, you're going to draw air in around the side that's unfiltered."
