Discover the inspiring story of Manish Shah, the visionary behind the nationally renowned brand, Maya Tea Company, the mastermind behind Heirloom Farmers Market, and the beloved Tucson tea shop, Transit Tea. With a remarkable dedication to innovating the business of tea, Manish’s journey is steeped in adventure. As an immigrant from India, Manish’s early business success was thanks, in large part, to the Tucson community. Today, his goal is to uplift our community with exquisite flavors from the untapped kingdom of plants. Watch the full video to learn more about his story. For more informati ..read more

Feliz Zaborsky is staying busy.  In addition to running farmer’s market staple Queen Ceviche she’s also the new owner of Market Tito’s, a prep kitchen for local food producers at 9105 E. Tanque Verde Rd. #103, and now she helps her niece run Howdy Juicy cold-pressed juices.  Zaborsky started Queen Ceviche 13 years ago, becoming a hit at local farmers markets and businesses like Casa Video & Film Bar, MotoSonora Brewing, and more.  Last October, she took things to the next level as the head of Market Tito’s, which supports more than 10 businesses, ranging from Ate Kei’s Fili ..read more

It’s all about being kind to one another and Ben’s Bells promotes it like no other. On Saturday, April 27 from 6 – 10 p.m., the local project is hosting its Celebration of Kindness at The Monica, 40 E. Congress St. What you can expect at the party is live saxophone jams from John Hughes Music, food catered by The Monica, cocktails, and friends supporting kindness throughout the community. Additionally, there’s going to be a silent auction, live auction, and a visit from Ben’s Bells’ partners at Kind Stitches. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ben's Bells (@bensbells) New to this ..read more

You’re browsing the wine list at a favorite restaurant when you spot a familiar bottle, one you often buy at a chain retailer but priced much higher here. You call over the restaurant’s owner, who is on the floor chatting with guests, and inquire about the markup. If that owner is Grant Kreuger, founder of the Union Hospitality Group — Union Public House, Reforma, Proof, and The Maverick — you’ll likely get a detailed answer. Krueger, who often fields these types of queries, says he might respond, “Respectfully, you’re not in Total Wine where they’re gonna hand you the bottle in a brown paper ..read more

The Tucson International Mariachi Conference (TIMC) is an annual event that celebrates mariachi music and Mexican culture. From Wednesday, May – Sunday, May 5, TIMC will be hosting performances by renowned mariachi bands, workshops, competitions, and educational sessions. (Photo courtesy of Visit Tucson) Founded in 1982, the conference has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious mariachi events in the world, attracting participants and audiences from across the U.S. and beyond. TIMC provides a platform for musicians, dancers, and enthusiasts to come together, share their talents, an ..read more

McKenzie O’Leary, the Executive Chef at the historic Tanque Verde Ranch, represented Tucson on Food Network’s “Chopped” on Tuesday, April 16. O’Leary has spent 15 years as a professional chef and was Chef de Cuisine at Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa before taking on her new role at Tanque Verde Ranch. Executive Chef McKenzie O’Leary (Photo courtesy of Tanque Verde Ranch) “I want to win ‘Chopped’ because being a single mom in this industry is so hard — everything that we do is about our guests,” said O’Leary. “It’s really cool for me to be able to show my daughters that you can ..read more

Bisbee, one of our favorite nearby towns to visit — whether it be a day trip or a full-on weekend foodie adventure — was named one of the 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. by the finance magazine Money. In fact, it’s the only Arizona city to make this year’s list. “Woven into the juniper-specked slopes of the Mule Mountains is Bisbee, Arizona, a colorful, quaint town of about 5,000 residents just north of the U.S.-Mexico border,” said Adam Hardy of Money. “But shh, don’t tell anyone.” The list “spotlights 50 places built around thoughtful policy, civic engagement, and community spirit,” but t ..read more

After 27 years as a staple in the local craft beer community, Steve Tracy, owner of Thunder Canyon Brewery, is retiring and passing the torch to his longtime friends and employees, James Owens (former General Manager of Thunder Canyon) and Michael Nixon (former Head Brewer). “Thank you, Tucson,” said Tracy. “With a combined 20 years of experience in the craft beer industry, James and Nixon are poised to carry on many of the traditions and techniques we’ve honed over the years at Thunder Canyon Brewery.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brick Box Brewery (@brickboxbrewery) So, w ..read more

On Friday, April 19, Dave’s Hot Chicken is opening its second Tucson area location at 3915 W. Costco Dr., which used to be a Burger King. The first location opened at 5615 E. Broadway Blvd. in February 2023. Marana location (Photo courtesy of Dave’s Hot Chicken) Dave’s Hot Chicken is known for its Hot Chicken Sliders and Tenders, which are served in seven spices that range in intensity levels. Folks can choose from No Spice to Reaper, which requires a signed waiver. Menu items also come paired with their classic sides like mac n’ cheese, fries, kale-slaw, and other small bites. The hours of op ..read more

Lee Lee International Supermarkets, a chain of three Asian-centric international grocery stores in Tucson, Peoria, and Chandler, has been purchased by a specialty grocery retailer headquartered in Southern California. Here in town, Lee Lee is on the corner of Orange Grove Road and La Cholla Boulevard — 1990 W. Orange Grove Rd. — and offers thousands of square feet of shopping options with fresh produce, a butcher, live seafood, cookware, beer, wine, and imported goods from countries all over the world. Last week, Maison Solutions Inc., a U.S.-based grocer that provides traditional Asian food ..read more