Downtown Tucson Businesses Ready For Official Reopening

TUCSON, AZ — Businesses in the heart of downtown Tucson will finally, officially open for customers Oct. 1.

While some businesses have remained open throughout the coronavirus pandemic and some have slowly opened their doors following the statewide shutdown, Oct. 1 will mark the business center's official comeback. The grand reopening is thanks to a partnership between the Downtown Merchant’s Association, the Downtown Tucson Partnership and the Pima County Health Department.

The newly opened businesses will follow county health guidelines, including distanced tables, required face coverings and expanded outdoor dining. Customers are being encouraged to look for new 'Ready for You' emblems in storefront windows, indicating that a business is complying with safety standards.

The Pima County Health Department and the Downtown Merchant's Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Tucson has made small business needs a priority since the start of the pandemic in the form of grants using CARES Act funds. 29 businesses have been given outdoor café grants of $5,000 to expand outdoor dining areas and 32 downtown rebound grants, to the tune of $2,000, have been issued.

Urban Fresh, Raptor Canyon Café and Café 54 have joined together to create the Pennington Street Outdoor Food Court, located at the corner of Pennington Street and Scott Avenue. These three neighboring businesses were awarded $15,000 in funding and have combined their grant dollars for new tables, chairs, planters and signage, according to a statement from the Downtown Tucson Partnership.

As of Aug. 26, 19 applications had been received.

“This comes at a time when small local restaurants are struggling to stay open,” Chuck Huckelberry, Pima County Administrator, said in a statement. “The social distancing requirements coupled with the need to rebuild consumer confidence make this program the solution restaurants so desperately need to survive.”