Inside Tucson Business 011323

Inside Tucson Business is published 26 times per year (once every other week on Fridays) plus the Book of Lists in January. Cost is $1 per single issue, $50 for 26 issues, $85 for 52 issues and $105 for 78 issues. The Book of Lists is included in annual and multi-year paid subscriptions. Back issues from within the past 12 months are $1 each. Delivery is available by U.S. Postal Service.

ADMINISTRATION

Steve T. Strickbine Publisher

Michael Hiatt Vice President

Claudine Sowards Accounting, claudine@tucsonlocalmedia.com

EDITORIAL

Christina Fuoco, Executive Editor, christina@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Katya Mendoza, Staff Reporter, kmendoza@timespublications.com

Hope Peters, Staff Reporter, kmenhpeters@timespublications.com

Karen Schaffner, Staff Reporter, kschaffner@timespublications.com

PRODUCTION

Shannon Mead Design/Production Supervisor, smead@timespublications.com

Nathalie Proulx Graphic Designer, nproulx@timespublications.com

CIRCULATION

Aaron Kolodny Circulation Director, aaron@phoenix.org

Brian Juhl Distribution Manager, brian@timeslocalmedia.com

ADVERTISING tlmsales@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Kristin Chester Account Executive, kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Candace Murray Account Executive, candace@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Tyler Vondrak Account Executive, tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com

Gary Tackett Account Executive, gtackett@tucsonlocalmedia.com

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

Zac Reynolds Director of National Advertising, zac@timespublications.com

EDITORIAL & AD CONTENT

Inside Tucson Business expresses its opinion in the editorial. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author. The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Tucson Local Media assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement. Publisher has the right to edit for size or refuse any advertisement at his or her discretion.

American Furniture Warehouse coming to Marana

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Tucson Local Media Staff

American Furniture Warehouse is expected to bring its “no-pressure” sales approach to Marana in the second quarter of 2024.

Nolan Morrison, with real estate and development at American Furniture Warehouse, said after the town of Marana finishes its final review, he’s hoping to start construction in the next two months.

The new, 125,000-square-foot store will employ between 150 and 175 workers, topping out at around 250. Morrison said Marana made sense on several levels for a new location.

“We’ve been selling to the Marana market since we opened up the Gilbert location,” he said.

“We’re (delivering) a lot of product down there. We have a lot of consumers in that area. It made sense for us to go down there.

“Going into markets, it’s always difficult to find a location that’s easy for consumers (to find). We looked for a good piece of

land that was big enough and close to the freeway.”

The location at the I-10 and West Twin Peaks Road near the Tucson Premium Outlets checked all the boxes.

“There’s a lot of growth in that area,” he added.

“Marana is business friendly and they’re bringing a lot of good businesses to that area. We wanted to be off that freeway so people can get to it easily. We’re close enough get Mexican nationals who come up. There are not a lot of opportunities for them to shop. I think we’ll be able to offer them some great deals as well.”

Morrison said American Furniture Warehouse stands out for a number of reasons.

“For one, we have a no-pressure sales experience,” he explained. “It’s important for the consumer. We’re also honest about the products. We put a lot of time and effort into the information cards on the product.

“We’re not going to oversell the product.”

He also praised chief executive officer Jake Jabs.

“The owner also has a philosophy of giving,” Morrison recalled about Jabs.

“His phrase is, ‘There’s nothing wrong with giving the customer a good deal.’

During the pandemic, prices were going up all over the place. Post-pandemic, he’s lowering the prices.

“He’s very value-focused for the consumer. The price, the quality of the product, the availability of the product, the customer service after the purchase. All that lends itself to a much better buying experience and people come back for that.”

Jabs shares his philanthropic ways as well. An active member of the community and philanthropist, Jabs lends his support to a number of nonprofit organizations. He serves as national vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and is actively involved with many notfor-profit organizations in Colorado, where American Furniture Warehouse is based.

American Furniture Warehouse regularly supports nonprofits around Arizona, too. ITB

Steps for business success in 2023

As we kick off the new year, many entrepreneurs and small business owners are looking for ways to set themselves up for success in the coming year. While the future can be unpredictable, there are certain steps that you can take to increase the chances of success for your business. From identifying opportunities and setting clear goals, to building a strong team and leveraging social media, these steps will help you navigate the ever-changing business landscape and position your company for growth and success this year.

1. Have a clear vision and mission statement. It’s important to have a clear understanding of what your business is trying to achieve and what your goals are. This will help guide your decision-making and ensure that you’re working toward something that is meaningful and aligned with your values.

2. Foster a positive company culture. A positive company culture can go a long way in terms of employee satisfaction and retention, as well as attracting top talent. Make sure you create a work environment that is inclusive, supportive, and encourages collaboration and creativity.

3. Invest in your employees. Your employees are the backbone of your business, so it’s important to invest in their growth and development. This can include training opportunities, as well as offering competitive benefits packages. At Cox, we provide one-on-one mentoring to ensure employees have opportunities for learning and growth and offer tuition reimbursement.

4. Prioritize customer service. Providing excellent customer service is crucial for building long-term relationships with your clients and maintaining their loyalty. Make sure you have a clear process in place for handling customer inquiries and complaints.

5. Stay up to date with industry trends. It’s important to stay current

with developments in your industry so you can stay competitive and position your business for success. Coxblue.com is a great recourse for up-to-date information on the latest trends in small business.

6. Have a strong online presence. In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. This includes maintaining a social media presence and having a strong online reputation through customer reviews and ratings.

7. Build a network of partners and suppliers. Building strong relationships with partners and suppliers can help you access new markets, reduce costs, and drive growth. At Cox we support hundreds of local small businesses by employing local vendor partners and suppliers, in fact Cox is responsible for a total economic impact in Southern Arizona of more than $692 million annually.

8. Understand your finances. It’s important to have a firm grasp on your financial situation, including your profits, losses, and cash flow. Make sure you have a robust financial management system in place and stay up to date with your financial performance.

9. Stay agile and adaptable. The business world is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay adaptable in order to remain competitive. This can include being open to trying new things and being proactive in seeking out new opportunities.

10. Practice good communication. Effective communication is key to success in any business. Make sure you have clear channels of communication in place. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and can work toward common goals.

Lisa Lovallo is the Southern Arizona market vice president for Cox Communications, leading a team of more than 260 Cox employees, with over 1,500 jobs supported by Cox locally. Prior to joining the Cox Southern Arizona team, she ran a family business based in Tucson and is a graduate of the UA. Reach her at lisa.lovallo@cox.com.

WEEKLY

(American Furniture Warehouse/Rendering)

American Furniture Warehouse’s store in Marana will sit at the I-10 and West Twin Peaks Road.

PEOPLEINACTION

BeachFleischman PLLC promotes four

BeachFleischman PLLC recently promoted Jason Cook, Lydia Hunter, Travis Jones and Victoria Meyer to principal. The four principal additions support strategic growth by deepening the firm’s specialized tax, audit, real estate, nonprofit and client accounting services. The firm has 24 principals and over 170 client service and administrative professionals.

“Recognizing these key individuals for their well-deserved career milestones is an honor,” said Eric Majchrzak, chief executive officer of BeachFleischman.

“Each is an exemplary ambassador of our brand with the diverse technical skills and leadership traits critical for BeachFleischman’s continued growth and success.”

Cook is a principal and member of the firm’s tax department and real estate segment team. Cook has spent most of his public accounting career focused on complex real estate transactions and partnership taxation, including multiasset exchanges, mergers, consolidations, buy-outs, cost segregation studies and transaction formation. Additionally, Cook is experienced with international issues related to real estate, including inbound and outbound transactions. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Eastern Illinois University.

Hunter is a principal who serves as a member of the accounting and assurance department and nonprofit segment team. She provides accounting, assurance and consulting services for various privately held businesses, nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. Hunter attended the UA, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration, accounting and a Master of Accounting.

Jones is a principal for BeachFleischman and a member of the firm’s accounting and assurance department. Jones provides assurance services for clients across several industries and consults on internal controls, processes, and financial due diligence. Internally, Jones provides leadership for various initiatives, including the firm’s Inclusion Diversity Equity Action (IDEA) Committee, technology, and technical accounting groups. Jones attended New Mexico State University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration—finance, a Bachelor of Accountancy, and a Master of Accountancy. Meyer is a principal and director of oursourced accounting and advisory services for the firm. With over 25 years of experience in public accounting, Meyer has provided accounting, auditing, and business consulting services for numerous privately held companies. She has also been highly instrumental in planning and launching the firm’s client accounting services. Meyer earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the UA. Info: beachfleischman.com

Keegan Linscott & Associates

Keegan Linscott & Associates promoted Rachel Karlan as director, government contract services; Melissa Seida as director, audit services; and Sean Tanner, as director, consulting services.

They will join Bret Berry, Carla Keegan and Chris Linscott at the leadership level, continuing the firm’s legacy.

Karlan is a certified public accountant with more than 15 years of professional experience, including 11 years of public accounting experience.

She specializes in providing audit services in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Government Auditing Standards (GAS) to a wide variety of clients including governmental agencies, architectural and engineering firms (A/E firms) and not-for-profit organizations.

Karlan’s experience serving governmental agencies and A/E firms includes extensive involvement with the Arizona Department of Transportation, North Dakota Department of Transportation, and architectural and engineering industry clients.

She is experienced with and specializes in performing indirect cost rate audits and incurred cost (project) audits in accordance with the FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, AASHTO Uniform Audit & Accounting Guide, and GAS.

Seida is a certified public accountant with more than 13 years of public accounting experience. She specializes in providing audit and other assurance-related services such as reviews, compilations, and agreed-upon procedure engagements to not-for-profit, government, manufacturing and housing entities.

She also specializes in performing compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act and the Uniform Guidance. Seida’s expertise and experience allows her to take a client-focused, risk-based approach to the audit of financial records, which results in the effective and efficient execution of an audit project that is value-added to our clients.

Tanner is a certified public accountant, a certified fraud examiner and a certified insolvency and restructuring adviser with more than 17 years of public accounting and industry experience.

A few of Tanner’s notable areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions (buy and sell), financial analysis and investigative financial review, consolidations and complex financial reporting (business plans, budgeting, and forecasting), transfer pricing, ERP implementation, debt and equity financing arrangements (fundraising, warrants, options, convertible notes, etc.), and issues associated with costing of production efforts and inventory.

Info: keeganlinscott.com

Mario Rivas affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona

Mario Rivas has associated with the Tucson-Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.

“I have always been interested in real estate. My family was in the mortgage business as well as real estate, so that has inspired me to be here,” Rivas said. “I decided to affiliate with Coldwell Banker because it came highly recommended by many of my friends and fellow agents.”

Info: coldwellbanker.com

Melina Antunez affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona

Melina Antunez has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent. Most recently, she worked for Rodney D. Yung Insurance.

“My sales experience, ambition to succeed as well as my ability to relate with people and provide outstanding service and follow up will help me succeed in real estate,” Antunez said.

“I decided to affiliate with Coldwell Banker because they offer great resources and support systems and always make the client the main priority in every aspect of the purchase process.”

Info: coldwellbanker.com

Arizona Oncology welcomes Dr. Jillian O’Donnell

Arizona Oncology welcomed Dr. Jillian O’Donnell to its gynecological oncology team in Tucson. She is seeing patients at its Orange Grove location.

She earned her medical degree from McGovern Medical School before completing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was a gynecologic oncology fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She treats gynecological cancers including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulvar.

The Orange Grove office is at 1845 W. Orange Grove Road, Building 2, Tucson. Info: 520-531-8967, arizonaoncology.com

Jason Cook

Lydia Hunter

Travis Jones

Victoria Meyer

Rachel Karlan

Melissa Seida

Sean Tanner

Mario Rivas

Dr. Jillian O’Donnell

Melina Antunez

MCS unveils self-performing property service team

MCS, a national property services company founded in 1986, unveiled its self-performing team of project managers and service technicians in Tucson to execute residential rental and commercial field property services, while supporting its property preservation business. Having its own team in Tucson allows MCS to manage the field property services needs of its customers in the region, while

also helping support the local community through new jobs and economic investment.

MCS plans to grow its local market team and is actively recruiting licensed, certified project managers and service technicians who can perform a full range of property services for commercial and residential properties.

MCS’ hybrid service model combines its own “boots-on-the-ground” capabilities in key markets with its expansive network of local vendors to create efficiencies, enhance quality control and code compliance, and ensure transpar-

ency for owner/operators through aggregation and innovative technology-driven processes.

“We’re pleased to add to our growing, national network of self-performing service teams by making an investment in Tucson as we continue to expand the markets we serve,” said Andrew Nolan, president, commercial and residential rental services for MCS. “Our hybrid service model combines the advantage of the MCS national ‘scale’ with local vendor expertise to create efficiencies and enhance service delivery.”

“With a healthy single-family rental market,

an affordable cost of living and strong economic drivers, Tucson is one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions and an ideal market to expand our self-performing capabilities with support from our experienced team in Phoenix,” added Doug Ellis, MCS market director for Tucson and Phoenix. “Working closely with our regional Phoenix location, the Tucson team is able to deliver top-quality and efficient work for local residential and commercial clients through our highly trained team along with our trusted service partners.”

In 2022, MCS opened service centers in Phoenix, Dallas, Las Vegas, Orlando, Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio. Markets on the MCS Service Center expansion roadmap include Houston, Tampa, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Denver, Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville, Charlotte, Detroit and

elsewhere in Florida and Texas, while assessing opportunities in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Eyemart Express expands footprint in Tucson

Eyemart Express recently opened its second store in Tucson.

The optical retailer boasts same-day service, thanks to its local lens labs. The new store at 6351 E. Broadway Boulevard marks the retailer’s third store in Arizona. Eyemart Express, which has been in business for more than 30 years, debuted in January with the opening of a storefront in the Oracle Limberlost Shopping Center.

Eyemart Express now employs nearly 50 people in Tucson, ranging from full- and part-time sales associates to lab technicians and opticians. The company offers a variety

of training and development programs to cultivate career paths in the optical industry along with a competitive benefits package for all associates.

“Demand has grown in Tucson for affordable, quality eyewear that you can wear home on the same day, and now it is easier for the community to see clearly faster with our second storefront,” said Melissa Lopez, local Eyemart Express store manager.

“Convenience and value are so important, especially as families are short on time and watching their dollars. We make prescription eyewear accessible to everyone and every budget.”

Eyemart Express carries more than 2,000 frames at affordable prices from brands like Ray-Ban,

Compiled by Inside Tucson Business Staff

Angela Baurley

Founder,

Ashley Cole

Vanessa Bell

(Eyemart Express/Submitted)

Eyemart Express recently opened its third Arizona store in Tucson.

Coach and Versace. The retailer also has a large selection of kid’s glasses, including frames from Jonas Paul, Paw Patrol and My Little Pony.

Tucson shoppers can either visit the independent doctor of optometry next door to Eyemart Express stores for an eye exam or they can bring in an existing prescription from their eye doctor.

Eyemart Express is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The optical retailer is closed on Sunday.

Miramonte to provide build-to-rent communities

Tucson-based Miramonte Homes launched Miramonte Communities, which specializes in developing build-to-rent multifamily properties. The company announced its first communities in Arizona and Montana.

“As home buyers continue to face challenges, including supply and affordability, the market for rental homes has exploded,” said Eric Entringer, president of Miramonte Communities. “Housing is significantly undersupplied nationally. Miramonte is focused on developing housing in markets that are severely under supplied throughout the Mountain West.”

Miramonte’s loft-style townhomes provide high-quality living spaces with an open floorplan. Currently, there are over 1,400 units in planning, design and development across these markets with

an eye on opportunities to provide housing in other markets facing housing constraints.

“Miramonte has been building quality homes for more than 30 years,” said founder and CEO Chris Kemmerly. “We understand and adapt to shifting market trends to meet the needs of our customers.

Given the current housing market, we know our townhomes are the right product at the right time helping fill the gap in housing needs.”

Miramonte is the operating partner for the new company, working with its investment partner ICM Asset Management to develop build-to-rent multifamily communities.

“ICM Asset Management is a world-class alternative asset investor that has been in business for 20 years with $1.6 billion of assets under management throughout North America,” Kemmerly said.

“We are extremely excited to partner with ICM to grow our build-to-rent platform throughout the Mountain West with a leader in real estate investment not only in the U.S. but in Canada and Mexico as well.”

“We are excited to be working with Miramonte Communities,” said Scott Myers, managing director with ICM. “As a leader of alternative investments including real estate, we look to partner with strong regional developers in growth markets. Miramonte Communities represents a great fit for our portfolio.” ITB

Solar, storage project underway at Grand Canyon West

By Inside Tucson Business Staff

The Hualapai Tribe in Northern Arizona partnered with Tucson-based SOLON Corp. to develop, design and construct a new solar energy project and battery energy system (BESS) near the visitor center at Grand Canyon West.

Recently the Hualapai Tribe celebrated the project with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by members of the Tribal Council, the tribe’s project management team, and representatives of SOLON Corp. The project will be built in phases, and it is expected

the Solar and BESS will be fully operational in Q2, 2023.

“We’re excited to build a project that supports the local microgrid, which will significantly reduce the tribe’s use of diesel generators and provide clean energy to power the Grand Canyon West Visitor Center and Skywalk. The tribe has been a great Arizona partner to work with; it’s not every day that you get to help support one of the seven natural wonders of the world,” said Brian Seibel, SOLON Corp. president.

The solar system is comprised of 884.52 kWdc of fixed-tilt ground-mounted solar

that will cover approximately 42,677 square feet and include 1,638 solar modules; it will produce more than 1,800 MWh/ year of clean, renewable energy. The solar system is combined with a 770 kW, 2,145 kWh battery energy storage system (BESS).

The Solar and BESS will be a significant benefit to the tribe in terms of cost and environmental benefits. The project entails converting an existing microgrid solely powered by diesel generators to one powered primarily by Solar and BESS. The BESS will serve as the grid-forming source, greatly reducing opera -

tional costs and increasing reliability of the microgrid. Generator use will be limited and only used as a backup power source or if needed to charge batteries overnight, although typically excess solar will be used during the daytime to charge the batteries.

Planning for the future was a crucial component in the development of this project. The local utility may provide power to the area in the future, so it was essential that the microgrid be optimally designed for today’s needs, while planning for a future grid connection to the system.

(SOLON Corp./Submitted)

The Hualapai Tribe in Northern Arizona partnered with Tucson-based SOLON Corp. to develop, design and construct a new solar energy project and battery energy storage system (BESS) near the visitor center at Grand Canyon West.

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Real estate transactions

Share information with Inside Tucson Business’ land transactions column. Send items to christina@tucsonlocalmedia.com.

by Inside Tucson Business Staff

The Drawing Studio at 2760 N. Tucson Boulevard acquired the former Circle K building adjacent to its current property near Glenn Street.

The 2,720-square-foot former gas station sits on 9,000 square feet of land at 2750 N. Tucson Boulevard. They purchased it for $321,000. Brenna Lacey of Volk Company represented the purchaser. Greg Furrier and Rob Tomlinson of Picor represented the seller.

This doubled the organization’s footprint and enables it to develop the entire corner as an arts learning, gathering and exhibit venue.

Thanks to donors, the organization paid cash for the purchase and to fund phase one of its capital campaign and site development project.

“The generosity of our local community is so amazing. We are grateful for the investments our donors have made to the growth of The Drawing Studio now and over the last 30 years,” said Lacey, who is also the capital campaign co-chair.

“To date, we have raised over $750,000 for this project. This physical expansion will facilitate program expansion to reach even more youth and

more adults in Southern Arizona.”

The Drawing Studio has completed phase one of a three-phase capital campaign designed to make significant improvements to its existing building and add more studios in its new building, to complete the surrounding garden, outdoor studio space, and parking lot.

Michael Becherer of Swaim and Associates is the architect for the project.

A phase two launch party is set for 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at The Drawing Studio. The public is welcome.

“The completion of phase one is a thrill, but we aren’t finished yet,” said Julie Ragland, board member and capital campaign co-chair.

“Over the next couple of years, The Drawing Studio is creating a space that is welcoming and embracing of our community — everyone in our community.

In addition to indoor and outdoor space improvements, we are building our Access for Artists Scholarship Fund and growing our capacity to serve a diversity of adults and youth in our community.

“Phase II is launching now, and we will be raising an additional $850,000 for this project.”

Info: thedrawingstudiotds.org

Sol y Luna Apartments, a luxury student apartment community at 1031 N. Park and 1020 N. Tyndall avenues, has been sold to a New York Investor for $203 million.

Sol y Luna community sells for $203M

Sol y Luna Apartments, a luxury student apartment community at 1031 N. Park Avenue and 1020 N. Tyndall Avenue, has been sold to a New York investor for $203 million.

“Sol y Luna comprises two luxury, high-rise towers and offers a unique advantage based on its premium location with walkability to the University of Arizona campus and downtown Tucson,” said Brad Cooke, executive vice president with Colliers in Arizona.

“The asset could be positioned by new owner-

ship as a co-living option for young professionals and graduate students. More than $1.8 million upside in rents is to be captured immediately through operations and light value-add enhancements, which was attractive to the buyer.”

Brad Cooke, Cindy Cooke, Matt Roach and Chris Roach of Colliers in Arizona handled the sale transaction. Vesper Holdings LLC of New York City purchased the community from Nelson Partners LLC of San Clemente, California.

“This sale is a true testament to our great management team’s tireless efforts through the very difficult

years of COVID-19,” said Patrick Nelson, CEO of Nelson Partners LLC.

“We are grateful for their efforts, Brad Cooke and the Colliers team, as well as everyone involved.”

Sol y Luna, constructed in 2014, is comprised of two luxury high-rise towers, 13 and 15 stories. The property includes 340 total units containing 972 total beds, as well as 7,640 square feet of ground floor retail space. Sol y Luna offers a mix of studio, one-, two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom apartment homes averaging 1,014 square feet.

The property is recognized for offering unparalleled amenities, including two rooftop pools with mountain views, fitness centers and study spaces.

BioLife signs ground lease for 2nd Tucson location

CBRE arranged the ground lease on a 15,000-square-foot retail development that will bring BioLife Plasma Services to Northwest Tucson. The location, which marks BioLife’s second center in Tucson and seventh in Arizona, is under construction and slated to open this year.

CBRE’s Nancy McClure handled ground lease negotiations for the landlord, Solar Holdings LLC.

Located on the southwest corner of North Oracle Road and West Auto Mall Drive, the collection center is being built on an undeveloped freestanding pad in an existing shopping center across the street from Tucson Mall and adjacent to the Tucson Auto Mall. With this lease, the shopping center is 100% occupied. Other tenants include David’s Bridal, Chick-fil-A and Dutch Bros Coffee.

“We’ve seen more medical users looking to locate in retail properties because of the convenience-factor of being easy to find, having key locations in core properties, and plenty of parking,” said Nancy McClure, a first vice president in CBRE’s Tucson office.

“This property had the required zoning for the use and its location enjoys the draw of people within a regional mall hub.”

Founded in 2002, BioLife collects high-quality plasma that is processed into life-saving, plasma-based therapies. The company operates more than 170 plasma centers in 35 states across the country and employs approximately 8,000 people. Each center represents a $3 million to $6 million initial investment and contributes an average of $2 million to $3

Compiled

(Colliers/Submitted)

million in annual donor compensation — 80% of which is spent within the community, according to BioLife. BioLife is a part of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global biopharmaceutical company.

Multifamily assets sell for $65 million

San Diego-based Tower 16 Capital Partners has sold a pair of multifamily assets in Tucson for $65.15 million to an undisclosed buyer. The 459-unit two-pack was assembled by Tower 16 over the last 24 months with the company instituting a heavy repositioning effort to all the assets. The properties consist of Sierra Vista and La Mirada Apartments.

“We are excited to announce the successful sale of these assets to a strong and reputable buyer, who knows the Tucson market well,” said Tower 16 co-founder Mike Farley.

“Upon our acquisition, both assets needed significant physical and management improvement, which we quickly implemented at the two properties. The result was an execution that we are proud of, leaving both properties well positioned to take advantage of the strong economic dynamics of the Tucson market.”

Both assets received significant renovations including the leasing offices, outdoor amenity areas and interior unit renovations on 40 percent of units. Tower 16 purchased the properties for $36 million

and spent $4.9 million on improvements during the approximate two years they owned the properties. The new buyer plans to continue the renovation efforts to further improve the appeal and performance of the assets.

Sierra Vista has 258 apartments at 3535 N. First Avenue, along with two pools, a new clubhouse, leasing office and gym. Located at 4415 E. Grant Road, La Mirada has 201 apartment units, two pools, a new clubhouse with a fitness center, and a new outdoor amenity area.

“These properties were exceptional projects for not only Tower 16 but for our investors and, most importantly, the residents of our communities.

Tucson has proven to be a unique market with strong fundamentals for multifamily, especially in the workforce housing space,” said Tower 16 co-founder Tyler Pruett. “The marketplace remains at the top of our list for investment as we are confident in the future of Tucson and its continued growth, in spite of the uncertain national economic outlook.”

The properties were marketed in 2022 by Insti-

tutional Property Advisor’s Tucson team who represented Tower 16 in the sale. The IPA team was led by Art Wadlund, Clint Wadlund and Hamid Panahi.

Sale

Approximately 157,060 square feet of land at the northeast corner of Cortaro and Interstate 10 was sold to Jormar Investment Company LLC for $2,095,310. Jeramy Price and Brenna Lacey of Volk Company and Chuck Wells of Kidder Mathews represented the seller, Cortaro Commercial JV LLC. The property will be used for a car dealership.

Common Ground Properties LLC purchased a 6,240-square-foot building on 22,596 square feet of land at 220 E. Speedway Boulevard for $1.2 million. Dave Volk of Volk Company represented Casey Family Programs in its purchase. The seller was represented by Bruce Suppes of CBRE.

ONETEN REI Main LLC bought 27,000 square feet of vacant land at Highway 92 Quail Run Drive in Sierra Vista for $415,000. Jeramy Price of

Volk Company represented the buyer. The seller, Frank T. Moro, Tammy J. Moro and Plaza De Calibre LLC were represented by First West Properties Corp.

Walid Qasem purchased a 2,202-square-foot building on 6,969 square feet of land at 2455 N. First Avenue for $340,000. Joey Castillo of Volk Company represented Qasem. The seller, Lloyd C. Lakin II Revocable Trust, was represented by Aaron LaPrise and Dave Hammack of Picor.

Jeramy Price of Volk Company represented the purchaser of 2130 N. Kolb LLC in its purchase of a 792-square-foot former gas station building on 14,120 square feet of land at 550 N Alvernon Way from Laxmi Gas Inc. for $335,000. Rob Lamb from Long Realty Company represented the seller.

Joey Castillo of Volk Company handled a sale from North Stone Partners II LLC to 941 N. Stone LLC of an approximately 2,850-square-foot building on approximately 4,620 square feet of land at 933 N. Stone Avenue for

$300,000.

Rick Volk and Brenna Lacey of Volk Company handled the sale of approximately 62,451 square feet of land at 11121 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley, within Steam Pump Village from Evergreen-Steam Pump LLC to Steamy Lot 9 LLC for $94,000.

An affiliate of Care Partners Senior Living, Round Lake II LLC, purchased an 8.03-acre development site for $3.85 million in Innovation Park, from VWI/ Vistoso Development Inc. Care Partners plans on building a mixed-use senior’s property with assisted living, memory care and independent living casitas. Mike Chapman and Justin Lanne with NAI Horizon-Tucson Branch represented the purchaser and Tim Healy with CBRE represented the seller.

Lease

Cross Country Mortgage LLC leased 2,736 square feet at Shops at Oro Vista located at 10370 N. La Canada Drive. Jayme Fabe with NAI Horizon repre-

sented the landlord and Jon O’Shea with Vast Commercial Real Estate LLC represented the tenant.

Hideout Steakhouse & BBQ Tucson LLC leased 5,757 square feet at Tucson Spectrum located at the SWC I19 and Irvington. Ben Craney and Jayme Fabe with NAI Horizon represented the landlord and

Nina Marvcesim with Realty Executives AZ Territory represented the tenant.

Southwest Settlement Services LLC DBA Agave Title Agency (tenant) has leased 1,971 square feet at 8580 N. Oracle Road, from Shoppes of Oracle Rd LLC (landlord). Roger Breckenridge of Long Realty represented the tenant and Robert Nolan of Oxford Realty Advisors represented the landlord.

New Hope Recovery LLC (tenant) has leased 1,982 square feet at 899 N. Wilmot Road, Suite D-3, from Holland Arizona Investments LLC (landlord).

Cameron Casey of Oxford Realty Advisors represented both the tenant and the landlord in this transaction.

(Tower 16/Submitted)

Sierra Vista (Top) and La Mirada Apartments (Right) sold for $65.15 million.

Oro Valley business summit returns with changes

By Hope Peters Inside Tucson Business Staff

Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce kicks off the new year with its second business summit from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa.

Large and small businesses, as well as individuals, are invited to attend the summit to participate, discuss and learn ways to advance and promote their businesses. The summit will feature three workshops in the morning and includes lunch. Speakers include Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield and keynote speaker, Ted Maxwell.

“Last year was our very first one, so we are still trying to figure out how it will look,” Kristen Sharp, Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer.

“It was very successful, and people were very happy with it from the feedback that we got, so we are doing it again.”

Mary Martin of Good News Communications will present the workshop “Marketing Your Business,” while Ryan Lambert of Three Buckets Wealth Management will discuss “Vision Boarding.”

During his talk, Lambert will encourage participants to visualize what they want in order to make it more attainable.

Tucson Federal Credit Union will focus on financial sustainability during its workshop. It

will involve what it takes to make sure companies are financially stable. In “this kind of unstable time, with interest rates and inflation…It’s just good practices,” she said.

The $50 tickets are

available until Friday, Jan. 20. Sponsorship opportunities are available. The $500 premier level includes three tickets, a quarter-page ad, company banner at the event, recognition on all

promotional pieces and recognition as sponsor by emcee. The $1,000 champion level sees five tickets, a half-page ad, and the same benefits as premier.

The luncheon level is the same as champion, but

gives includes the company logo on all meal tickets for $1,500.

The highest level, presenting, is sold out.

Sharp said the chamber will create a printed program featuring business

ads.

“We will have big businesses like those people from large credit unions,” she said. “We will have a lot of small businesses and

(Joey Ambrose/BoomPix Media)

David Aaker, owner of Aaker and Associates, speaks at the 2022 business summit.

(Joey Ambrose/BoomPix Media)

The 2022 Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce business summit will be held at the Westward Look.

(Joey Ambrose/BoomPix Media)

Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield appears at last year’s Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce business summit.

(Joey Ambrose/BoomPix Media)

Keynote speaker David Aaker, left, and Mayor Joe Winfield at 2022 Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce business summit.

business owners.”

Last year, the summit brought in about 100 guests. This year, they’re expecting 100 to 150 attendees.

Sharp said the 2023 summit will have an improved flow of the workshops.

“We posted a survey (last year), so a lot of what we did this year is based on that,” said Sharp who organized last year’s summit. “Last year we had workshops in the afternoon, after lunch but we had several people just end up leaving after the keynote speaker and lunch.”

This year the three workshops will run con-

currently in the morning.

“We will do (the workshops) 9 to 9:45, all three will be running at the same time.” Sharp explained. “And then we will rotate, 10 to 10:45; 11 to 11:45. So technically each workshop will be presented three times but to different people each time, that way everyone can go to each workshop.”

At lunch, Winfield will speak followed by the keynote speaker Maxwell, with the Southern Arizona Leadership Council.

“The town of Oro Valley is our main sponsor, they’re the presenting sponsor for this event,” she said. “They want to keep in touch with local businesses and see how they are doing and what they can do to help.” ITB

Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Summit

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26; Checkin is from 8 to 8:45 a.m. followed by brief welcome remarks

WHERE: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa

COST: $50

INFO: orovalleychamber.com

Crumbl Cookies celebrates The Landings opening

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Tucson Local Media Staff

Crumbl Cookies’ mission is to bring friends and family together over a box of the best cookies in the world.

Todd and Lori Tucker, Matt Rudder, and Spencer and Abby Olson are doing just that.

They opened their third Crumbl Cookies’ location in Arizona, this time at 4850 S. Landing Way, Suite 170, Tucson, on Dec. 16. Like the Oro Valley and Rita Ranch stores, this Crumbl is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. It started delivery, curbside pickup, catering and nationwide shipping on Dec. 21, via the store’s app and online at crumbl.com.

Rudder said it was important to open at The Landings.

“We’re so excited to be over here,” he said. “We’re excited to be on this side of town in this community. It’s far enough from the other stores, but it’s a new experience for everybody over here. We’re so excited.”

Crumbl Cookies boasts 200-plus weekly rotating flavors. Some of Crumbl’s specialty flavors include cornbread, cookies and cream, s’mores, key lime pie, peppermint bark, caramel popcorn, buttermilk pancake and galaxy brownie. Each Sunday at 6 p.m., Crumbl’s social media accounts

reveal the flavors for the week.

“As local business owners, we are looking forward to sharing delicious cookies with our neighbors on this side of town,” Rudder said.

The company as a whole was founded in 2017 in Logan, Utah,

by Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley. In five years, Crumbl has grown from a local shop to a franchise with more than 500 locations in 40-plus states.

Rudder moved from Utah about a year and a half ago. He started in Crumbl’s corporate office

and then opted for a franchise in Arizona.

“It takes a lot of work to get the store ready,” Rudder said. “We have a great construction company down here. Our general contractor is so great to us. To get the store together — tiled and painted — is a huge,

huge effort. But then after it’s done, we had to get everyone trained and

Crumbl Cookies

ready. We need to make sure everybody is up to par.” ITB

4850 S. Landing Way, Suite 170, Tucson 520-485-7254, az.thelandings@crumbl.com crumbl.com

Crumbl Cookies in The Landings is owned by, from left, Matt Rudder, Lori and Todd Tucker and Abby and Spencer Olson.

Rite of Passaggio Primo’s replacement serves tasty Italian dishes

By Valerie Vinyard Inside Tucson Business Contributor

Passaggio has some pretty big shoes to fill.

The new flagship restaurant of JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa replaced the award-winning Primo in early October.

Primo, which opened in 2005, was a concept by executive chef Melissa Kelly, a two-time James Beard award winner.

David Fransua, executive chef and food and beverage director, has worked at Starr Pass since the beginning of 2017. He said the parting between Kelly and the resort was a mutual decision.

“As a resort grows and changes, some of the keepsakes of a concept changes,” said Fransua, 41. “All of our outlets have evolved. We wanted to stay true to Primo, but it wasn’t in the same boat as we were moving along.”

Fransua wanted to continue offering Italian food, but he wanted to keep

it “neighborhoody” and regional. That includes featuring herbs and ingredients from local sources, as well as incorporating Sonoran elements in some dishes. The menu offers dishes from all over Italy.

“It gives you an opportunity to use products from within the neighborhood,” he said of the concept. “It lends itself to be very local.”

He describes the restaurant as “a beautiful, authentic Italian restaurant with an emphasis on showcasing Sonoran ingredients.”

For example, the charred octopus and chorizo ($18) starter comes with slightly sweeter Anasazi beans, instead of cannelloni beans.

Fransua also said that the kitchen uses Sonoran white wheat in the handmade pastas and pizza doughs.

Passaggio is a scratch kitchen, meaning that everything is homemade, including the breads and sauces.

Fransua’s favorite dish on the menu is the bruschetta

($6 each).

“I’m a big bread guy,” he says. “The ciabatta we’re making, we’re using a local wheat einkorn; it’s very simplistic. We’re doing a crescenza cheese spread, and we toss pears, which are in season, with agave syrup and a little black pepper.”

In the petite romaine salad ($16), it’s Passaggio’s take on a Caesar salad.

“We make a buttermilk dressing that’s infused with cippolini onions, a little sweet,” Fransua said. “Our croutons are leftover ciabatta bread and it’s tossed with pecorino cheese.”

Probably the most complex dish is the 2 1/2-inch thick double-bone pork chop ($37). Fransua described the process, noting that the pork will first be put in a brine using herbs from the resort’s garden. Then he will sous vide the dish for two and a half hours, and then it’s grilled. It’s served with potato gnocchi, roasted acorn squash and a roasted cippolini onion.

“That pork chop is super tender and moist,” he said. “When it comes out, it’s very simplistic looking but it’s amazing.”

Fransua plans to change the menu seasonally, and he’s committed to working with smaller local producers like Pivot Produce.

As far as the dining area, the bulky booths are gone, making a more open floor plan with mostly wooden tables for four. A farmhouse vibe has replaced the elegant but mildly stuffy atmosphere of Primo. Thick, etched water glasses have green notes, and clay-style dishes add to the homey atmosphere.

There is lounge-style seating in the bar area, with a lot of black and white. Sonoran artwork is hung throughout, and the lighting will change, including new black chandeliers.

“We got rid of some big, heavy booths,” Fransua says. “We wanted to keep it open and more level. The restaurant used to be

(Passaggio/Submitted)

Left, Passaggio’s prosciutto pizza features balsamic onion, espelette, grana Padano, baby arugula and agave ($21). Above, David Fransua is the executive chef and food and beverage director.

different heights, but we evened it out. Paint and marble accents lighten up the space.”

Capacity remains at 189 inside or 210 if you include outside seating. To keep the open feel, the restaurant no longer closes its shades.

Diners have liked the new look.

“It’s been very well received,” Fransua says. “They’re glad to see us

evolve.”

As for the new name?

“Passaggio is an homage to our namesake,” he says. “It means ‘passage’ in Italian.”

Above all, Fransua wants diners to enjoy themselves.

“I hope they come and have great cocktails, great Italian food but also know that our ingredients are important to us and we’re using a lot of Sonoran products here.” ITB

Passaggio at JW Marriott Tucson

Starr Pass

3800 W. Starr Pass Boulevard

5 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays 520-792-3500 jwspinfo.com

Barbata is the newest addition to cocktail scene

Karen Schaffner Inside Tucson Business Staff

With the ambiance of an English pub, Barbata is the perfect after-work destination.

“At the end of a long day or a long week, it’s the perfect place to unwind,” said guest/PCC piano professor Raymond Ryder.

Co-owner and executive chef Tyler Fenton echoed a similar sentiment in a statement.

“Much like the beloved bars of Spain and Italy, Barbata is the perfect place to both start and end an evening, and we’ve created an atmosphere that is a warm, intimate, and approachable extension of the restaurant upstairs.”

Barbata is the latest addition to Downtown and sits below Bata Restaurant at 35 E. Toole Street. In addition to Bata and Barbata, Fenton also owns and operates Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink with his sister, Courtney, and brother, Zach. Reilly has locations at 101 E. Pennington Street and 7262 N. Oracle Road.

The spirits and cocktail offering includes a curated selection of vermouths,

sherries, amari, and other apertivos and digestivos, along with nine signature cocktails including the Mixed Smoked Kitt Peak old fashioned, with small batch bourbon, single hive honey, bitter and smoke; and the olive oil bigelow martini, with olive oilwashed California gin, navy strength gin, dry sherry, and vermouth. Four beers, nine wines by the glass, four wines by the bottle, and a cider are also available.

Barbata’s cuisine is designed to pair with drinks. The nine small plates range from a Spanish tortilla with aioli, to Cantabrian anchovies with extra virgin olive oil and lemon, to beef tartare with burned bread

aioli, mustard greens, and toasted potato breadcrumbs. Additional offerings of jamon serrano and mortadella, sliced to order, are available by the ounce. Basque cheesecake and a cream puff with embered cream top off meals.

Try the marinated Arizona chickpeas, followed by a plate of sliced jamon serrano and a plate of mortadella. Then there’s the toasted pan con tomate, similar to Italian bruschetta.

“It’s a marvelous complement to so many of the other dishes,” Ryder said.

After that, enjoy a slice of Spanish tortilla. Ryder feasted upon the beef tartare, made with burned bread aioli, mustard greens and toasted potato breadcrumbs.

“Sometimes steak tartare can be kind of bland, but this has a lot more going on, lots of flavor,” Ryder said. “It’s a little more seasoned; it has a little more character.”

To satisfy the sweet tooth, Barbata offers a slice of Basque cheesecake or a cream puff filled with embered cream.

Barbata is a new, hip tavern Downtown.

Working with craftsmen from Midtown Artisans, Fenton chose rich maple and oak woods throughout Barbata’s interior, which tend toward blonde, offering a bit of brightness to contrast the board-formed concrete throughout the basement. These lighter woods and colors offer a counterpoint to the somewhat heavier woods, with walnut and oak hues, of the restaurant upstairs. These themes tie the two floors together while keeping them intentionally separate and distinct.

The bartenders, who are true mixologists, can concoct most drinks for guests.

“They make an excellent classic Manhattan, even though it’s not on the menu,” Ryder added. “It’s not something everybody knows how to make.”

Mixologist Kyle Morris, who doubles as a server, also made a refreshing, nonalcoholic Campari and spritz, which is what he said he drinks. It’s an offmenu selection.

“It’s not your appetizer, entree, dessert,” Morris said. “It’s very different, but satisfying.”

“What I am most excited about Chez Barbata is what we all love most about the

restaurant industry itself,” Morris said. “Highlighting very unique cocktails and locally sourced food, all packaged in this most amazing vibe and basement bar that’s very unique.”

Barbata

Downstairs at Bata Restaurant, 35 E. Toole Street, but enter through the Seventh Avenue in the back, Tucson 520-367-4718, batatucson.com/barbata

4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

ITB

Mixologist Kyle Morris works his magic behind the bar at Barbata.

The beef tartare is flavorful and robust.

A highlight on the menu is the Spanish tortilla. Not a piece of bread but a kind of casserole made of egg and layere

Hipsters meet gaming fans at Short Rest Tavern

By Noah Cullen Inside Tucson Business Contributor

Wearing a backward baseball hat and a bushy brown beard, Tom Garretson, on a 1-to-10 nerd scale ranks himself “a solid seven.”

Fittingly, Garretson manages the fantasy-themed bar, Short Rest Tavern in Tucson Mall, at the back of the 5-year-old Tucson Games and Gadgets.

Open for two years, the bar has become a haven for the nerd community and curious mall shoppers.

Dimly lit, the bar offers a variety of beer, including ales, pilsners, sours or stouts; mead; and classic cocktails with fun spins on them, such as Witches Blood (bloody Mary) or Sauron’s Tower (whiskey sour).

Drinking, however, is secondary to the activities. On Fridays, guests are invited to play board games while Dungeons & Dragons takes centerstage on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The hallway entrance to the bar is stocked with games. A catacomb of Dungeons & Dragons character cards all with the word “DEAD” written in red pen all over them also adorn the area. Among many other characters, the wall includes a memorial for the Dragonborn Barbarian named Vetle.

Initially, Short Rest Tavern was set for the

ASU campus in Phoenix, but the owner, Mark Kadow, didn’t think he could make enough to cover the rent.

Tucson and Kadow’s Tucson Games and Gadgets proved to be the perfect spot. He had extra room in the back.

Through crowdfunding, he raised $13,714, according to the Short Rest Tavern Kickstarter page.

Hailing from Minnesota, Garretson moved to Tucson for a change of scenery and to be near his dad. Growing up, Garretson and his friends created their own version of D&D. He played classic ’80s and ’90s video games

(Nicole Haro-gomez/contributor)

like Zelda, Metroid and Mortal Kombat. He remembers frequenting a local comic book store.

“It was literally a hole in the wall,” he said. “That was the only dedicated comic book store there in town. There were other stores that did comic books and games and kind of everything in the tabletop genre,” Garretson said.

Garretson has many years of experience in the service industry. He worked at Coffee Times, a drive-thru coffee shop on Speedway, for seven years. He also delivered pizza just prior to Short Rest Tavern, where he recommends Chaucer’s

triple berry mead.

He enjoys Short Rest Tavern’s atmosphere and said it’s the only bar job for him. Guests here come for more than alcohol.

“I’d say it’s definitely open to everyone, especially being right here in the mall,” Garretson said. “I don’t have any problem with them seeing it as a haven and a safe space for them because it is, there aren’t really a lot of places like this where they can go.”

In recent decades, traditional facets of nerd culture seem to have been pushed more to the mainstream. Instead

of sitting on shelves in comic book stores, the Marvel Universe has amassed a wide fanbase.

According to Box Office Mojo, an IMDbowned website that tracks box office revenues, the highest-grossing movies were made by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in six out of the past 10 years.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) is the second highest-grossing movie of all time.

The extent of this shift doesn’t end at Marvel.

Tom garretson is behind the bar at Short Rest Tavern at Tucson Games & Gadgets.

“I saw that start to turn around when ‘Lord of the Rings’ came out, when they had the live action movies first come out,” Garretson said.

“‘Critical Role’ happened, ‘Stranger Things’ happened, and it snowballed. I feel like it was a perfect storm, like you had ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ and the whole Marvel series take off, and then you had video games,” he said. “You just can’t ignore that nerd, niche genre coming out or just that group of people.”

An example of this could be a game called “Settlers of Catan,” a lightly fantasy-themed game of settlement building and trade. The board is created by connecting hexes of resources, wheat, brick, rock, sheep and wood, which are obtained by

players placing their settlements on the intersections of the hexes.

These resources are then used to expand, build roads, more settlements, cities or knights. The game used to only be available in game stores, now it can be found in Target or Walmart. It was released in 1995 and has since sold over 40 million copies, including its variants, according to the game’s website.

“The board game industry, I think, is having a resurgence now because of COVID and everybody being a little more focused on being home now,” he said.

“I think it’s helped refocus people’s attention on board games.”

Garretson also said the pandemic may have pushed some D&D players to move to online formats. Some players were already accustomed to playing over formats

like Zoom or Discord.

Garretson plays D&D every other Monday with a group of seven, including the dungeon master, the player who creates

the game and the scenarios for the others.

In D&D, players create and customize their characters in any way they see fit, then these characters together face the dungeon master-created obstacles and scenarios.

They meet at the dungeon master’s house and set up seats around a folding plastic table. Everyone gathers and some bring drinks and food. Sometimes a bong is passed around.

“We’re there for three to four hours and maybe an hour of that is just bullshitting and catching up because we don’t see each other that often,” he said.

Two of the other players also work at the game store. Garretson’s D&D character’s class is a witch and his race is a

Kitsune. He described the Kitsune as a “shapeshifting fox person.” His character’s role in the game is to make it harder for the enemy monsters to act.

“It’ll make it harder for them to hit or harder to save against any spells I cast on them,” he explained.

Garretson said he thinks even a game like D&D is leaning toward the mainstream.

“That whole nerd mentality of being a D&D nerd is still very much a thing,” he said. “It’s probably going to become a new-age hipster thing, like, ‘I

was playing D&D before it got cool again.’ And yeah, sure, it may not become as household a game as Monopoly, but I think it’ll be a lot more frequent in households 10 years from now than it was when I was a kid.”

The Short Rest Tavern is placed in the middle: It’s a place that caters to the most devout of nerds who crave an immersive experience.

“Everybody who comes here is very open to accepting somebody new and showing them the ropes and letting them know what it’s all about,” Garretson said. ITB

Short Rest Tavern

4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 253, Tucson 520-460-6891

shortresttavern@gmail.com, shortresttavern.com

(nicole haro-gomez/contributor)

Plenty of games line the wall of the hallway that leads to the Short Rest Tavern at the back of Tucson Games and Gadgest at the Tucson Mall.

(nicole haro-gomez/contributor)

a tankard of Chaucer’s triple berry mead.

Custom Home Builders

3 Interior Expressions

3415 E. Golder Ranch Dr Tucson (Catalina), AZ 85739

3 Werth Environmental Design, LLC 5551 E. Paseo Bueno Tucson, AZ 85750

(520) 320-9754 seaverfranksaia@seaverfranks.com www.laquintabuildingco.com

(520) 886-3443 lori@loricarroll.com loricarroll.com

(520) 323-6620 debby@goebeldesigngroup.com goebeldesigngroup.com

2

$600000.00$820,000

(520) 825-8256 showroom@interiorexpressionsaz.com InteriorExpressionsAZ.com

(520) 577-9256 werthdesign@comcast.net werthenvironmentaldesign.com

Tucson Debbie Franks Michael Franks 1968

Tucson David Glinski 1992

no charge to be included in Inside Tucson Business listings.

Chad Goebel 1920

2 $400,000 Government, health care, corporate, education, hospitality Gordie Howe International Bridge-Detroit, MI Curtis

Mracek Linda Kay Mracek Lullen Pajor

2 N/A Residential interior design, remodeling, space planning, furnishings N/A Marilyn Anderson 1991

6

BHIDP - RETIRED JAN. 2022 804 N. Crescent Lane Tucson, AZ 85710 1 N/A Contemporary furniture

6 Intertech Architectural Interiors, Inc. 6089

(520) 850-7714 bene_id@msn.com bhidp.com accessories N/A

(520)

1 N/A

Healthcare, Corporate, N/A Bene Harrison 1989 6 Casa Catalina Design Tucson, AZ

and

V. Hansen Erik Nielsen

1 N/A Commercial, LEED certified buildings, green residential Lexus of Tucson, Rain Bird Corp, Gladden Farms Janet

3 Aviar Design 7650 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 212 Tucson, AZ 85710

2004

2 N/A Kitchen and bath remodeling, Made-in-USA furnishings; custom furniture N/A

Betty Jones 2002

1 N/A

Tucson, AZ 85712 (520)

1987