By Jimmy Magahern /
Top 10 Page 2 Kitten lounge will connect owners, feline friends Page 7 Oro Valley salon pampers pets Page 10 Meeting of the Minds
Page 2 March 10, 2023 Volume31•Number5 InsideTucsonBusiness www.InsideTucsonBusiness.com @AZBIZ Advertise Here! You could have this prime advertising spot! Call 520-797-4384 Chamber Chatter New promotions, Galactic Maps and Cancer Treatments EQUITY AND NUMBERS Education Acceleration JTED balances hands-on learning in virtual year Plaza Liquors and Fine Wines Nonprofi Perspective Engineering Awards, Karts and Martian Volcanoes An Outpouring of Optimism Local venues are once again scheduling shows and opening their doors Culinary Confluence Space bucks and Healthcare Heroes Nurses look back on lessons learned during the past year Salad Nation wants what’s best for community Page 13 The Refinery gets its first corporate tenant Page 6 Fentonelli’s Pizzeria & Bar replaces bistro Page 14 NEWS Tech scene fueled by collaborations CHOW
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Tucson’s robust technology scene is fueled by innovative collaborations
By Jimmy Magahern Inside Tucson Business Contributor
Monti Leija never set out to become a tech entrepreneur.
Growing up in Glendale, Leija joined the Army to become a combat medic, and quickly ascended up the ranks to being selected first to the 82nd Airborne and then to the elite Special Forces unit.
It was while serving combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan that Leija saw a vital need to transport properly refrigerated blood to the battlefield, so that injured soldiers wouldn’t have to be airlifted to an Army hospital to receive a life-saving infusion.
“In Iraq, I was part of a research team in 2007 that was trying to figure out how to bring blood to the point of injury,” Leija said, “and it was really difficult, logistically, at that time to do that.”
10 tips for smarter Instagram marketing
Instagram is a very powerful tool for businesses to connect with their audience and establish their brand image. As one of the most popular social media platforms, it has evolved beyond just sharing photos. Business owners can utilize the platform to drive brand awareness, boost sales, and build and track audience engagement. It’s an excellent way to find customers where they’re already spending time. By implementing these 10 tips, you can effectively use Instagram as a marketing tool to connect with your target audience and achieve your business goals.
types of content, such as images, videos, and stories. Check out the Cox Communications page at Instagram.com/coxcommunications for an example of how our company shares a variety of content to provide value and engage with our customers.
6. Analyze your results. Use Instagram’s built-in analytics tools to track your follower growth, engagement rates, and overall performance. This will help you identify what’s working and what’s not, and make adjustments as needed.
(Metfora/Submitted)
Metfora CEO Martin Fuchs founded his tech startup with two UA professors. “The university has really been very proactive in setting up the right kind of support to help faculty-generated research get to market and license.”
1. Optimize your profile. Make sure your username is simple and meaningful, choose a strong and relevant profile picture, and write a concise bio that communicates your business mission and includes a link to your website.
7. Stay up to date with trends. Keep up with the latest trends and features on Instagram to stay relevant and engaging. Try new features like Reels and IGTV and participate in trending hashtags and challenges.
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The problem was that nobody had come up with a way to make a portable refrigeration unit small and reliable enough to be carried onsite while keeping the blood at a consistent temperature between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius. “I had to tell them, ‘Hey, it’s not possible.’”
Fast-forward to 2018, when University of Arizona mechanical engineering grads Bill Barg and Robert Futch were approached by the military to work on just such a project. By that time, Leija was retired from the Army and working on his undergraduate degree at UA.
“It was really just a lucky
coincidence,” Leija said. “They started doing some searching, found me on LinkedIn, and they’re like, ‘Hey, there’s this military guy that lives in Tucson. He’s got a lot of medical experience. Why don’t we have him come over and talk with us?’”
Leija, Barg and Futch began collaborating and developed a refrigerator roughly the size of a fishing tackle box they called the Autonomous Portable Refrigeration Unit, or APRU. Made to run for days on one battery charge and withstand harsh weather conditions, the invention garnered a grant from the U.S. Air Force that allowed the team to manufacture it and develop similar units for disaster relief and emergency medical services. Today their
Tucson-based tech startup, Delta Development Team Inc., is among a handful of finalists in the 2023 Venture Madness Competition put on by Invest Southwest.
That kind of serendipitous merging of minds is what fuels the Tucson tech scene, said Carol Stewart, vice president of UA’s Tech Parks Arizona.
“Industry clusters and technology-oriented companies thrive here because of the research expertise and business support organizations,” she said.
Stewart notes that many of the over 750 member companies in the Arizona Tech Council have grown partnerships with the UA,
CONTINUES ON PAGE 3
2. Leverage marketing tools. Instagram provides the option to run sponsored ads and has builtin Insights tools to help you track and understand the engagement of your posts. Use these features to target your audience, set your budget, and track the performance of your ads.
3. Employ SEO practices. Use relevant keywords in your captions, hashtags, and profile bios to make your content easily discoverable by your target audience. Use popular hashtags relevant to your content such as #latesttech to increase the reach of your content.
4. Improve your content. Monitor your audience’s activity on your posts and your competitors’ to understand their preferences and tailor your content accordingly. Use social listening to gather data and improve your content.
5. Post consistently. Keep your followers engaged by posting regularly and mixing different
8. Partner with influencers. Collaborate with influencers who have a significant following in your industry to reach a broader audience and build your brand image.
9. Host giveaways. Running contests and giveaways is a great way to increase engagement, grow your followers, and generate excitement around your brand. Make sure the prize is relevant and valuable to your target audience.
10. Connect with your audience. Respond to comments and direct messages promptly and engage with your followers by sharing user-generated content and hosting Q&A sessions.
Lisa Lovallo is the Southern Arizona market vice president for Cox Communications, leading a team of 260+ Cox employees, with more than 1,500 jobs supported by Cox locally. Prior to joining the Cox Southern Arizona team, Lovallo ran a family business based in Tucson and is a graduate of the University of Arizona. Reach her at lisa. lovallo@cox.com.
INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM MARCH 10, 2023 2
WEEKLY TOP BY LISA LOVALLO
COLLABORATIONS
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which has established leading research centers in fields such as astronomy and astrophysics, water resource management, space and defense, mining technology, optical science and especially biotechnology, the field that makes up 44% of the startups incubated at The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI).
“We are noticing that businesses in these areas are looking to partner with the UArizona research expertise to continue innovating,” Stewart said. “Since estab-
lishing the UACI in 2003, the startup activity has risen like a hockey stick over the past few years.”
Martin Fuchs can attest to that. The MIT- and Harvard-educated engineer and inventor lived for decades in Boston before moving to Tucson in 2017. He partnered with two professors at UA to develop a blood test that uses metabolites in the blood, combined with artificial intelligence, to quickly identify diseases like chronic lung, heart disorders and cancers in their early stages that would otherwise take an average of two to four years to properly diagnose using traditional methods. Fuchs’
company, MetFora, recently received a $255,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to expand its pioneering diagnostic technology.
“The university has really been very proactive in setting up the right kind of support to help faculty-generated research get to market and license,” he said. “They have Tech Launch Arizona, which is quite active. They have the UACI, which houses and guides startups coming from the university. And then they have Arizona FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs), which is another group of
Reglagene
folks that work with students as well as faculty members to bring stuff out into commercialization.”
Fuchs likes the more relaxed vibe of the Tucson tech community. “It’s kind of low stress, right?” he
said. “It’s not Boston, it’s not San Francisco. It’s more low key. Plus, you’ve got the exotic Sonoran Desert around you and the 345 days of sunshine every year, which doesn’t hurt either.” The relatively lower cost of
living also makes the city attractive to young tech professionals.
“You can tap into a rich talent pool.”
CONTINUES ON PAGE 5
MARCH 10, 2023 3 INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM
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FROM PAGE 2
CONTINUED
(Reglagene/Submitted)
COLLABORATIONS
CEO Richard Austin got help marketing his novel brain cancer therapy from Tech Launch Arizona. “Even though I know the pharmaceutical R&D business, how you actually start a company was something new for me.”
(Eurofins CellTx/Submitted)
Eurofins CellTx, which provides lab services to meet the unique testing and processing needs of the transplant community, is a new tech company coming out of UArizona’s Tech Park at The Bridges campus.
TUCSON BUSINESS BRIEFS
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Inside Tucson Business Staff
NOVA Home Loans presents $150K to nonprofits
NOVA Home Loans
teamed up with Reid Park Zoo, Tucson Botanical Gardens and local artist Pen Macias to donate a total of $150,000 to four Southern Arizona nonprofits through its “Where We Call Home” giving campaign.
The campaign sought to celebrate the people and places where Tucsonans call home by championing a local artist, nonprofits, locations and patrons to join NOVA as it gave back.
NOVA commissioned local artist Pen Macias (The Desert Pen) to paint two 8-foot by 8-foot Tucson-centric murals. One of a Gila monster was placed at Reid Park Zoo, while one of a cityscape and wildflowers was located at the Botanical Gardens.
Community members were invited to participate
in the campaign by posting a picture of the art and tagging NOVA Home Loans on Instagram or Facebook.
NOVA then donated $25 per post to the nonprofits up to $150,000. Nonprofit check recipients included Reid Park Zoo ($10,000), Boys & Girls Club of Tucson ($75,000), Youth on their Own ($42,500) and Habitat for Humanity ($32,500).
“It’s like a dream to have my artwork at the zoo and the Botanical Gardens,” Macias said. “NOVA Home Loans is just so enthusiastic about art…I think what’s really cool is, everybody wins. They’re like, ‘We want to support the community. We want to generate some excitement in the community, and we want to support art.’ So, how cool is that?”
NOVA Home Loans has a long history of supporting and giving back to the Tucson community. This has been fundamental to its culture and one of its core values since its founding over 40 years ago.
“Giving back to the com-
munity is a core value of NOVA,” said Nathan Baker, vice president of marketing and product.
“We are thrilled and thankful for the opportunity to show our support for these community partners. Every day they make an incredible impact in the lives of the individuals and families they serve.”
Nothing Bundt Cakes, Oreo partner for new treat
Nothing Bundt Cakes is teaming up with Oreo to create Oreo Cookies & Cream Bundt Cake, available through Sunday, March 26.
Oreo Cookies & Cream features Nothing Bundt Cakes’ classic white cake baked with Oreo Cookie pieces and crowned with Nothing Bundt Cakes’ signature cream cheese frosting. Guests can enjoy the new flavor in all sizes, including bite-sized Bundtinis, miniature Bundtlets and 8- or 10-inch Bundt cakes.
“We couldn’t think of a
sweeter partnership than bringing together our recipe with the iconic Oreo cookie,” said Angie Eckelkamp, Nothing Bundt Cakes chief marketing officer.
“We know our guests will enjoy two favorite treats in one as they celebrate their special moments or those ‘just because’ times with our exciting new featured flavor.”
Nothing Bundt Cakes will help celebrate Oreo’s 111th birthday with a cake giveaway at all locations across North America. At 1:11 p.m. Monday, March 6, the first 111 guests at each bakery will receive a free Oreo Cookies & Cream Bundtlet, the brand’s individually packaged miniature Bundt cake.
Info: nothingbundtcakes.com
Vantage West’s Jessica Gamboa to crash the CUNA GAC
Jessica Gamboa, senior business risk analyst at Vantage West Credit Union, was selected to join the “crashers” cohort attending CUNA’s (Credit Union National Association) Government Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C., from Sunday, Feb. 26, to Thursday, March 2.
At the GAC, credit union representatives discussed the value credit unions bring to the nation, its communities, and the economy. Attendees also heard from speakers regarding the current state of
credit unions, talked about the industry’s latest offerings and advancements, networked with one another, learned new skills, and participated in “Hike the Hill” events where they visited the Capitol Building to talk about the important work credit unions are doing with elected officials.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to experience how credit unions come together along with our state representatives to protect credit union values for our members and the communities we serve,” Gamboa said.
Info: cuna.org/events.
Pima JTED receive proceeds from car show
The Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation formally presented Pima JTED, the recipient of the proceeds from their 2022 Tucson Classics Car Show, a donation in the amount of $252,000 during its weekly members meeting on Jan. 25. This concludes a three-year beneficiary term for Pima JTED. After this final donation, the total to date donated has been $710,138.47 by the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation.
JTED Superintendent/ CEO, Kathy Prather was overwhelmed.
“We are so grateful and honored to have received such a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation from the proceeds of the car show,” Prather said.
“We are also appreciative to the club for having the vision to support our JTED
youth as they pursue their careers and post-secondary education. The funds will be put to good use in support of our innovative and cutting-edge career and technical education progress.”
Bobby Larson, the Tucson Classic Car Show chair, added, “It’s an honor to be able to present Pima JTED with such a substantial donation. This donation will give so many students practical job skills they can carry into the real world once they graduate high school.”
Affirm hosting community accessories drive
Affirm Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC, is hosting a community accessories drive in honor of Women’s History Month through Friday, March 31. The accessories drive will benefit the YWCA of Southern Arizona and Your Sister’s Closet. Your Sister’s Closet is a YWCA program that provides workplace-ready clothing, shoes and accessories to job seekers free of charge. Donations will be accepted at Ameriprise Financial located at 2484 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718.
Affirm Wealth Advisors is accepting new or gently used jewelry, scarves, purses and shoes. Unopened makeup, toiletries, underwear and sanitary products are also collected.
Info: 520-338-2600, affirmwealthadvisors@ampf. com. ITB
INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM MARCH 10, 2023 4 Chatter Tucson’s momentum spur promotions, awards and hires Cyberinfrastructure, quantum sensing and pest eradication AND OPEN Fourth Avenue restaurateurs see opening THIS YEAR’S Last Call? Local bars sue Pima County, saying InsideTucsonBusiness.com News and features for Tucson and Southern Arizona’s business and legal communities Chamber Chatter Celebrating Small Businesses, One Copper Cactus Trophy at New promotions, hires and awards map of the stars and local science fair champions HOME EQUITY lenders The Home Stretch Tucson’s rising housing prices are putting home ownership out of reach for many. Call 520-797-4384 Chamber Chatter PEOPLE IN ACTION REAL ESTATE Smartphone COVID Test and Virtual Science Fairs Mayor wants Uhlich to return replacement PARTNERSHIP BOOK OF LISTS THIS YEAR’S NUMBERS Building Momentum Commercial real estate thriving despite pandemic Austin Counts Touch Down Arizona Sands Club reimagines UA stadium dining Nonprofi Perspective It’s time for renewed push ACTION Highest Residential Real Estate Sale in the Catalina Foothills More than Decade Page Flora’s Market Crudo Bar elevates the raw food conversation Page 13 UNEVEN face unique BUSINESSES CONTAINER HOMES THIS YEAR’S NUMBERS Minority-owned businesses Seeds of Success Chicano Por La Causa charter schools bring students across the finish line June 18, 2021 www.InsideTucsonBusiness.com-SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Speaking with the new CEO the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Tucson tech scene also tends to foster more important work than the latest social media app or AI chatbox. Take Reglagene, a Tucson startup developing a new oral brain cancer therapy that targets the DNA structures in cancer that regulate gene activity, allowing the medication to bypass the body’s bloodbrain barrier that normally prevents medicines from entering the brain. The medication stems from a collaboration between UArizona medicinal chemistry professor Laurence Hurley, researcher Vijay Gokhale and pharmaceutical industry vet Richard Austin.
“Tech Launch Arizona was certainly instrumen-
(US/Submitted)
The University of Arizona’s commercialization hub, The Refinery, opened in late January 2022. Carol Stewart, vice president of Tech Parks Arizona, calls it “the ideal platform for technology advancements and business growth.”
tal in getting us off the ground,” said Austin. “Because even though I know the pharmaceutical R&D business, how you actually start a company was something new for me, and so helping me find those right people, and introducing me to service providers like
attorneys and accountants to set up a real business, was really helpful. Being a booster for our company, and giving us investors to pitch to and get our name out there really helped to get us rolling.”
Stewart said that support system for the Tucson tech-
(Delta Development/Submitted)
Delta Development’s Autonomous Portable Refrigeration Unit, a small portable refrigeration unit made for transporting properly refrigerated blood to the battlefield, won a grant from the U.S. Air Force. It was invented by two UA mechanical engineering grads and a former combat medic in Tucson.
nology industry is only expected to grow this year.
“We opened our long-anticipated University of Arizona Tech Park at The Bridges campus, located on Kino Parkway and Interstate 10,” she said.
“The first building, known
To learn more, call us today and schedule your free, no-commitment demonstration!
as The Refinery, opened in late January 2022.”
The Refinery’s four-story, 120,000-square-foot space is shared equally by UA programs and outside businesses wanting to work closely with the university, Stewart added.
Promising new companies like Eurofins CellTx, which provides lab services to meet the unique testing and processing needs of the transplant community, and Applied Energetics, which makes high-performance lasers, advanced optical systems and integrated guided energy systems for defense and aerospace, are among the latest companies to emerge from the ecosystem.
“It serves as a commercialization hub anchored by UArizona providing the ideal platform for technology advancements and business growth,” Stewart said. Austin puts it another way, speaking for many of the successful tech startups coming out of Tucson today.
“It’s a fun time to be us.” ITB
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The Bridges welcomes first corporate tenant to The Refinery
By Summer Aguirre Inside Tucson Business Staff
The new University of Arizona Tech Park at The Bridges has welcomed its first corporate tenant.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a business of Raytheon Technologies, has joined several UA units in The Refinery, the park’s initial multi-tenant building. The company is leasing approximately 14,000 square feet of office space.
Directed by research park and business incubator Tech Parks Arizona, the site spans 65 acres within a 350-acre multiuse development known as The Bridges. The park’s proximity to UA’s main campus will allow it to provide individualized business development support and connect companies to the university’s resources, ultimately bringing in jobs for graduates and internships for students.
Tech Parks Arizona built The Bridges’ entity to facilitate university-industry interaction and “create a sandbox” for new technology advancement and economic success, according to a statement from Tech Parks Arizona.
“Getting our first corporate tenant is actually very exciting to us, because that’s what the tech parks are about — the interaction between the university and industry,” said Ken Marcus, Tech Park Arizona’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Tech Parks Arizona creates the grounds for at-
tracting and retaining technology companies that align with the research, mission and goals of the UA.
With the addition of The Bridges’ tech park, Tech Parks Arizona manages three entities. These include the University of Arizona Center for Innovation UA’s startup incubator network for science and tech-based startups, and the UA Tech Park at Rita Road.
“We also have outposts in Oro Valley and (the UA Center of Innovation’s startup incubator) Biosphere 2, and we have over 80 clients,” Marcus said.
“So, it’s the highest concentration of startups in the state of Arizona.”
The UA Tech Park at The Bridge’s first building, The Refinery, is located near the southern edge of the site near East 36th Street and South Kino Parkway. It opened in 2022 and was constructed by Salt Lake City-based real estate development firm, The Boyer Company.
The building stands four stories tall with 120,000
square feet of Class A space; 50% of the leasable space is committed to the UA, with the remainder of the office space available for lease to businesses and organizations looking to co-locate with the UA’s expertise.
Aside from Raytheon, The Refinery houses UA tenants: the university’s Tech Launch Arizona, UA Applied Research Corporation (UAARC) and Mission Integration Lab.
Long-term plans for the UA Tech Park at The Bridges expect there to be around a total of a dozen structures providing 1.2 million square feet of developed office and laboratory space, supporting approximately 5,000 knowledge workers onsite.
The team is in the fundraising and design stage of a building that will be located at the park’s far northeast corner at Kino Boulevard and 36th Street. It will be occupied by the UA’s Arizona Public Media.
“We’re always looking for high-tech companies
that we want to retain and attract to Tucson…,” Marcus said. “We usually try to focus on the strengths of the university optics, aerospace, biomedical devices — those are the areas that we’d like to focus on.”
Marcus said that the overall area is “very unique,” as it is in close proximity to the UA, Banner-University Medical Center South, Tucson VA Medical Center and the I-10.
Expansion of UA partnerships
With the establishment of UA Tech Park at The Bridges and its acquisition of Raytheon, collaborations between businesses and the UA will increase.
“That’s always a plus for the university,” Marcus said. “They can find companies they might want to collaborate with on research, but also when looking for talent from the university, for graduates that have backgrounds in advanced technologies that will be there at the tech park.”
Raytheon, a world lead-
er in aerospace and defense, first established its operations with Tech Parks Arizona at its flagship UA Tech Park at Rita Road in 1993.
According to Marcus, Raytheon has a long history of working with the UA, as the university provides graduates who are “the type of talent that Raytheon is looking for in advanced technologies.”
Through the UA’s workforce, innovation and technology initiatives, the Raytheon team is invested in their success at the new location at The Bridges.
The company hires a record number of UA graduates of all skill levels, with an emphasis on engineering and other technical positions. It also has a strong internship program with many UA students benefiting from the men-
torship and applied learning experience.
“The Refinery provides us the much-needed space where we can continue to collaborate with our university partners and government agencies to develop next-generation technology,” said Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense, in a statement.
“It will also help us continue to develop the local workforce for future careers in aerospace and enable us to expand our research due to the proximity to the University of Arizona’s engineering facilities.”
Carol Stewart, vice president for Tech Parks Arizona, said that Raytheon’s commitment to The Refinery is an extension of its relationship with the University of Arizona ITB
University of Arizona Tech Park at The Bridges
For more information about Tech Parks Arizona, the UA Tech Park at The Bridges and The Refinery, visit techparks.arizona.edu/the-bridges.
More information about Raytheon Technologies can be found at rtx.com.
INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM MARCH 10, 2023 6
(the Refinery/Submitted)
The Refinery also houses many University of Arizona tenants, including Tech Launch Arizona, Applied Research Corporation and the Mission Integration Lab.
(The Refinery/Submitted)
The Refinery at the new University of Arizona Tech Park at the Bridges has signed Raytheon Missiles & Defense as its first corporate tenant.
Southern Arizona Cat Rescue expands with cat lounge
By Summer Aguirre Inside Tucson Business Staff
Many felines in the community have found their forever homes through Southern Arizona Cat Rescue, and soon the rescue will be able to assist even more with the addition of its first physical location: Hunter’s Kitten Lounge.
The Southern Arizona Cat Rescue (SACR) team hopes to open the lounge this year to help the homebased foster rescue group with its mission to save the at-risk cat population throughout Tucson, Oro Valley and Sahuarita. Within this location, SACR will be able to help find homes for local cats of all ages and educate people about overpopulation and special needs pets.
“It means so much (to open the lounge). I’m only
one of four people on the Southern Arizona Cat Rescue team — my friends and I own it, and it’s been just really surreal getting so much support from the community and that everybody thinks it’s a really good idea,” said Melissa Lesinsky, SACR director.
SACR was launched in October 2019 by Lesinsky and her cat-loving friends Kim Fioccoprile, Alex Byler and Cortney Adams.
Over the past three-plus years, SACR has helped nearly 2,000 cats find their forever homes, with around 630 of those felines adopted out in 2022 alone.
SACR is expecting to adopt out an additional 300 cats a year with the addition of Hunter’s Kitten Lounge, which will have around 15 cats living at the lounge at a time, ranging from 12 weeks old and older.
“(A physical location)
will allow us to save so many more lives and to really focus on not only neonates, but also focus on teenagers and adult cats,” Lesinsky said. “We can really expand and utilize our platform to find all age groups homes.”
The rescue is currently 100% volunteer run and operates through foster homes, which are families who temporarily house pets up for adoption, so the animals become adjusted to a home environment. Foster families through SACR are encouraged to be a part of medical decisions, choosing a permanent family and the entire foster process to make them feel like the cat is theirs.
Since the rescue’s inception, Lesinsky said it has been “a whirlwind.” The SACR team has gone from
CAT RESCUE CONTINUES ON PAGE 8
MARCH 10, 2023 7 INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM
(Southern Arizona Cat Rescue/Submitted)
Left to right: SACR founders Kim Fioccoprile, Melissa Lesinsky and Alex Byler.
RESCUE
participating in adoptions at Tractor Supply Co., to becoming a PetSmart charity hosting adoptions in the pet store’s designated rooms.
The rescue has also expanded to hosting kitten yoga every other month at Barefoot Studio and rescuing cats from high-kill shelters in lower-income areas alongside other rescue partners.
First brick-and-mortar location
To grow their services, the SACR team is searching for a space over 1,000 square feet located near the UA to site Hunter’s Kitten Lounge.
Their goal is for Hunter’s Kitten Lounge to be a nontraditional rescue setting, with a warm, cozy living-room style space complete with a big couch and pillows.
Unlike a traditional shelter, the team’s vision is for visitors and cats alike to casually hang out together, helping feline residents become accustomed to a regular home environment for an easier transition to adoption. Potential adoptees will also be able to better connect with the cats, gauge their personalities and determine whether the animal would fit into their lifestyle.
“We always wanted to open up a physical location, but we didn’t want it to be like a shelter with cats in cages because that goes completely against what we always do. We have 100% foster homes, so cats are
Southern Arizona Cat Rescue was launched in October 2019 by Melissa Lesinsky and three of her cat-loving friends, Kim Fioccoprile, Alex Byler and Cortney Adams. The organization is a home-based foster rescue and operates throughout Tucson, Oro Valley and Sahuarita.
running free and they experience vacuums, dogs, brooms, loud noises, all that good stuff,” Lesinsky said.
“So, we thought, what better way to open up a physical location and have people be able to physically come meet cats without a shelter environment?”
The personable setting of the lounge will also allow for those unable to own a cat the opportunity to enjoy the company of felines without any obligation to bring them home — ideal for those who have allergic family members, children whose parents don’t want a pet or UA students who live in dorms.
“You get to love on them, snuggle them and everything, and then you can go home,” Lesinsky said, “so this isn’t just for adoption, this is also for the socialization of the cats and socialization of people.”
The team wants to empty shelters as much as possible and have a range of feline personalities, all while ensuring its residents are comfortable and that the space does not become
overpopulated.
Saving medical, special needs cats
While featuring many different types of cats, Hunter’s Kitten Lounge will emphasize the inclusion of special and medical needs cats and the public’s exposure to them.
This objective was inspired by Lesinsky’s late cat Hunter, who died last year at 3.5 years old from an infection he had had since he was a kitten. The lounge was named in his honor.
Hunter “left a little legacy with everybody,” said Lesinsky, as he gave many foster parents the opportunity to learn how to dress wounds, change diapers and become comfortable around special needs pets.
“I’m really hoping that Hunter’s story can inspire people to also adopt special needs,” she said. “We have so many special needs in the community that are just sitting in foster homes, waiting to find a house and waiting to find a forever home. They’re so easy to take care of and they just blend into
your routine so easily.”
In tandem with special needs pet education, SACR’s team hopes to help increase adoptions in Tucson by teaching others about the overpopulation of stray cats in the area.
Fundraising to support SACR’s efforts
Lesinsky looks forward to the additional opportunities that Hunter’s Kitten Lounge will introduce. At present, the SACR team is concentrating on fundraising to assist their search for a lounge location.
“We’re so excited to get the lounge up and running, getting donations toward the lounge is going to be a big part of it because it’s going to allow us to open faster,” she said.
Those interested in supporting Hunter’s Kitten Lounge can donate through SACR’s website or GoFundMe. There are also wish lists on Chewy and Amazon for those who would like to donate pet supplies.
The rescue is also happy to receive donations of gently used supplies and toys.
(Southern Arizona Cat Rescue/Submitted)
(Southern Arizona Cat Rescue/Submitted)
once the lounge is open, we’re going to have many more volunteer opportunities to come in and help out.” ITB
Hunter’s Kitten Lounge (Southern Arizona Cat Rescue)
Donations for Hunter’s Kitten Lounge can be mailed to Southern Arizona Cat Rescue, P.O. Box 65791, Tucson, AZ 85728.
For more information about the rescue, call 520-200-1643, email adoption@sacatrescue.org or visit sacatrescue.org
INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM MARCH 10, 2023 8
“Right now we don’t have any opportunities to physically volunteer with us other than actually fostering tasks,” Lesinsky said. “But CAT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
(Southern Arizona Cat Rescue/Submitted)
Southern Arizona Cat Rescue’s kitten lounge is named in honor of founder Melissa Lesinsky’s cat Hunter, who died last year at 3-and-a-half years old due to an infection he had since he was a kitten. With the opening of Hunter’s Kitten Lounge, the rescue’s founders hope to help find homes for local cats of all ages while educating about overpopulation and special needs pets.
A1 Garage Door adds four to its growing team
By
Roger Felix, Mike Jorgensen, Wyatt Haddox and Dominic Diaz have graduated from A1 Garage Door Service’s training program.
“I am honored and proud to welcome Roger, Mike, Wyatt and Dominic to the A1 Garage Door Service family,” said Tommy Mello, founder and CEO of A1 Garage Door Service.
“The entire graduating class worked tirelessly through an intense training process exhibiting amazing talents that we are excited to see develop further as they build their careers with A1.”
A1 Garage Door Service employs a rigorous training program to ensure that all new team members have the knowledge and tools necessary to be successful.
Beginning with a fourweek apprenticeship in their local market, trainees learn best trade practices including quality, safety and service.
Upon successful completion of their apprenticeship, trainees then attend a one-month program at the state-of-the-art A1 Academy in Phoenix to work with the best in the business and master their skills.
To ensure success, A1 Garage Door Service covers the trainees’ housing, meals and transportation. In addition, all apprentices
are given the opportunity to participate in the Milwaukee PACKOUT tool program. After completion of this immersive hands-on training program, trainees graduate as a fully certified technician to return to their home market to begin working.
Servicing Tucson and other areas across Arizona, A1 operates in 32 markets and 19 states. For more information about working for A1 Garage Door Service please visit https://work4a1.com/.
Info: a1garage.com. ITB
MARCH 10, 2023 9 INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM
Inside Tucson Business Staff
(A1 Garage Door Service/Submitted) Roger Felix.
(A1 Garage Door Service/Submitted) Mike Jorgensen.
quantum sensing and Last Call? InsideTucsonBusiness.com News and features for Tucson and Southern Arizona’s business and legal communities The Home Stretch out of reach for many. Smartphone COVID Test and Building Momentum Commercial real estate thriving despite pandemic Touch Down Nonprofi Perspective Flora’s Bar elevates the raw Seeds of Success line-
(A1 Garage Door Service/Submitted) Wyatt Haddox. (A1 Garage Door Service/Submitted) Dominic Diaz.
Compassionate grooming available in OV
By Katya Mendoza Inside Tucson Business Staff
Sarah Sher was driving a half hour for dog grooming services, when she decided to take matters into her own hands — literally She and business partner David Arond founded Oro Valley’s Velvet Hound Groomery, which offers a stress-free, kennel-free and luxurious approach.
“We wanted to start from the ground (up) and redesign what we wanted to do with dog grooming in general,” Sher said. “I’ve learned a lot in the process and now understand why most dogs dislike the process.”
At Velvet Hound Groomery, there are
shorter wait times and comfortable cubby areas with turf and a white picket fence. The stress-free environment offers nail trims and grinds, enzymatic teeth cleaning and paw and nose balms, all with breed-based pricing.
“It’s really modeled after a human hair salon,” Sher said. “They get the full treatment.”
Sher said the groomery was booked even before their ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier in February. Even though the space boasts its “kennel-free” practice, Sher said that it is not “roam free,” meaning the dogs are always under supervision.
“It’s a different mindset with the trust of the dog, knowing that he’s always
there with a person rather than having to go in a kennel,” Sher said.
She hopes that the concept will catch on and that more groomeries will shy away from the assembly-line mentality.
“I know that’s what our groomers want because they’re in the business because they love dogs and want to be able to spend time with dogs (and) not just be rushed through one after another,” Sher said.
Sher and Arond even take care of their four onstaff groomers and fulltime office manager. She wants her employees to feel secure in their careers.
“In my opinion our staff is our most respected part of the whole process,” Sher said. “We pay higher than most groomeries, and we are staffed, which means that we offer full benefits, 401(k), insurance, time off, vacation, which
I think is an obligation for all business owners, if it’s within their means.”
Velvet Hound Groomery is located in the Placita de Oro Shopping Center on the southwest corner of Tangerine Road and First Avenue. ITB
Velvet Hound Groomery
Placity de Oro Shopping Center
11941 N. First Avenue, Suite 141, Oro Valley 520-395-1761, velvethound.com info@velvethound.com
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
Public is invited to Trico’s annual meeting
By Inside Tucson Business Staff
Trico Electric Cooperative strives to serve its members — the community. One way of accomplishing this is through its annual meeting.
The staff would like to hear the public’s take on the future of energy at an 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, meeting at Casino del Sol. At the meeting, the public can meet the faces behind the cooperative.
The meeting will include a report on Trico’s efforts to
serve its members’ interests and provide cost-effective, reliable and sustainable energy solutions.
Members will also be able to vote for the two board of directors positions up for re-election—district 3 (Avra Valley, Picture Rocks, Star Valley) and district 6 (Corona de Tucson, Vail).
There will be food, raffle prizes and trees for sale. Entrants must be present to win.
Info: trico.coop/annual-meeting. ITB
INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM MARCH 10, 2023 10
(Katya Mendoza/Staff)
Oro Valley’s new luxury pet grooming business, Velvet Hound Groomery, is at 11941 N. First Avenue, Suite 141.
(Katya Mendoza/Staff)
Sarah Sher is the co-owner of Velvet Hound Groomery in Oro Valley.
(Katya Mendoza/Staff)
Minka, a 5-month-old mini bernedoodle, waits for her owner at Velvet Hound Groomery.
Neighborhood guide: Dove Mountain
By Gregory Richman Inside Tucson Business Contributor
Dove Mountain is a master-planned community in Marana. It’s an absolutely lovely community that’s conveniently located near many amenities.
The original Dove Mountain plans, submitted March 2000, had many area residents up in arms about the destruction of the natural desert environment. The Dove Mountain Specific Plan originally covered a little over 6,200 acres and was approved for 9,157 residential lots and commercial areas. The plan has been amended several times since its initial approval.
Cottonwood Properties developed Dove Mountain, and still controls Dove Mountain
Community Association. Within Dove Mountain are 16 subdivisions. That number has changed throughout the years and continues to change as the community fills in. A respect for the Sonoran Desert shows throughout the entire master-planned community. The developer made a commitment to developing Dove Mountain responsibly.
The subdivisions throughout Dove Mountain each have a different “feel” and general price point. At the high end of the price range within Dove Mountain is Canyon Pass, which is a custom home community.
Prices in Canyon Pass run in the millions. However, one can find homes priced in the $300,000s within Dove Mountain. All of the communities within Dove Moun-
tain are very nice and afford residents a lovely and safe community.
There are three types of subdivisions within Dove Mountain: neighborhoods; sub-associations and separate associations.
The neighborhoods are regulated by the Dove Mountain Community Association CC&Rs while sub-associations and separate associations have their own CC&Rs.
Future construction is planned within Dove Mountain, but costs have risen and therefore prices of completed homes have gone up significantly. This may slow future development which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Dove Mountain has something for everyone. There are 55 and older communities within Dove Mountain as well as “family-oriented” communities. There are
luxury communities. There are walking/running trails, biking, pocket-parks, and The Tortolita Mountains, which offer great, Sonoran Desert hiking.
Dove Mountain has its own school, too. Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8 school (home of the Jaguars) is a first of its kind. It’s part of the Marana Unified School District.
There are three golf clubs, each boasting golf and other activities such as dining, throughout Dove Mountain. The beautiful Ritz-Carlton golf club, which is now called The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, The Gallery Golf & Sports Club, and Highlands at Dove Mountain all offer fantastic golf and other activities in a stunning setting.
Check out:
Dove Mountain homes for sale: tucsonarizrealestate.com
Maranahomesaz.com; search Dove Mountain subdivisions or map search
Richmantucsonhomes.com; search Dove Mountain subdivisions or map search
Watch my Dove Mountain video here: tucsonarizrealestate.com/ videos/
Dove Mountain residents and businesses enjoy a very low crime rate.
The town of Marana is a very well-run town that operates in the black and provides high-quality public services.
Approximately 55,000 residents live in the town of Marana. Around 80% of the city’s housing is owner-occupied. The median value of housing is about
$300,000, 95% of Marana’s residents have a high-school degree or higher. Almost 50% of residents have earned their bachelor’s degree or higher.
Marana is in Pima County with a small portion of Marana located in Pinal County.
I can honestly say, every time I drive into Dove Mountain I’m impressed. I’ve been in homes in almost every community there and enjoyed all three of the clubs located in Dove Mountain. I’ve hiked in the desert exploring The Tortolita Mountains and walked the paths with residents, friends and clients. Dove Mountain is a lovely community.
Gregory Richman is an associate broker with HomeSmart Advantage Group. He can be reached at 520-249-1239 or grichman@richmantucsonhomes.com
MARCH 10, 2023 11 INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM
ITB
FEATURES
REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION
Real estate transactions
Share information with Inside Tucson Business’ land transactions column. Send items to christina@tucsonlocalmedia.com.
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Inside Tucson Business Staff
Prisca’s African Market & Design has leased a 600-square-foot space at Frontier Village at the northeast corner of Pima Street and Alvernon Way. The market will sell African food, fabric, hair and skin products, and other related items.
Sales
Kevin Volk of Volk Com-
pany represented the sellers, Volk Vista LLC and Verde Fast Food LLC, in the $1.675 million sale of the ChickeNuevo at 2570 E. Valencia Road. The 3,400-squarefoot drive-thru restaurant on 41,000 square feet of land was sold as a net leased investment to the Andrew Weissman Trust, represented by Nathan Cardon, of Cardon Commercial/CRI.
Jeramy Price of Volk Company represented the purchaser, Denali Midco 2
LLC, in its purchase of approximately 97,847 square feet of land at 13550 E. Colossal Cave Road from Old Lobos Del Lago LLC for $1.41 million. This land will be developed into a SuperStar Car Wash, making it the fourth SuperStar location Price has represented.
Rick Borane of Volk Company handled the sale of approximately 41,760 square feet of land with approximately 5,190 square feet of building improvements lo-
cated at 2320-2350 N. Silverbell Road from Lauremar Inc. to Volk Vista One LLC and 2320 N. Silverbell LLC for a sale price of $1.07 million.
Leases
Joey Castillo of Volk Company represented Properties XII LLC in the lease of approximately 11,253 square feet located at 5919 E. Broadway Boulevard to Bullfrog International LC dba Bullfrog Spas.
Joey Castillo of Volk Company represented Livestream Shopping Inc. in its lease of approximately 8,000 square feet located at 2055 E. 17th Street from R2 Ewaste LLC.
Andreas Castillo, Joey Castillo, and Jeramy Price represented the landlord, Midstar Properties LLC, in a lease of approximately 2,910 square feet located at 45724574 E. Broadway Boulevard within Midstar Plaza to Z Hope Center LLC.
Andreas Castillo and Joey Castillo of Volk Company represented Village at Sam Hughes LLC in the lease of approximately 2,650 square feet located at 2512-2514 E. Sixth Street to Movement Culture LLC for use as a dance and fitness studio.
Community Property Trust dated Jan. 9, 2002, and The Colson Family Trust dated March 1, 2007.
Joey Castillo of Volk Company represented the landlord, North Stone Partners I LLC, and Jeramy Price and Andreas Castillo of Volk Company represented the tenant, Next Generation Corp. dba Pelican’s SnoBalls, in a lease for approximately 2,360 square feet located at 919 N. Stone Avenue, Suites 103 and 104,
Terry Dahlstrom of Volk Company represented TSD Investments II LLC in the lease of approximately 5,262
cia Road, Suites 100 and
Andreas Castillo of Volk Company represented Jose and Veronica Contreras in the lease of approximately 2,600 square feet located at 5851 N. Oracle Road from CAS Real Property LP for a Mexican restaurant doing business as Amelia’s. The landlord was represented by Greg and Natalie Furrier of PICOR.
Andreas Castillo and Joey Castillo of Volk Company represented VCC Investors LLC in the lease of approximately 2,340 square feet located at 225 E. Valencia Road, Suite 165, to Arizona Folklorico Dance Company LLC.
pany represented Desert Sage Behavioral Health PLC
ly 4,817 square feet locatednue from H.P. Enterprises Limited Partnership dba in the state of Arizona as H.P.
ed Liability Company. John Yarborough of Romano Real Estate Corp. represented the
Jeramy Price of Volk Company represented the tenant, Betico LLC in its lease of an approximately 2,382 square foot building located at 2634 E. Broadway Boulevard for use as a Filiberto’s Mexican Food restaurant.
Frank Arrotta of Tucson Realty & Trust represented the Landlord, C&G Velasquez Family Trust dated Oct. 19, 2005, Dennis R. Sciotto and Carol Ann Sciotto
Andreas Castillo and Joey Castillo of Volk Company represented the landlord, Village at Sam Hughes LLC, in the lease of approximately 2,087 square feet located at 2527 E. Sixth Street to Evans Enterprises LLC dba Ampersand Old and New.
Joey Castillo of Volk Company represented Next Level Mechanics LLC in its lease of approximately 2,066 square feet located at 8101 E. Research Court, Suite 107, from Research Investors LLC. The landlord was represented by Max Fisher of BRD Realty. ITB
INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM MARCH 10, 2023 12
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EMAIL YOUR REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS TO CHRISTINA@TUCSONLOCALMEDIA.COM
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Salad Nation wants what’s best for the community
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
As a co-owner of Salad Nation
Arizona, Omar Solorzano is trying to change the world.
He uses sustainable packaging for Salad Nation Arizona’s items, and he’s hoping to change the negative image of fast food being unhealthy and unappetizing.
“It’s my mother, father, and I… well basically my whole family, we all work at the restaurant,” he said.
“We put in all the effort to build it to where it is now. But it’s just one root to the tree we want to create. We want to create more opportunities for the community.”
Located in Park Place Mall, Salad Nation Arizona is known for its housemade dressings, use of fat-free oil, and premium
chicken breast.
“We make something that really is healthy, tastes good, and is positive for the community,” said Solorzano, who one day hopes to start a Salad Nation Sea Life Fund to help clean up the oceans.
But the menu doesn’t start and stop at only salads. Salad Nation Arizona serves premium burgers; chicken sandwiches; crispy chicken tenders; paninis (three-cheese panini, chopped chipotle panini, and The Salad Nation panini); wraps (jalapeno ranch wrap with lemon pepper chicken; chipotle Buffalo wrap, and Caesar salad wrap) and soups (tortilla soup, Caldo de queso and Mexican noodle soup).
“The other tenants question how we get our tenders so juicy,” Solorzano said with a laugh. “They’re still baffled by it. But we also get a lot of compli-
ments on our soup, especially the Caldo de queso.”
Solorzano’s Mexican heritage inspires the dishes served. His father, Omar Sr., hails from Mexico, and his mom’s roots are in the country. Solorzano, 25, was born in the United States and graduated from Ironwood Ridge High School in Oro Valley. He attended the UA to follow in the footsteps of his mother, Yara Solorzano, also a proud Wildcat.
“Our inspiration truly comes from our Hispanic roots,” he said.
Salad Nation Arizona is one of Solorzano’s first business ventures. He chalked up his success to his parents and good friend Joon An, all of whom are business partners. The community counts, too.
“We’ve been making friends with the community and the love and support we have received in return is why we do it. I know
Create
we’re small, but our actions are something. Eventually, it will be a lot. We’re the underdog trying to do as much as we can for the community and the environment.” ITB
A spicy crispy chicken sandwich with a boneless breaded and seasoned chicken breast served on a toasted buttered bun, dill pickles, tomatoes and lettuce. $7.75.
Salad Nation Arizona 5870 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson 520-745-5050, saladnationarizona.com
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
MARCH 10, 2023 13 INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM
N
E
! P R
P S Sip Shop Mingle A COLLECTIVE OF LOCAL SHOPS IN DOWNTOWN TUCSON Thurs & Fri 3 - 8 | Sat 11-9 | Sun 12-5 300 E Congress Street propershopstucson.com CHOW
O W O P
N
O P E R S H O
Inside Tucson Business Staff
(Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)
Yara Solorzano and son, Omar Solorzano owners of Salad Nation inside Park Mall.
(Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)
(Noelle Haro-Gomez/Contributor)
your own salad (half) $8.75. With your choice of salad base, toppings, protein and salad.
Fentonelli’s: It’s Addictive
New Italian restaurant concept replaces Reilly North
By Valerie Vinyard Inside Tucson Business Staff
It’s fun to say “Fentonelli’s,” the name Tyler Fenton’s newest restaurant. It’s also fun to eat there.
Fentonelli’s Pizzeria and Bar opened Feb. 9 on North Oracle Road. It replaced Fenton’s Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink North, which opened Aug. 1, 2021.
“We’re celebrating East Coast-inspired Italian American food,” Fenton said. “It’s the kind of family food we grew up eating.”
Fenton, who owns Downtown restaurants Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink, Bata and Barbata, opened Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink North to provide a North Side option.
In a three-day period, the former Reilly’s North was revamped and reimagined into Fentonelli’s. About 85 can sit inside and another 20 or so on the patio.
Fenton calls it “the opportunity to do something similar but through a new lens. I picture this as a restaurant being in your regular rotation.
With 40 employees, Fentonelli’s boasts a 3,200-squarefoot space, which underwent minor tweaks to the decor, such as adding neon signs, a television and checkered throw pillows. The playlist has been replaced with old school tunes. Think Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
“We just kind of felt we wanted to make some changes,” Fenton said.
He blames his “restless mind” for wanting to do something new.
“It kind of snowballed,”
Fenton said. “It went from easy to hard and then to exciting.”
So far, Fentonelli’s appears to be a hit.
“Every opening is fun and wild and a learning experience,” Fenton said.
The menu underwent a more dramatic tweaking. The menu offers six starters ($8 to $15), ranging from Parmesan-truffle crinkle fries ($8) to juicy and oversized tomato-braised beef meatballs with garlic bread ($15).
Reilly fans will rejoice when they see the crispy Brussels sprouts with hot sauce and pecan brittle ($10) cloned on the Fentonelli’s menu. The appetizer has the same blend of spicy, sweet and savory flavors.
Less adventurous diners can opt for cheesy garlic bread ($9), fried bread sticks ($10) or house-made mozzarella sticks and marinara ($12).
When it comes to the three salads, the Caesar ($11) is a giant. The teetering pile of romaine was liberally dusted with parmesan and dressed with a roasted garlic dressing and tasty croutons. Overall, it was very filling and enough for a satisfying meal.
Other salads include the house ($10) with mixed greens, carrot, celery, red onion, parmesan, choice of dressing; and the chopped ($12) with romaine, salami, pepperoncini, provolone, artichoke hearts and olives.
The pizzas are a more generous 16-inch size versus the 12-inch pies at Reilly’s. Six varieties include the marinara ($18), which is a cheeseless pie that is topped with tomato sauce, garlic, bread-
crumbs, oregano and basil; fennel sausage and roasted peppers ($25) with tomato sauce, mozzarella, provolone; and roasted mushroom ($24) with cream sauce, mozzarella and truffle cheese.
The dough’s long fermentation renders a crust with a crispy exterior, and a fluffy, somewhat chewy interior with a slight char. The pizzas experience a longer bake time with a slightly lower oven temperature, resulting in added structure.
For a spicy kick, try Tyler’s pie ($21), which is a cream sauce with pickled chiles, red onion, mozzarella, fontina, parmesan and oregano.
Mariana Belgado, a CNA in Oro Valley, enjoyed a pizza recently at Fentonelli’s with her husband, Mario.
“I loved it,” said Belgado, who ordered the marinara pizza. “I’ve been to Reilly’s before, and that’s really good, too, but I like the smaller restaurant size. It’s cozy.”
Extra toppings cost $3 for extra cheese, pickled chiles or roasted onion; $4 for roasted mushrooms; and $5 for pepperoni or sausage. Add a $1
dip of ranch, hot sauce, marinara or pesto.
“We’re focused on quality, finding things that make us happy,” Fenton said.
For example, Fenton is a fan of small cupping pepperoni. He found Ezzo, a company that supplies pepperoni and other meats to pizzerias around the country.
Except for the gluten-free penne, the pastas ($15 to $24) are made in house. The rigatoni with Sunday gravy ($18), or meat sauce, is ideal with perfectly made pasta. Other sauces are tomato; vodka; creamy alfredo; and shrimp scampi. Add chicken, sausage or a meatball for $5. Other East Coast-inspired staples on the menu include chicken parmesan ($24).
If there’s room for dessert, there’s Nutella budino with whipped cream ($10) and soft-serve chocolate, sweet cream or swirl ($5). Add 50 cents for a variety of toppings.
So, why Fentonelli’s?
When Fenton’s parents began dating 40 years ago, his Italian mother worried that her grandmother would disapprove of a non-Italian suitor. To appeal to her nonna, she claimed that his last name was Fentonelli. The story remains a laughing point for the family and its playfulness lends itself to the spirit behind the restaurant.
“Mom’s side is Southern Italian, and Dad was born in New York,” Fenton said.
“It’s a collision of those two worlds.”
Fentonelli’s bar features five categories of cocktails, including three versions of the spritz, three negronis, three old fashioned, two margari-
tas and two mules. The wine list offers a sparkling wine, three whites and four reds from California and abroad with several domestic and imported beers. Happy hour is offered from 4:30 to 6 p.m. with $1 to $2 off many drinks and starters.
The lunch menu includes pizza by the slice, salads and Italian hoagies. The lunch special features a slice, simple salad and soda for $12. A children’s menu features mini pizzas and pastas.
“I think the goal is to just be a restaurant that’s embraced by our neighborhood, a place you can be regular at,” Fenton said. “In the end, I want to make food that makes people happy.” ITB
Fentonelli’s Pizzeria and Bar
7262 N. Oracle Road, Tucson 520-447-5749, fentonellispizza.com
11:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays.
INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM MARCH 10, 2023 14
(Fentonelli’s Pizzeria and Bar/Submitted)
Fentonelli’s Pizza and Bar’s open kitchen design makes every seat in the dining room unique. With tables and booths created by local fabricators Midtown Artisans, 10 bar seats and eight chairs at the pizza counter, there are plenty of options from which to choose.
(Fentonelli’s Pizzeria and Bar/Submitted) Indulge in comfort food at its finest at Fentonelli’s Pizza and Bar. Start the meal with an order of plump tomato-braised beef meatballs accompanied by garlic bread.
Biotech Companies
2
Engineering, LLC 2440 N Coyote Dr. STE 128 Tucson, AZ 85745
3 Palo Verde Clinical Research 1718 E. Speedway Blvd. #131 Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 369-3051 info+ITB@marcusengineering.com www.marcusengineering.com
(888) 440-3828 x110 liz@pvclinical.com www.pvclinical.com
2
7
Medical, Military, Aerospace, Mining Electronics Products
Clinical Trials, Drug Development, Biotechnology, Regulatory, Medical Writing, Microbiology, Data Science, Embedded Systems
Ranked by the number of full-time local employees (2 P-T = 1 F-T) Ranked information is provided by business representatives at no charge and is ranked alphabetically in case of ties. Other businesses were contacted but either declined or did not respond by deadline. There is no charge to be included in Inside Tucson Business listings.
provided WND=would not disclose NL=not listed last year NR=listed last year but ranking criteria not provided
Optics Companies
by the number of full-time local employees (2 P-T = 1 F-T)
Ranked information is provided by business representatives at no charge and is ranked alphabetically in case of ties. Other businesses were contacted but either declined or did not respond by deadline. There is no charge to be included in Inside Tucson Business listings. N/A=not provided WND=would not disclose NL=not listed last year NR=listed last year but ranking criteria not provided
Aeronautical Firms
1 Raytheon Missiles & Defense 1151 E. Hermans Rd. Tucson, AZ 85756
(520) 794-3000 rmdpr@rtx.com raytheonmissilesanddefense.com/
4
Tucson Embedded Systems, Inc. 5620 N. Kolb Rd., Ste. 160
Tucson, AZ 85750
business@tes-i.com tes-i.com
145 Precision sheetmetal fabrication, CNC machining, aerospace assemblies,Alum Dip Brazing,etc
120 Manufacturer of environmental control hardware for containers that carry missiles, breather valves, desiccators, humidity plugs and indicators, shock indicators, tie downs, tie down shelving
65 Mission and safety critical electronic systems design, engineering, testing, certification and final product assembly
Wes
Gary L. Abrams Jenny A. Wilson
Ranked by the number of full-time local employees Ranked information is provided by business representatives at no charge and is ranked alphabetically in case of ties. Other businesses were contacted but either declined or did not respond by deadline. There is no charge to be included in Inside Tucson Business listings. N/A=not provided WND=would not disclose NL=not listed last year NR=listed last year but ranking criteria not provided
MARCH 10, 2023 15 INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS.COM
Rank 2022 2021 Business Address Phone Company Email Website No. of F-T Local Employees Public or Private Specialties Notable Projects Top Local Executives Year Establ. Locally 1 Lightsense Technology, Inc. 7080
Cathedral
Tucson,
Private Miniature,
spectrometers Handheld optical detector for Fentanyl, Optical detector
pathogens Terje Skotheim Wade Poteet Bruce Berkoff 2015
N
Rock Pl
AZ 85718 (888) 736-7349 info@lightsensetechnology.com www.lightsensetechnology.com 10
handheld
for bacterial
Marcus
Private
Patrick Marcus 2011
William Wimmer 2015
Private
N/A=not
Rank 2022 2021 Business Address Phone Company Email Website No. of F-T Local Employees Public or Private Products and Services Top Local Executives Year Establ. Locally 1 Lightsense Technology, Inc. 7080 N Cathedral Rock Pl Tucson, AZ 85718 (888)
info@lightsensetechnology.com www.lightsensetechnology.com 10 Private Optical detectors for illicit drugs; miniature spectrometers Terje Skotheim 2015 2 Tucson Optical Research Corp. 210 S. Plumer Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719 (520) 882-0300 torc76@msn.com torc.biz 7 Private Manufacturer of optical components Johannes T. Appels Ronald Appels 1976 3 Optical Data Associates 5237 E 7th St Tucson, AZ 85711 (520) 748-7333 optical@opdata.com www.opdata.com 1 Private Spectrophotometry, Microtopography Michael R Jacobson 1991
736-7349
Ranked
Rank 2022 2021 Business Address Phone Company Email Website No of F-T Local Employees Products / Services Parent Company Headquarters Top Local Executives Year Establ. Locally
Washington D.C.
Kremer 1951 2 Abrams Airborne Mfg., Inc. 3735 N.
Rd. Tucson,
sales@abrams.com
Tucson
1965 3 AGM
3526 E.
12,000 Raytheon Missiles & Defense is the world’s leading defense integrator, bringing together the best minds, systems and capabilities across domains to create next-level solutions that are smarter, faster and better than previously possible. Our advanced portfolio of air and missile defense systems, precision weapons, radars, and command and control systems enables our customers to unlock new levels of performance and achieve mission success. Raytheon Missiles & Defense is one of four businesses that form Raytheon Technologies Corporation. Tucson,
Romero
AZ 85705 (520) 887-1727
abrams.com
Container Controls, Inc.
Ft. Lowell Rd.
AZ 85716
(520) 881-2130 sales@agmcontainer.com www.agmcontainer.com
Tucson Howard N. Stewart 1970
(520) 575-7283
Tucson Dennis Kenman Antonio Procopio 1997
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