Plenty of Tucson restaurants on Monday flipped on the “Open” sign and welcomed diners inside for the first time in nearly two months since the coronavirus closed their doors.
But dozens of their colleagues, including Janos Wilder’s Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails and Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria, have publicly announced they have no immediate plans to reopen.
Not only are they sitting it out for now, they have joined the “Too Soon Arizona” campaign opposed to reopening the economy until there is a significant drop in the state’s coronavirus cases.
"We're tough as saguaros," editorial cartoonist David Fitzsimmons says. He says he saw a video made for the people of Detroit and became inspired to do his own take for Tucson.
“We feel proceeding incautiously with the reopening of businesses will worsen human suffering in our communities and prolong the negative impact this pandemic is having on small businesses and the economy,” “Too Soon Arizona” organizers wrote on the campaign’s website (toosoonarizona.com).
Tucson businesses that are part of the movement include 5 Points Market & Restaurant, Bisbee Breakfast Club, Kingfisher, Barefoot Studio, Movement Culture, The Coronet & Fonda la Hermanita, Renee’s Organic Oven, Monsoon Chocolate, Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro, Che’s Lounge, Wooden Tooth Records, Tucson Hop Shop and more.
“We miss you all terribly! We will not be reopening until we can safely do so for our customers and employees. As soon as we have a date, we will let you know and can’t wait to see your faces! Or at least your eyes,” Danny’s Baboquivari Lounge on East Fort Lowell Road posted on Facebook Monday afternoon.
Photos: Graduating seniors at Amphitheater HS get a personal greeting
Amphi HS students, graduation greeting
Updated
Amphitheater High School student body present and graduating senior Emily Mejia Lopez accepts a senior graduation sign from principal Jon Lansa at the Lopez home near Prince Road and Stone Ave. in Tucson on May 1, 2020.
Amphi HS students, graduation greeting
Updated
Isaac-John Onwuamaegbu and salutatorian of the graduating senior class at Amphitheater High School, is greeted by principal Jon Lansa in Tucson on May 1, 2020. Onwuamaegbu will speak during a video ceremony.
Amphi HS students, graduation greeting
Updated
A happy Augstin Willem, a graduating senior at Amphitheater High School, is greeted by principal Jon Lansa near Oracle Road and Stone Ave. in Tucson on May 1, 2020.
Amphi HS students, graduation greeting
Updated
Ralph Acosta, valedictorian of the Amphitheater High School senior class, is greeted at his home near 22nd Street and 12th Avenue by principal Jon Lansa in Tucson on May 1, 2020. Acosta will speak during Amphi's video graduation ceremony.
Amphi HS students, graduation greeting
Updated
Amphitheater High School Principal Jon Lansa knocks on a door seeking a graduating senior student in an apartment near Oracle Road and Glenn Street in Tucson on May 1, 2020. She was at work, so he left the sign with a relative.
Tim Steller's column: Tucson's biggest homeless camp faces upcoming clear-out
