For decades, Tucson’s beloved coffee and candy shop Chocolate Iguana was home to historic Fourth Avenue.
But when the shop closed its doors in 2022, Tucsonans were left wondering where Chocolate Iguana would go next.
Now we have our answer: Tucson’s north side.
Chocolate Iguana officially opened its new shop at 7250 N. La Cholla Blvd. on June 29. The shop is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with extended hours coming later this year.
Steve and Cheryll Benefield look over the menu at the Chocolate Iguana at its new location, 7250 N. La Cholla Blvd., on July 9.
While many things remain the same at the new Chocolate Iguana — the iconic neon sign hanging inside, light purple and pale green walls and shelves of candies — there are a few notable changes at the new location.
One of those is new menu items including an açaí bowl and energy drinks.
“We are small but very mighty,” said owner Andrea Boothe. “We have sandwiches, we have salads and sandwiches, soups and pastries and bagels and a full espresso bar and ice cream. So, there's a lot of different variables going on.”
Before opening the new location, Chocolate Iguana used to make many of their baked goods in-house. But because they don't have a range hood in their kitchen, they can’t bake at the new location — leaving them to rely on baked goods sourced from other food vendors.
Boothe hopes to include candies and other goodies from local confectioners in the future. Currently, Chocolate Iguana sources their coffee and tea from Gadsden Coffee and Tea Company in Arivaca, Arizona.
Cheesecake bites and other treats are available at the Chocolate Iguana.
“I think the thing that makes my heart sing is that I'm hearing a lot of ‘You’re back,’” she said. “While I'm the fourth owner of Chocolate Iguana and not the original, the Chocolate Iguana has a 30-plus year following. ... So, people know Chocolate Iguana. Anybody who went to the U of A or Tucson High, I think they're happy to see a small-business owner survive.”
Boothe says the move to a new location was necessary for many reasons including the shop outgrowing the previous space, high electricity costs due to old equipment, a lack of parking and safety concerns in the area.
“I think we have the same happy vibe. I think there's more space. At our old location, especially during COVID, our occupancy was like seven people. And now we're kind of a bigger, better and more spacious version of ourselves before,” Boothe said. “I feel like there's something here for everybody. Whether you're a grandparent taking your grandkid for ice cream or picking out a bag of candy or whether you just need that afternoon pick-me-up or want some breakfast on the way to work. We want to be your place that you stop.”
For more information about the Chocolate Iguana, check out their Instagram page.
