The original Zona 78 Italian restaurant on East River Road and North Stone Avenue closed its doors Dec. 30, and will reopen as a new concept called Stray Dogs. The new restaurant will serve gourmet American fare like burgers and small pizzas, at an affordable price point in a family-friendly atmosphere, said Zona's owner Rick Fink.
"We've been in business for a long time here," he said. "The economy's changed, the area's settled in a little bit, and 13 years is a long run. ... It's time to do a little something new in this part of town."
Fink, along with his business partner Tom Firth, are making a few changes to the interior of the restaurant, adding high definition TVs and stripping down the tables to give them a rustic look.
The menu will feature casual dishes like hormone-free burgers and brats. Pickles and sauerkraut will be prepared in-house, along with the French fries.
Fink said he does not yet have an opening date for the restaurant, but that he is "hoping very soon."
The Stone Avenue retail corridor just north of the Tucson Mall has proved to be a challenging location for both small businesses and national chain restaurants like Ruby Tuesday and Chili’s Grill & Bar, which both called it quits in the past few years.
In June, the Star reported that Tucson restaurateur Daniel Scordato is moving his Scordato’s Pizzeria from St. Philip's Plaza to a spot just across the street from Zona 78. The restaurant is expected to open at the former Mr. K’s Barbecue at 4911 N. Stone Ave. in the next few months.
Fink said that the two concepts can work together to create a more desirable neighborhood for local diners.
"We're happy to have Danny moving in," Fink said. "We're thinking that's gonna be a little synergy for all of us. ... It's time to revamp and make some good food."
Zona 78 will continue to honor gift cards at its other location at 7301 E. Tanque Verde Road.
