The original Zona 78 Italian restaurant on West River Road and North Stone Avenue closed its doors Dec. 30, and has reopened as a new concept called Stray Dogs. The new restaurant serves gourmet American fare like burgers and small pizzas, at an affordable price point in a family-friendly atmosphere, said Zona’s co-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 and his business partner Tom Firth have made 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 features casual dishes such as hormone-free burgers and brats. Pickles and sauerkraut will be prepared in house, along with the french fries.
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 including 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 Stray Dogs. The restaurant is expected to open at the former Mr. K’s BBQ at 4911 N. Stone Ave. around the end of January.
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, which is keeping its Italian concept.
