Tucson restaurateur Joshua Mussman underwent his second surgery at Banner University Medical Center on Monday, three days after falling from a 12-foot ladder and breaking both legs.

Doctors spent most of Monday operating on Mussman’s left heel, which was shattered when he landed on his feet, said his mother and business partner Suzanne Kaiser. Mussman, 32, also suffered a compound fracture in his right leg.

He had been repairing the roof at 4660 E. Camp Lowell Drive β€” the future home of Twisted Tandoor β€” midmorning Friday when he fell. He was rushed by ambulance to UMC, where he underwent his first surgery Friday afternoon, his brother and business partner Aric Mussman reported on Facebook.

The brothers and Kaiser own and operate Jam Culinary Concepts, the parent company of Vero Amore pizzeria β€” at 2920 N. Swan Road and 12130 N. Dove Mountain Blvd. in Marana β€” and Oro Valley’s Noble Hops Craft Beer + Fine Fare at 1335 W. Lambert Lane. Jam also has a bar in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is partnering with Roop Singh in the Twisted Tandoor Indian restaurant, set to open in March.

While Mussman was in surgery Monday, customers were flocking to the opening of his newest restaurant, Sazerac Creole Kitchen & Cocktail Parlour in St. Philip’s Plaza. Kaiser said the restaurant, taking the space once occupied by Amalour at 4340 N. Campbell Ave., was busy throughout the day and customer response was positive for executive chef Robert Iaccarino’s menu of authentic Creole cuisine, including beignets and po’boys, jambalaya and gumbo, and seafood.

Mussman was still hospitalized at UMC Tuesday. Kaiser said doctors are waiting to see how his legs heal before they determine if he needs followup surgery.

Sazerac is open from 8 a.m. to midnight daily, with kitchen service ending at 10 p.m.


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Contact reporter Cathalena E. Burch at cburch@tucson.com or 573-4642. On Twitter @Starburch