Back in December 2023, the lights came back on in the old Sullivan’s Eatery and Creamery building at Orange Grove and Oracle roads.
The word "Redbird" in big, cherry red letters appeared on the building, signifying the beginning of an era.
Today, vibrant paintings of red birds sitting on green cacti cover the walls, the smell of crispy, savory chicken wings fills the air, and you can’t help but stare as the waiter walks by with a drink that's billowing clouds of smoke out of the top.
It didn’t take long for the community to embrace Redbird, with many flocking to the spot to watch sports games while sipping on fresh cocktails and chowing down on its signature elote nachos.
On the other side of town, the lights were switched off in another iconic Tucson building. This time, the old Rincon Market building was empty again, leaving a hole in the hearts of Sam Hughes Neighborhood residents.
But the beloved building has been given a new life, and the big, cherry red letters now appear out front here, too.
has officially opened its doors to its new Sam Hughes location on East Sixth Street at Tucson Boulevard, where it shares the historic space with , a local coffee shop and market.
“We're just really grateful to be here at the old Rincon market,” co-owner and executive chef Rory Martin said. “Growing up in Tucson, this was a staple here and I think the building turns 100 next year, so it's just a really cool location. We know we have big shoes to fill.”
Redbird Scratch Kitchen, 2515 East 6th Street, Tucson, Ariz., Sep. 3, 2025.
Martin and Sergio Pinon, general manager and co-owner of Redbird, had worked with one another and said they always wanted to take the leap and start something together.
Since Martin had the culinary skills and Pinon had cocktail expertise as well as front-of-the-house knowledge, it was the right match.
The duo teamed up and created Redbird, an elevated bar experience serving timeless food and drinks full of flavor.
“We were more of a sports bar kind of thing at the beginning. I love the ֱ Cardinals, so it's a red bird,” Martin said. “We floated around so many different ideas and names and Redbird just kind of felt right. Then we started shifting to more of an elevated experience. So, food you might expect in a bar, but we take it to the next level.”
Their first location, at oad, quickly gained a reputation for its delicious meals and drinks. It is a place you can bring friends for after-work Redbird margaritas, or a plate of super waffle fries topped with a gooey triple cheese sauce, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, verde and chile roja salsa and cilantro-line crema.
It’s also a place where the family can go for a fun dinner. The kids get a good meal, and dad gets to sneak peeks at the football game playing on the TV; everyone wins!
Genaro Cabañas, sous chef at Redbird Scratch Kitchen, tosses seasoning on a fresh batch waffle cut fries during lunchtime, 2513 East 6th Street, Tucson, Ariz., Sep. 3, 2025.
When Flora’s Market Run, at , , Sonoran House owners Arianna Wilson and Courtney Bedient reached out to Pinon and Wilson about sharing the space. Three weeks later, the two businesses officially announced they’d be moving in.
The Redbird duo brought their flair to Sam Hughes, painting the walls with the same vibrant cacti murals seen in their north-side location. Forest green booths line the inside, and the bar sits right in the middle, so you can watch the bartenders work their magic as you wait for your meal.
On the other side, you'll can find Sonoran House’s café as well as the local goods it carries for sale.
“I don't think any restaurant in Tucson has two concepts under the same roof,” Pinon said. “They've been great neighbors and great partners to work with. We're excited to start transforming this corner into kind of like a foodie place.”
Right now, you can expect to see the same menu as the north-side Redbird, including favorites like their al pastor wings, smash burgers, elote nachos, mac and cheese, and so much more. They also have all their signature cocktails that are made with syrups created fresh in house.
Pinon said their margaritas are a huge hit, but if you’re feeling adventurous, he suggests you try their Redbird shot, which is made with Hornitos Reposado Tequila infused with tamarind candy.
“We infuse Mexican candy with tequila for a couple days, and then once we strain it, we transform the leftover candy into a Chamoy rim for all the Mexican drinks that we offer, Pinon said. “It’s fun, it's tangy and a little spicy.”
Lunchtime customers at Redbird Scratch Kitchen, 2513 East 6th Street, Tucson, Ariz., Sep. 3, 2025.
Since they have a bigger kitchen in the Sam Hughes location, Martin said they may start to experiment with adding more items to the menu. For now, though, they're focusing on the execution.
From the aesthetic atmosphere to the mouthwatering dishes, Redbird is making sure this iconic Tucson building is filled with life once again.
“Whether you just got out of school or work, or you’re having a hard day, you can come to Redbird, and we're going to ensure that you have a great experience,” Pinon said.
Redbird, , is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.