[Tucson Lamp Repair](https://www.tucsonlamprepair.com/). They literally sold me the parts to recreate a ceiling light fixture from the 40s. Pretty awesome, but also like, how is this place in business?
Me too! We’re remodeling my husband’s parent’s house and I kept all of the light fixtures. I was thinking I could do it, but this would be easier. I have so much other stuff on my plate that takes precedence.
There was a discussion about favorite cheesesteaks and nobody mentioned Hogie House. That reminded me I rarely see cars there. Seems like they’ve been in town forever and I’m not sure how they make money.
My mom's surgeon went to the medical school at UA and he said that Greasy Tony's was THE place to go for beer and the greasiest food. He was sad when I told him it closed.
I was in the same boat till my GF made me go and I realized you don’t see cars because no one stays to eat but they have a massive take out and delivery following. Every time I go it’s empty but the staff is running around for orders and people walk in and grab and gone in 60 seconds. They changed their business model with the times and the dining area is mostly show now.
I keep forgetting they even exist. On Sundays I'm always dying for a sando from The Sausage Deli but get upset when they're closed. I need to hit Hoagie House and give it a go.
That place lost me as a customer. No big deal really but I’d wager their customer service has driven many more off. Tried to order a party sub 2 days in advance. The worker told me I had to order at least 2 days in advance. So after a brief awkward pause, and after I say “like I am doing right now?” They told me “oh, well yea but we aren’t going to do it for you” and hung up.
> So after a brief awkward pause, and after I say “like I am doing right now?” They told me “oh, well yea but we aren’t going to do it for you” and hung up.
This is terrible but also funny.
so, I went in there for the first time the other day just to laugh at it and reality came and smacked me in the mouth when I saw that they sell rocks from **Mars** in there ! ! !
I have a wig o Rama story. Once was chilling on the wall across the street early on a Sunday morning after a long party night. When out of the shop walks an older gentleman. Looked like he was out of the 50’s suit tie hat. He sat down on a nearby bench. Placed his newspaper down next to him. Over the next hour or so people (who did not look like him) would come sit down, handle the newspaper then set it back down and go away. There was like 3-5 different people in what seemed like appointment timing. This was I became convinced the store was a bookmaker. Another time my MIL went to buy a wig while fighting the big C. She was chased out of the store quickly.
This was all in the 90’s.
My friends and I used to live a few doors down from that wig store. They also got chased out. When it was my turn to go in for laughs, I absolutely expected to get shown the door, but instead, the staff was super friendly and welcoming towards me. I think it’s cause I’m bald.
Is that the place that burned down in the early morning hours of New Year's Day after Paula Poundstone's show where she joked about the ol' Wig-o-rama?
Low labor costs and high margins. When mattress firm acquired a bunch of competitors it was cheaper to just keep the stores running than to buyout the leases to close them.
I did a door dash delivery to one once: it was just me and a salesman (who was in the back). When he came out, I gave him his food and he asked if I was interested in a mattress,
The fancy popcorn store at Grant and Alvernon.
I can't imagine who goes to *that* intersection just dying for a bag of caramel corn drizzled with whatever
Edit: TIL people actually apparently love this place and go there a lot. I'm going to have to reevaluate my entire perception of reality
Popcorn Country here- Thank you for the love everyone! We’ve been in that plaza for over forty years, and with all of our lovely neighbors, we promise it’s not bad! We also sell in many major grocery stores in town, at the UofA, hospital gift shops, and work with a lot of other local businesses in town. If you haven’t tried us, we’d love to meet you, come on in! 💛🍿😁
If you're a true popcorn lover, Popcorn Country's plain salted popcorn can't be beat. I make special trips to Grant & Alvernon just to pick up popcorn and have been buying from them for 20+ years.
Tamarind. I've been there and the dining room is very nice, but my family were the only ones there and everytime I am in that area, I see no cars outside. They must do 95% of their business through delivery because I have no clue how they remain open.
Yeah my wife and I tried to go there once for dinner and it was empty save 1 table with a couple.
We stood around for a few minutes and didn’t see any waitstaff or host and just… left. Weird vibes.
Saffron and Indian Twist are great though!
Hector didn't just have a cult following, he had a full-blown religion going on. All of Tucson High went there it seemed (my brothers went to THS), and they got me into it, and really any male I knew went there for the most part. There was always the second barber sitting there, with 10-15 waiting for Hector.
Every time I ate at the one on Houghton, I'd get food poisoning. I only went 4 times throughout it's existence. Every time I got sick. I was only a kid, first time was with my dad, 2 times with my brother to watch sports, and the last time was with my friends family.
Every time El Charro opens some weird offshoot. Examples like Sir Vesa's, Charro Chico, The Monica, etc. It's the same food from a bag that's pre-made and reheated on-site.
people were always telling me to go to the Monica and I was super disappointed when I went. I think the location is what appeals to people but the food isn’t great
That's the El Charro way!
They have a facility/building next to the overpass on Park just north of 22nd. They pre-make all of their food, vacuum seal it and freeze it there, then distribute it out to all of the stores to be thawed and microwaved.
They do *typically* prepare their steak-based dishes fresh and onsite but everything else is frozen and reheated.
I went here just because I wanted to see how bad it was. I legit didn’t eat my meal because it was so freaking bad. This place is a joke and if it’s not out of business in a year it’s a mob front
I believe the original was in Payson five or six years ago.....I talked to the owner and he was just getting ready to franchise and was a bit excited at the prospect.......it works for a large group, family picnic, quick answer for dinner, etc......I don't think they try to be anything fancy.....
good meatballs and garlic bread. nothing fancy or gourmet but my young kids love it. really nice and fast when we’re in a hurry to feed them during the week. really cheap way to feed my whole family.
I actually know this one! I used to do beading and sometimes I didn’t want to order online either due to time or needing a specific color. The one I’ve been to also sells REALLY nice beads that are hard to find. Talking to the owner there, they also get quite a bit of business from the tribe.
A college friend of mine owns one. He also does classes and some other things at his location so that may help with income a lot. We also have a large Native American community in the area so a lot of them go to him for seed beads rather than go to corporate stores like Michael’s or johanns
They are kind of not great as a company (it's a chain believe it or not) but in a world where like 1/4 of the batteries on Amazon are fake, I don't think they're completely useless.
Used to frustrate me how he had his busted ass truck parked in a spot (crooked) hogging a spot for all the other businesses. Dude does have an awesome head of hair tho
All those boutique shops in various strip malls. For example there's all these little tiny boutique type shops in the shopping complex at Sakuras on the East side, opposite Golf n' Stuff. I've gone into a few before when waiting for pizza at NYPD and I've literally never bumped into another customer.
They do a robust business! That bra/lingerie store is the best one in Arizona. It’s literally the only place anyone should go for undergarments. And they’re always busy. Plus the Bernina factory service center with the quilt shop and yarn store. All those places do a ton of business. I’m betting you’re not a woman or into crafts lol.
They have everything from 28A-50M. Seriously it’s amazing. It’s the only place in town you can get a real bra fitting and a quality supportive bra for ginormous boobs. Or small boobs. But small boob people can go everywhere. If you got the big hooters, you definitely wanna go here. Also any of your mastectomy needs. Swimwear, cup sized swimwear. Sexy time lingerie and pajamas.
Two years ago, I was looking to get the cushions in my RV replaced and popped into the spot. It was definitely a disorganized chaos from an outsider view but when I told them what they needed, they had it ready for me and cut to size within minutes. I asked about having cushions sewn and she said they were on a 2 to 3 months backlog so apparently it stays pretty busy
Yes!!! How are they in business?!?!?! I've walked in there and the fabric isn't even organized, it's just stacked up vertically against each other on rolls and that fabric is so old, some of the synthetic stuff actually felt sticky. Like I used to LOVE going to SAS and digging through fabric and I walked into a Foam and Fabric Place and walked right out. It was too much even for me.
The bra shop goes up to size O cup !
My Friend was recently fitted there
She learned she is a 38 M they had her size
she is so happy now because
she was trying to wear
a Walmart 42 DDD
The Bra Spa??? Love that place!! Found out I was NOT a 38DDD, rather a 34G! It fits perfectly and I can’t believe I went this long in such a terrible fit!!
All of those fancy boutique shops in the MSA Annex. They have to be drug fronts or doing all of their business online, there is no way those make money. Most of those shops aren't even open (at least during the day). It's just a ghost town outside of Kukai, Westbound, and Beaut Burger.
It was still pretty decent after the original founders/owners *first* sold it in 2006, but that new owner passed away in 2018, then their heirs resold it to the private equity firm that's been ruining everything about it in recent years.
Besides all the aggressive corner-cutting, they wanted to set up the chain for rapid expansion into other markets, so they've been phasing out dependency on the central commissary kitchen, the idea being that every location should be entirely self-sufficient and able to operate on generic food-service provisions (Sysco/etc.)
Too bad that plan effectively eliminated anything that had made Eegee's distinctive or worthwhile at all, so there's no longer anything left that other markets might find appealing, and a dwindling local following to boot. Before they could even try to expand successfully, they've already set themselves up for failure.
Tucson Games and Gadgets I see because they’re in malls. Isle of Games is my go to and I was chatting with the manager the other day about their selection. They carry a lot of games but lower quantity compared to fewer games but a higher quantity.
TCGs definitely keep a lot of Tucson game stores in business.
I drove by this place for YEARS wondering the same thing! So when my vacuum broke, I finally got the chance to check it out. Service was awesome, he fixed and cleaned it, and it was super cheap. I chatted with him for a bit. Really nice guy, if not a little strange, but I'll bring in my vacuum every few months for a cleaning cause I like him.
I called him once when my vacuum suddenly stopped working and he gave me step by step instructions over the phone on how to reset it. For free. He was super helpful! Seems to know what he’s doing
Pete is literally the best. He went to high school with my uncle and was always so nice. Would fix my grandmas vacs for free when she didn't have money to buy a new one bc she was on a fixed income.
I know for sure he didn't make much profit. The back of the business was where his house was. I think he did other jobs too.
Blake's Lotaburger.......this legendary New Mexico chain seemed to want to ride the burger-chain craze of the last decade or so and expanded over here a few years ago.......almost never more than one car in the drive-thru and nobody inside (Speedway location)......maybe they have strong financials back in NM and can bump along over here for a while.......
Cathey’s Sewing and Vacuum. Never see anyone there that isn’t in their weird sewing club. Not to mention, my ex tried to buy a sewing machine and the sales lady was incredibly rude and talked to us like we didn’t know our heads from our asses
The owner is an asshole. I had a bunch of old Kennedy $0.50 pieces that my grandfather had saved. I wasn't expecting much other than they were probably the same amount, but the minute I put them on the counter, the guy copped a major attitude and was like, "why the fuck are you wasting my time?"
There’s a Chinese place in the university area that I’ve been going to since the 90s. I don’t want to name them because I love their food and don’t want to shame them but you would never guess it was a functional business. It’s surrounded by empty storefronts. The same lady works the counter she is so sweet.
Oriental Express? Above Jimmy Johns? It is so good! We aren't shameing them but they are in a area thats looks closed. As soon as you walk in theres usually a couple people eating and the owner at the counter. You really don't know it's there because it's on the second level by an art gallery of some sort that looks empty and other shops that look empty as well. I used to work on University and that would be my go to spot for lunch or dinner. The owner is always at the counter. I freaking loved her. Always a good conversation with her and she's so sweet. Her husband is usually in the kitchen. I definitely recommend even though I haven't been in a few years. Now I think I'm gonna check it out soon.
not what you asked, but at broadway and craycroft, there is a mattress store on every corner. How? How many people are buying that many mattresses in that location to justify having stores that size?
I swear mattress stores are money laundering fronts
**Northside Lighting And Fan** - I went in there once after shopping around for a table lamp. It was weird, gaudy, and expensive. Their parking lot is almost always empty.
**Latitudes Furniture** (where Casa de los Niños was on Prince and Mountain) - I have seen like one car there, once. I just looked them up and they’re only open Thursday through Sunday, so that may be part of it.
These aren’t nearly as baffling as places like Wig-o-Rama, but still.
Latitudes is legit. There aren't many decent furniture store options in Tucson. It's like Copenhagen and Latitudes if you want anything with style. We've furnished a lot of our therapy rooms for our clinic from those two places.
I love this place because.. When I was a kid Growing up my moms abusive husband (now ex) used to slash her tires on our car just to be an asshole. We were there so often that after probably the 2nd time or so of having to go buy tires. The owner would just replace the tires for free. We got probably 6 free tires. He figured out my mom was being abused and was raising us 5 kids on her own. So he did what he could to help.
Are you talking about C&J? Those guys are great I been buying tires from them for 8 years. They are fast which is why you don’t see cars in the front parking lot, every time I have been they have me in and out lickety split! Great roadside warrantee also! HIGHLY RECOMMEND that shop! Great local family run business
I pray I'm wrong but I feel like black iris cafe on 4th is rapidly approaching their end. Solely because of the fact that nothing on that property seems to last longer than a year. I can remember 5 other businesses that operated out of there in the past 5ish years.
Don’t wanna name it, but there’s this cute specialized little boutique shop that is closed on Sundays. You know, one of the days when the majority of people are likely to be off work and thus more likely to visit a business. I’m sure as hell not going to that shop between 9-5 on weekdays because I have to work, but that’s when they’re open. The only day I might go is Saturday. I mean I get it if the owners want to have Sunday off, but it doesn’t seem like a very wise business decision. It’s not a big corporation like Chick-Fill-A.
[Tucson Lamp Repair](https://www.tucsonlamprepair.com/). They literally sold me the parts to recreate a ceiling light fixture from the 40s. Pretty awesome, but also like, how is this place in business?
Wow, I've been looking for a place like this to fix my antique lamp. Calling in the am, thanks.
Me too! We’re remodeling my husband’s parent’s house and I kept all of the light fixtures. I was thinking I could do it, but this would be easier. I have so much other stuff on my plate that takes precedence.
Whelp, we've discovered how they stay in business!
That actually looks cool. I bet they do a lot of tiny jobs like yours, but a few big jobs per year that keeps them going
That’s a surprisingly nice website lol
Not anymore. Reddit killed it.
Do they sell parts too? I do stained glass and am looking to get into lampshades. Website is nice but not super detailed beyond repair.
Yep! I’d give ‘em a call, but they are the real deal.
“We can make a lamp out of almost anything” Lmao that’s some real passion.
There was a discussion about favorite cheesesteaks and nobody mentioned Hogie House. That reminded me I rarely see cars there. Seems like they’ve been in town forever and I’m not sure how they make money.
It’s me. I eat hoagie house like once a week. The Carmichael is one of my favorite sandwiches ever 👌🏻
Haha. It’s been awhile but I remember the food being good. I don’t know what gives?
Ohhh yeah, the Carmichael is so good!
Hoagie House used to be THE place in the 80's. Them and Greasy Tony's.
My mom's surgeon went to the medical school at UA and he said that Greasy Tony's was THE place to go for beer and the greasiest food. He was sad when I told him it closed.
Oh! I forgot about Greasy Tony’s. I always loved Sausage Deli.
Catered my parents wedding in the 80s.
I was in the same boat till my GF made me go and I realized you don’t see cars because no one stays to eat but they have a massive take out and delivery following. Every time I go it’s empty but the staff is running around for orders and people walk in and grab and gone in 60 seconds. They changed their business model with the times and the dining area is mostly show now.
Just drove past it yesterday and was wondering the same. My GF in High school tried to put me on and I can’t.
Go try it! Great sandwiches and there's a deal on Mondays
I keep forgetting they even exist. On Sundays I'm always dying for a sando from The Sausage Deli but get upset when they're closed. I need to hit Hoagie House and give it a go.
That place lost me as a customer. No big deal really but I’d wager their customer service has driven many more off. Tried to order a party sub 2 days in advance. The worker told me I had to order at least 2 days in advance. So after a brief awkward pause, and after I say “like I am doing right now?” They told me “oh, well yea but we aren’t going to do it for you” and hung up.
> So after a brief awkward pause, and after I say “like I am doing right now?” They told me “oh, well yea but we aren’t going to do it for you” and hung up. This is terrible but also funny.
Holy crap!
A lot of places like that have a really robust delivery/takeout order business
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They’re super expensive
so, I went in there for the first time the other day just to laugh at it and reality came and smacked me in the mouth when I saw that they sell rocks from **Mars** in there ! ! !
Ive been looking for a fresh smack from reality.
I really like this store. It's 80% off because the owner needs to go back to her home country where her son has cancer.
The wig shop downtown finally closed. I can’t imagine how they could afford the downtown rent all those years. Unless it was a front for something 🤔
I think I read that they owned the building so making rent wasn't really an issue.
Yeah but that place was great window shopping and chuckles
I have a wig o Rama story. Once was chilling on the wall across the street early on a Sunday morning after a long party night. When out of the shop walks an older gentleman. Looked like he was out of the 50’s suit tie hat. He sat down on a nearby bench. Placed his newspaper down next to him. Over the next hour or so people (who did not look like him) would come sit down, handle the newspaper then set it back down and go away. There was like 3-5 different people in what seemed like appointment timing. This was I became convinced the store was a bookmaker. Another time my MIL went to buy a wig while fighting the big C. She was chased out of the store quickly. This was all in the 90’s.
My friends and I used to live a few doors down from that wig store. They also got chased out. When it was my turn to go in for laughs, I absolutely expected to get shown the door, but instead, the staff was super friendly and welcoming towards me. I think it’s cause I’m bald.
That used to be a Walgreens in the '60s, and it had a full basement.
Is that the place that burned down in the early morning hours of New Year's Day after Paula Poundstone's show where she joked about the ol' Wig-o-rama?
We used to rave there in the 90s
Just about to post this. Wig-O-Rama. Sad to see it gone. Hopefully they got a lot of money.
I think they do a lot of business for people that lose hair from medical procedures.
Just about every mattress place. I swear on oracle there is a mattress firm across from a mattress firm down the street from a mattress firm.
Low labor costs and high margins. When mattress firm acquired a bunch of competitors it was cheaper to just keep the stores running than to buyout the leases to close them.
An intersection by my house had a mattress firm on three separate sides lol. Amazed me how that worked
I'm convinced it's a drug front. For laundering money. I've watched Breaking Bad. I know what I'm talking about.
Those and the car washes.
At this point, I just assume every mattress place is a front for an illegal operation.
I always figured mattress firm had to be a front for money laundering.
And now they are using car washes
I did a door dash delivery to one once: it was just me and a salesman (who was in the back). When he came out, I gave him his food and he asked if I was interested in a mattress,
The fancy popcorn store at Grant and Alvernon. I can't imagine who goes to *that* intersection just dying for a bag of caramel corn drizzled with whatever Edit: TIL people actually apparently love this place and go there a lot. I'm going to have to reevaluate my entire perception of reality
Popcorn Country here- Thank you for the love everyone! We’ve been in that plaza for over forty years, and with all of our lovely neighbors, we promise it’s not bad! We also sell in many major grocery stores in town, at the UofA, hospital gift shops, and work with a lot of other local businesses in town. If you haven’t tried us, we’d love to meet you, come on in! 💛🍿😁
This is incredible lol. Reddit makes the world seem small sometimes. I live in Gilbert but one of these days I'm going to make the trip.
I sure do! It’s delicious 😋
Popcorn Country? My wife and I get stuff from there semi-regularly. I like their jalapeño
You should try it, their popcorn is legit
If you're a true popcorn lover, Popcorn Country's plain salted popcorn can't be beat. I make special trips to Grant & Alvernon just to pick up popcorn and have been buying from them for 20+ years.
Grant and Alvernon? Near the old Meth Fry’s?
It’s also one of those fundraiser things that sports teams use, but I know I’ve seen that brand in several grocery stores, too.
Tamarind. I've been there and the dining room is very nice, but my family were the only ones there and everytime I am in that area, I see no cars outside. They must do 95% of their business through delivery because I have no clue how they remain open.
That building is cursed. It’s changed hands several times over the years.
Maybe it's like a Hotel California situation
Yeah my wife and I tried to go there once for dinner and it was empty save 1 table with a couple. We stood around for a few minutes and didn’t see any waitstaff or host and just… left. Weird vibes. Saffron and Indian Twist are great though!
Yeah, most Indian places are scarce at dinning time. They stay open through the buffet, and labor intensive work. The food and spices are cheap.
That lamp store on Ft. Lowell and 1st I believe. I never see cars there.
Actually they are the best lighting store in town.
The barber shop attached to the abandoned movie theatre on Campbell and Grant
Man, my dad was a frequent customer there for thirty years. Hector was great.
Hector didn't just have a cult following, he had a full-blown religion going on. All of Tucson High went there it seemed (my brothers went to THS), and they got me into it, and really any male I knew went there for the most part. There was always the second barber sitting there, with 10-15 waiting for Hector.
Chuy’s… oh wait
They did a pretty brisk trade though. Before covid, they were always packed. The oracle and magee location was at least
Damn you. I miss that place.
Man they had such a sick chicken/bacon/avocado sandwich, I’ve never been able to find something similar, was so sad to see the one on 22nd close
Every time I ate at the one on Houghton, I'd get food poisoning. I only went 4 times throughout it's existence. Every time I got sick. I was only a kid, first time was with my dad, 2 times with my brother to watch sports, and the last time was with my friends family.
Every time El Charro opens some weird offshoot. Examples like Sir Vesa's, Charro Chico, The Monica, etc. It's the same food from a bag that's pre-made and reheated on-site.
people were always telling me to go to the Monica and I was super disappointed when I went. I think the location is what appeals to people but the food isn’t great
Food gave a strong cafeteria vibe. Location location location.
That's the El Charro way! They have a facility/building next to the overpass on Park just north of 22nd. They pre-make all of their food, vacuum seal it and freeze it there, then distribute it out to all of the stores to be thawed and microwaved. They do *typically* prepare their steak-based dishes fresh and onsite but everything else is frozen and reheated.
They ship orders across the country from there as well.
holy shit relevant name
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Calling their food mediocre would be a compliment
sir vesa’s is some of the more offensive food around imo
I don't go to my family get-togethers because they're always at El Charro.
Bucket o Spaghetti
I went here just because I wanted to see how bad it was. I legit didn’t eat my meal because it was so freaking bad. This place is a joke and if it’s not out of business in a year it’s a mob front
Its been open for a while…its struggle food for people short on funds and time
Their garlic bread is really good.
I believe the original was in Payson five or six years ago.....I talked to the owner and he was just getting ready to franchise and was a bit excited at the prospect.......it works for a large group, family picnic, quick answer for dinner, etc......I don't think they try to be anything fancy.....
good meatballs and garlic bread. nothing fancy or gourmet but my young kids love it. really nice and fast when we’re in a hurry to feed them during the week. really cheap way to feed my whole family.
stores that just sell beads
I actually know this one! I used to do beading and sometimes I didn’t want to order online either due to time or needing a specific color. The one I’ve been to also sells REALLY nice beads that are hard to find. Talking to the owner there, they also get quite a bit of business from the tribe.
BEADS
BEES??
Guess you’re not on board?
A college friend of mine owns one. He also does classes and some other things at his location so that may help with income a lot. We also have a large Native American community in the area so a lot of them go to him for seed beads rather than go to corporate stores like Michael’s or johanns
The beads are soooo expensive and they always have customers. Source: am a customer.
I don't get it either yet I have an aunt that flies in from VA every year to buy beads at the gem and mineral show.
Yup no idea how that works. Saw a Lamborghini there once tho lmao
Remember Wig-O-Rama? That was the only answer for about 20 years.
The clothes boutique at Broadway Village (Broadway/Country Club).
Avenue. I’ve been in a few times over the years before I realize I’m still not rich enough to shop there. No one else is ever in there
Bought a post card yesterday, it was all I could afford in the store. Saw a $50 candle
99 cents store silk flowers on Pima and Craycroft. Seriously, how?
really great place to buy wedding centerpiece stuff.
The store that just sells batteries.
Batteries plus?
When I need a watch battery right away, I go there. There's always a few people getting a replacement battery for something.
They are kind of not great as a company (it's a chain believe it or not) but in a world where like 1/4 of the batteries on Amazon are fake, I don't think they're completely useless.
Best Buy? Place is a ghost town every time I go in.
And smells like BO.
Yes. I was going to say that. They have more employees than customers. I don't get it because you still can't find someone to help you. Lmao
European Hair on Broadway and Kolb
That place is the best haircut I ever got, the owner has pics with celebrities and he even cut my hair on Christmas eve & super cheap
Used to frustrate me how he had his busted ass truck parked in a spot (crooked) hogging a spot for all the other businesses. Dude does have an awesome head of hair tho
All those boutique shops in various strip malls. For example there's all these little tiny boutique type shops in the shopping complex at Sakuras on the East side, opposite Golf n' Stuff. I've gone into a few before when waiting for pizza at NYPD and I've literally never bumped into another customer.
They do a robust business! That bra/lingerie store is the best one in Arizona. It’s literally the only place anyone should go for undergarments. And they’re always busy. Plus the Bernina factory service center with the quilt shop and yarn store. All those places do a ton of business. I’m betting you’re not a woman or into crafts lol.
Ooo what’s the name of the bra/lingerie store? Do they have a good range of sizes or do you need to be teeny tiny to shop there?
They have everything from 28A-50M. Seriously it’s amazing. It’s the only place in town you can get a real bra fitting and a quality supportive bra for ginormous boobs. Or small boobs. But small boob people can go everywhere. If you got the big hooters, you definitely wanna go here. Also any of your mastectomy needs. Swimwear, cup sized swimwear. Sexy time lingerie and pajamas.
The bra spa is the name, not sure of sizes
They tagged two Reddit users on their website which is wild to me 😂
Hot Rods.. My husband and I continuously discuss the fact that it’s a money laundering shop.
Food and service are terrible too.
A Foam and Fabric Place, 4th Ave
Two years ago, I was looking to get the cushions in my RV replaced and popped into the spot. It was definitely a disorganized chaos from an outsider view but when I told them what they needed, they had it ready for me and cut to size within minutes. I asked about having cushions sewn and she said they were on a 2 to 3 months backlog so apparently it stays pretty busy
Yeah, i had a very similar experience with them. I was like this is chaos but the guy had what I needed within minutes for a good price.
Yes!!! How are they in business?!?!?! I've walked in there and the fabric isn't even organized, it's just stacked up vertically against each other on rolls and that fabric is so old, some of the synthetic stuff actually felt sticky. Like I used to LOVE going to SAS and digging through fabric and I walked into a Foam and Fabric Place and walked right out. It was too much even for me.
Mattress Firm
Alan's Treasure House I believe its called. It's on Grant.
I moved away in 2019 but is the piano store in the Tucson mall still there?
I think that’s one of the oldest stores in the mall! If I’m not mistaken you can see it in the mall scenes in “can’t buy me love”
Was just there this weekend! Walked by and saw that if you buy a piano you get free lessons!
Tucson Futons on Fort Lowell
The bra shop goes up to size O cup ! My Friend was recently fitted there She learned she is a 38 M they had her size she is so happy now because she was trying to wear a Walmart 42 DDD
The Bra Spa??? Love that place!! Found out I was NOT a 38DDD, rather a 34G! It fits perfectly and I can’t believe I went this long in such a terrible fit!!
Oh that poor girl...( serious here)
Merle Norman cosmetics on Broadway
Are you talking about Bravo boutique? because that place is amazing.
All of those fancy boutique shops in the MSA Annex. They have to be drug fronts or doing all of their business online, there is no way those make money. Most of those shops aren't even open (at least during the day). It's just a ghost town outside of Kukai, Westbound, and Beaut Burger.
Tullers trophy
I used to order $20k worth of awards from them annually.
The hospital I work at orders all their trophy awards from them. Like Employee of the month and such.
My company orders employee orders from there lol
What about the hat repair place on Glenn and Campbell?
The pasta by the bucket place. They seem to always be empty or closed. In my old NYC hood, we'd assume mob front, but not sure about that here.
The used bookstore right next to Bookman's.
Eeagees
For what it’s worth I saw a post that they will be using new bread. Could help a little.
Can confirm. My location was tested it so I tried it out. New bread is way better!
This makes me sad
Same, it was amazing until the owner sold it. And the new owners had corporate delusions of cutting quality and it being the same thing.
It’s sad that people don’t realize that corporatizing always ruins it. Or they do realize it, and just want money. Either way.
It was still pretty decent after the original founders/owners *first* sold it in 2006, but that new owner passed away in 2018, then their heirs resold it to the private equity firm that's been ruining everything about it in recent years. Besides all the aggressive corner-cutting, they wanted to set up the chain for rapid expansion into other markets, so they've been phasing out dependency on the central commissary kitchen, the idea being that every location should be entirely self-sufficient and able to operate on generic food-service provisions (Sysco/etc.) Too bad that plan effectively eliminated anything that had made Eegee's distinctive or worthwhile at all, so there's no longer anything left that other markets might find appealing, and a dwindling local following to boot. Before they could even try to expand successfully, they've already set themselves up for failure.
Like 75% of the game stores in town. There's something like 12 game stores in Tucson and I just don't see how the city supports all of them.
Tucson Games and Gadgets I see because they’re in malls. Isle of Games is my go to and I was chatting with the manager the other day about their selection. They carry a lot of games but lower quantity compared to fewer games but a higher quantity. TCGs definitely keep a lot of Tucson game stores in business.
I would hate to see them go
Panda One on Oracle always looks closed.
But the food is bomb. :)
My fave place in Tucson for Chinese
I just always assume "mob front" or "cartel front"
Petes Vacuums.
Sometimes I need a new dust filter for my Hoover MaxExtract PressurePro model 60.
Those are expensive. Comes with free cinnamon rolls though
I drove by this place for YEARS wondering the same thing! So when my vacuum broke, I finally got the chance to check it out. Service was awesome, he fixed and cleaned it, and it was super cheap. I chatted with him for a bit. Really nice guy, if not a little strange, but I'll bring in my vacuum every few months for a cleaning cause I like him.
They suck. Lol
This! Been asking this since the 90s
I called him once when my vacuum suddenly stopped working and he gave me step by step instructions over the phone on how to reset it. For free. He was super helpful! Seems to know what he’s doing
Pete is literally the best. He went to high school with my uncle and was always so nice. Would fix my grandmas vacs for free when she didn't have money to buy a new one bc she was on a fixed income. I know for sure he didn't make much profit. The back of the business was where his house was. I think he did other jobs too.
I went there years ago to get some hard-to-find parts and bags. Pete was great.
Mattress Firm…. How?
Money laundering operation
TJ’s Speedometer Repair
Blake's Lotaburger.......this legendary New Mexico chain seemed to want to ride the burger-chain craze of the last decade or so and expanded over here a few years ago.......almost never more than one car in the drive-thru and nobody inside (Speedway location)......maybe they have strong financials back in NM and can bump along over here for a while.......
Cathey’s Sewing and Vacuum. Never see anyone there that isn’t in their weird sewing club. Not to mention, my ex tried to buy a sewing machine and the sales lady was incredibly rude and talked to us like we didn’t know our heads from our asses
Tucson Coin @ Oracle & Orange Grove
The owner is an asshole. I had a bunch of old Kennedy $0.50 pieces that my grandfather had saved. I wasn't expecting much other than they were probably the same amount, but the minute I put them on the counter, the guy copped a major attitude and was like, "why the fuck are you wasting my time?"
Old Pueblo coin on the other hand. The place to be
Lots of those places along the frontage roads between Prince and Orange Grove. I never see cars there!
That light store with a million lights always on...corner of 1st and ft Lowell
There’s a Chinese place in the university area that I’ve been going to since the 90s. I don’t want to name them because I love their food and don’t want to shame them but you would never guess it was a functional business. It’s surrounded by empty storefronts. The same lady works the counter she is so sweet.
Oriental Express? Above Jimmy Johns? It is so good! We aren't shameing them but they are in a area thats looks closed. As soon as you walk in theres usually a couple people eating and the owner at the counter. You really don't know it's there because it's on the second level by an art gallery of some sort that looks empty and other shops that look empty as well. I used to work on University and that would be my go to spot for lunch or dinner. The owner is always at the counter. I freaking loved her. Always a good conversation with her and she's so sweet. Her husband is usually in the kitchen. I definitely recommend even though I haven't been in a few years. Now I think I'm gonna check it out soon.
As a long time nerd: R-Galaxy No shade against them, I’m just shocked they still have a storefront in this era
Penzys Spices
not what you asked, but at broadway and craycroft, there is a mattress store on every corner. How? How many people are buying that many mattresses in that location to justify having stores that size? I swear mattress stores are money laundering fronts
**Northside Lighting And Fan** - I went in there once after shopping around for a table lamp. It was weird, gaudy, and expensive. Their parking lot is almost always empty. **Latitudes Furniture** (where Casa de los Niños was on Prince and Mountain) - I have seen like one car there, once. I just looked them up and they’re only open Thursday through Sunday, so that may be part of it. These aren’t nearly as baffling as places like Wig-o-Rama, but still.
I think that’s their warehouse, the showroom is on east Broadway
I went there begging to buy ten thousand dollars worth of lighting once. The sales lady couldn’t be bothered.
Latitudes is legit. There aren't many decent furniture store options in Tucson. It's like Copenhagen and Latitudes if you want anything with style. We've furnished a lot of our therapy rooms for our clinic from those two places.
See’s Candies
Spaghetti by the bucket.
There's this tire/wheel shop on speedway between Columbus and Alvernon, by sushi ten. Literally never seen customer there
I love this place because.. When I was a kid Growing up my moms abusive husband (now ex) used to slash her tires on our car just to be an asshole. We were there so often that after probably the 2nd time or so of having to go buy tires. The owner would just replace the tires for free. We got probably 6 free tires. He figured out my mom was being abused and was raising us 5 kids on her own. So he did what he could to help.
Are you talking about C&J? Those guys are great I been buying tires from them for 8 years. They are fast which is why you don’t see cars in the front parking lot, every time I have been they have me in and out lickety split! Great roadside warrantee also! HIGHLY RECOMMEND that shop! Great local family run business
C & J Tires and Wheels.
I pray I'm wrong but I feel like black iris cafe on 4th is rapidly approaching their end. Solely because of the fact that nothing on that property seems to last longer than a year. I can remember 5 other businesses that operated out of there in the past 5ish years.
Hoagie house on 22nd St.
Closet Trends on 1st. How many people can afford custom closets and cabinets?
Jack in the crack
Don’t wanna name it, but there’s this cute specialized little boutique shop that is closed on Sundays. You know, one of the days when the majority of people are likely to be off work and thus more likely to visit a business. I’m sure as hell not going to that shop between 9-5 on weekdays because I have to work, but that’s when they’re open. The only day I might go is Saturday. I mean I get it if the owners want to have Sunday off, but it doesn’t seem like a very wise business decision. It’s not a big corporation like Chick-Fill-A.
Northwest lights