Anita’s Street Market, a cornerstone of Tucson’s vibrant and diverse food scene, is facing the threat of permanent closure, sparking a wave of community support to keep its doors open. This beloved neighborhood market, deeply rooted in the Barrio Anita just north of downtown Tucson, has been a vital part of the community for generations. Barrio Anita itself boasts a rich history, with its origins tracing back to the early 20th century when the majority of its homes were first constructed, making Anita’s Street Market a living testament to the area’s enduring heritage.
For residents of Barrio Anita and beyond, Anita’s Street Market is more than just a grocery store; it’s a cherished institution. Renowned for its authentic burritos and handmade tortillas, the market’s culinary offerings have become a local legend, drawing in customers from across Tucson and contributing significantly to the city’s gastronomic identity. The current owner, Gracie Soto, inherited this legacy from her grandmother, Grace Soto, the visionary founder of Anita’s Street Market. Gracie has been deeply involved in the family business since childhood, embodying the market’s spirit and dedication to the community.
However, Anita’s Street Market is currently grappling with severe financial challenges, putting its future in jeopardy. Private lenders are threatening foreclosure, with action potentially taking effect as early as January 17, 2024. This isn’t the first time Gracie Soto has faced such adversity. In 2020, she discovered a staggering $265,000 payroll tax debt owed to the IRS due to accountant mismanagement dating back to 2009. Despite borrowing heavily to overcome this previous financial hurdle, the market now faces an even more critical situation.
In response to this urgent need, the Tucson community has mobilized to support Anita’s Street Market. Neighbors from Tucson’s west side have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $20,000, aiming to provide a financial lifeline to Gracie and her market. Arianna Luna, the GoFundMe organizer, eloquently captures the community’s sentiment, stating, “We all love her story, her family legacy, and of course their family recipes. Let’s come together as a community and help bring this business back on its feet and continue with the Tucson staple!” This outpouring of support highlights the deep connection Anita’s Street Market has forged with the people of Tucson.
Adding to these efforts, Anita’s Street Market is hosting its annual community event, “Nana & Tatas Miracle In Barrio Anita,” this year with a vital fundraising component. Scheduled for December 23rd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the market located at 849 N. Anita Ave., this event will feature the sale of traditional Mexican dishes like menudo and champurrado, alongside nachos, raffles, and a bake sale. A Facebook post from Anita’s Street Market emphasizes the dual purpose of the event: “Along side our Christmas event we also be a very important Fundraiser to keep Anita’s Open !! We will be selling menudo, Champurrado, nachos, Raffles,& Bake sale!!!! Thank you in Advance for all your love and support!!!” This event, traditionally a way for the Soto family to give back to the community during the holiday season, now serves as a crucial opportunity for the community to reciprocate and ensure the market’s survival.
Gracie Soto expresses profound gratitude for the overwhelming community support. “These customers mean the world to me. I am here because of them,” she acknowledges, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between the market and its patrons. “The market would not be where it’s at without them. I am just grateful for the love and the support.” The future of Anita’s Street Market, a cherished Tucson landmark and a symbol of Barrio Anita’s heritage, now rests on the continued generosity and support of the community it has faithfully served for so many years.
