JULY 29, 2025 (Tucson, AZ) – Ursa, classically trained chef Aaron Lopez’s beloved restaurant celebrating the bounty of the American Southwest deserts, will open this fall in the heart of downtown Tucson at 110 E Congress St. Located in the historic Central Block building, rehabilitated by Rio Nuevo, Peach Properties and Dabdoub Investments, Ursa will further contribute to downtown Tucson’s vibrant culinary scene.

 

Lopez and his wife and partner, June, originally piloted Ursa in his small Southern California hometown of El Centro, beginning in summer 2024. The couple always intended to find a permanent home in Tucson if demand proved strong – a city that embraces flavors of the Sonoran Desert and indigenous ingredients. Driven by the mission to reimagine native monsoon crops, Ursa’s menu will play homage to the four deserts of the southwest: The Sonoran, Mojave, Great Basin and Chihuahuan.

“Initially launching Ursa in my hometown was a dream realized, but June and I always knew we’d find our way to Tucson,” said Lopez. “Our time in El Centro was shaped by deep connections, shared meals and a commitment to the land that nourishes us, something we will continue to honor in our new home. Tucson offers a rich and storied landscape – one we’re humbled to learn from and grow within.”

With nearly 15 years’ experience, Lopez graduated from Le Cordon Bleu, before working for some of the most acclaimed and awarded restaurants in Los Angeles and Honolulu, alongside celebrated Chefs Michael Voltaggio, Josef Centeno and Neal Fraser.

 

Demonstrating the bounty of the desert’s harsh landscape, which receives less than 20-inches of rain annually with temperatures in the 120s during summer months, Ursa’s menu relies on drought- and heat-tolerant crops. In addition to ethically hand-foraging themselves, the Lopezes will continue partnering with local foragers including the Akimel O’odham-owned Romona Farms, Native American communities, and seed savers, ensuring sustainable sourcing. The menu will push the boundaries of the region’s native ingredients, using experimental and time-honored techniques to craft unexpected dishes inspired by Lopez’s fine dining background, and aims to be zero waste by preserving and utilizing all parts of the ingredient. Accompanying the culinary offerings, Ursa will also offer a robust beverage program including craft cocktails, wine and beer utilizing local spirits and flavors.

 

Ursa is nestled in Tucson’s historic Central Block building, which dates back to 1912 and was recently rehabilitated by Rio Nuevo, Peach Properties and Dabdoub Investments as part of an ongoing effort to revitalize downtown. The 3,300-square-foot space will accommodate approximately 60 guests. Influenced by traditional desert architecture, Ursa is adorned with pueblo design elements such as Earth tones, wood and leather accents, and natural objects foraged from the surrounding landscape.

 

“When Rio Nuevo invested in the revitalization of Central Block, the goal was to take the time to find a tenant that shares our team’s vision for a vibrant Tucson city center,” said Rio Nuevo Chairman Fletcher McCusker. “We couldn’t have found a better partner in Ursa, and are proud to welcome them to our community.”

 

ABOUT URSA

Led by chef Aaron Lopez, Ursa celebrates the unassuming products from the American Southwest deserts. By foraging the landscape, Ursa offers a connection to indigenous ingredients found in the region. A modern dining experience in downtown Tucson, Ursa offers a seasonally rotating dinner menu, reflecting the bounty of the desert. For additional information, visit Ursadesert.com

 

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