Delectables began on 4th Avenue in the early 70’s when life moved at a slower pace. At the time, the Street Fairs were small, the original underpass was functional and there were many creative businesses along the Avenue supposedly operated by “hippies.”
Our menu was unique, made with imported products that I picked up at the airport. They had to be flown in from New York because the products were not available here in Tucson; namely; mustards, pates, imported cheeses and meats.
My name is Donna DiFiore and I am the 2nd owner of Delectables. Having worked my way up from waiting tables to ownership, I have experienced the American Dream of opportunity, success and hard work first hand. Owning a restaurant is a romantic concept and many people dream of doing what I am doing. I think they are crazy and so am I. From sugar packets to tenderloin, dustpans to compressors, tomato sharks to immersion blenders, front of the house to back of the house personnel, it is much like memorizing a Sears and Roebuck catalog and once you can see it, you can manage it.
Our current location was built for Ingham & Ingham in 1945 to sell Harley's. From Delectables’ original location across the street, I had looked at the abandoned building and wondered what would ever go into that ramshackle space with broken glass. I never dreamed that I would one day own that space and Delectables would move in.
We have always served as a place for students, locals and guests to relax and grow with Tucson through the city’s changes. Our “customers and staffers for life” program is a strong one and still evolves today as new folks walk thru the door to dine and apply for work.
The Avenue is a great place to shop, dine and stroll and that is why I am still working my business and loving it. Stop in and experience Delectables, a loving curation of Tucson’s and 4th Avenue’s history. Thank you for visiting us, and we can’t wait to have you back.

Delectables is ingrained in the fabric of the Tucson community. There are people coming and going from Tucson all the time. One thing is sure. You’re going to find Delectables and call it your own because everyone does at one point or another.
The History of Delectables spans 43 years and in 1976 my story begins. In the late 70’s after college, I arrived in Tucson for a vacation. I soon realized the weather and the ambiance was just my cup of tea. Being a New Englander, I stayed longer and longer until I realized I had chosen the southwest to be my home.

The culture of Fourth Avenue and Delectables were teeming with entrepreneurship everywhere you looked. Growing Delectables became my passion as a young woman and to this very day I feel the same 39 years later. I enjoy the day to day challenges and fast paced decision making that is necessary in business. The hospitality industry is part of my soul and my experience has developed a specific style of management that has worked for my business and for my staff.

Local

Eat and Drink

• Delectables Restaurant & Catering - Tucson (0.0 miles) - Delectables began on 4th Avenue in the early 70’s when life moved at a slower pace. At the time, t...

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