Meet Maria Mazon | Chef + Restaurant Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Mazon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was foolish enough to start 🤣— I discovered that I was an okay cook working in restaurants in my late teens and early 20s. Then, I found a business partner, and I knew that I felt the most safe in the kitchen. Having ADHD, I always felt like my life was chaos anyway, and owning a business is kind of chaotic you know? So I thrived in that position. And I knew I wanted to make people’s lives better with food – food and music are the only two things that can transport us as people to the happiest times in our lives. I wanted to bring happiness to as many people as I could.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started literally at bottom in the restaurant business – bussing tables and washing dishes. I figured out pretty quickly that I was good at cooking and it became my passion. It is never easy, and not always fun, but it is always rewarding. I have had many challenges in my career, but I remain resilient and hungry. Most important lessons I’ve learned is dont get cocky! Ever. Always stay humble! Once you get cocky shit hits the fan. 🤣 Always stay hungry and humble – really hard to do in the restaurant business.

Restaurants are the love language to humanity – I try to serve love in every dish that I make. Food can make the world go round and make it a better place.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much to do in Tucson! How can I list it all!? Tumamoc is a great place to hike to see views of the entire city!
My neighborhood Food City – you can always find me here shopping and there are many products offered here that aren’t in other grocery stores. Delicious things that remind me of my childhood growing up.
Walking around on 4th and the Food CoOp – my restaurant is on 4th Avenue and all of the stores and shops are amazing. The business owners on this street are so inspiring and supportive of each other. It’s like a little family.
Whiskey Del Bac tasting room is fun to take a load off and taste some delicious whiskey!
MaryMar for respados – it’s always hot, so these are yummy to eat.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
How do I sum up so many people who have been so helpful to me over all my years!?

Dan Gibson has been an amazing friend to me and someone I have looked to for help and guidance throughout my career.
Eddie who has been with me essentially since day one. My restaurant would not be in existence without him.
The folks at Visit Tucson – Especially Marisol! They have supported me so loudly in our amazing community and shouted my name from every rooftop. I don’t know how I got this lucky.
My family – goes without saying that their love keeps me going.
And my online community – all of the folks who show up to follow up and send me comments and DMs! I love them all so much. I have so much fun getting to know people and chatting with them. They are a huge support.

Website: https://bocatacos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefmariamazon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076984891522

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefmariamazon