James Beard Award winner takes over former Sonic for new restaurant

Tucson’s Don Guerra has been recognized as one of the top bakers in the country. His next project is in a former fast-food restaurant in Gilbert.

Later this month, Guerra will be opening the first Don Guerra’s Barrio Bagel & Slice location in a former Sonic Drive-In at 689 N. Arizona Ave. He already operates the popular Barrio Bread, which is based in Tucson, but has a small presence in the Southeast Valley with a collaboration with Hayden Flour Mills and is only open on Tuesday.

Guerra won the James Beard Outstanding Baker prize in 2022. The prestigious James Beard Awards, which recognize the most accomplished chefs and restaurateurs in the country, have helped elevate the status of Valley food royalty such as Chris Bianco, Fox Restaurants Concepts leader Sam Fox and Bacanora head chef Rene Andrade, who was named the best chef in the Southwest region in 2024.

This story is posted in partnership with Phoenix Business Journal. Click to read the full story.

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