Introduction
The Blind Pig has been one of the most popular spots on the University of Arizona campus since 2019. Its family-owned environment creates the perfect atmosphere for all members of the community to enjoy barbecue or have a couple of drinks with friends. Despite being a small business with less than 50 employees, it draws quite a crowd. The restaurant's importance to the community is evident from the long line of people waiting to get in, which typically wraps around Main Gate Square on weekends and game days. Students and community members are constantly eager to watch the game or enjoy the lively atmosphere The Blind Pig offers. College kids love watching games at the restaurant, and its welcoming environment makes it a popular spot to bring parents during parents' weekend. Whether for a night out or a lunch spot, The Blind Pig's versatility makes it a community staple that appeals to Tucson's diverse audience.
History
The history of The Blind Pig dates back to 2015. The idea for the restaurant and bar arose when Brian Hsu was visiting his twin sons, Jonathan and Brandon Hsu, at the University of Arizona from their home state of California. Opening a restaurant had always been a dream for Brian Hsu, who constantly sought ways to implement new flavor combinations to create unique cuisine. The lively location of University Boulevard seemed like a perfect place to start his dream. The family had prior experience running a car dealership and a trade company specializing in computer components in California. In 2019, they embarked on their journey to create The Blind Pig. Five years ago, the Hsu family took over a popular, beloved Mac and Cheese restaurant called “The Fix'' to fulfill their dream of the new barbecue restaurant. Some students were disappointed that one of their favorite spots around campus had closed for the new barbecue joint. However, The Blind Pig quickly became a new campus favorite. It remains family-owned and operated to this day. Brian Hsu not only owns the restaurant but also uses his talent for creating unique and delicious cuisine behind the scenes as a chef. The two sons, both University of Arizona alumni, play their part in the family business as well. Brandon Hsu manages the front of the restaurant and bar, while Jonathan handles all of the restaurant's finances, putting his University of Arizona degree to work. As for the prior businesses in California, the Hsu family manages to maintain both spots, with Jonathan’s wife running the California businesses.
(https://wildcat.arizona.edu/127660/arts/around-the-corner-new-bbq-restaurant-and-bar-opens-in-place-of-the-fix/)
Expansion
Recently, The Blind Pig has expanded its business by expanding the restaurant. Instead of completely taking over the neighboring restaurant, Saigon Pho, the owners have bought out a portion of the restaurant. Saigon Pho, a popular Vietnamese restaurant on campus, will still be open to serve pho and tea to students and the public, just with a smaller dining area. This expansion allows The Blind Pig to host more students and keep up with their growing popularity. The new space the restaurant has obtained serves as another room filled with more seating, restrooms, and another small bar. This helps to control the bathroom line and the line at the bar on busy days, such as Thursdays and Saturdays. Most importantly, it allows more students to enjoy food and drinks while watching sporting games or enjoying their well-deserved weekend.
Location
The location of The Blind Pig deserves credit for its popularity. For starters, the University of Arizona Campus is lively all around, from the buzz of students going to class during the day to the energetic nightlife. Especially on University Boulevard, where the restaurant is located. University Boulevard hosts many other popular restaurants and bars among students such as Bacio Italiano, Fuku Sushi, Illegal Petes, Gentle Ben's Brewing Co., and more. The Blind Pig is right in the heart of the action in Main Gate Square. This location makes the restaurant and bar accessible to many students by its walkability from the majority of student housing. For the general public, University Boulevard has parking spots for people looking to grab lunch at The Blind Pig. At night, people looking to enjoy the bar can use the Sun Link to catch a free ride that stops nearby.
(https://www.visittucson.org/plan-your-visit/southern-arizona/tucson-districts/main-gate-district/)
Atmosphere
The atmosphere of The Blind Pig makes it the perfect place to have on campus at The University of Arizona. At night, the bar atmosphere is energetic and fun, with neon lights and loud music lighting up the interior. On weekends, well-known student DJs handle the crucial role of playing the right music to engage the youthful audience of college students. House music is typically played by local DJs such as “Ben Dro” and “Half Dead”, who always make the bar vibrant. Students love to get the party started early on Saturdays, especially when the university has a football or basketball game. The Blind Pig offers bottomless mimosas every Saturday morning from 12-3 pm, perfect for students to enjoy while watching the game inside or enjoying the outside patio on a warm sunny day. Overall, the college bar atmosphere is well-represented throughout the bar with much University of Arizona memorabilia, neon signs, and posters to accentuate the vibes.
(https://www.facebook.com/blindpigtucson/photos/pb.100054405613969.-2207520000/735751461129400/?type=3)
Community Engagement
The Blind Pig implements many elements to engage the community. Besides the lively campus atmosphere the restaurant and bar offer, The Blind Pig offers many deals to appeal to college students and locals on a budget. By keeping up with The Blind Pig on social media, customers can view which days the bar offers deals. Some nights will have discounts on draft beers, specific liquors, mixed drinks, or shots; it always varies. Additionally, to the consistent bottomless mimosas, Friday nights are always pitcher nights. Typically starting at $10, these large mixed alcoholic beverages are served from 9 pm-2 am. Special nights will typically have varying special deals. Additionally, The Blind Pig is open to rent out for very special events. For students graduating or community members wanting to celebrate in private, many options are available to rent the spot out for a night. Happy hour from 3-6 PM every Thursday and Friday is another can’t miss at.
(https://www.facebook.com/blindpigtucson/photos/pb.100054405613969.-2207520000/694588781912335/?type=3)
Food and Drink
The family-owned love shows through on the delicious menu the Hsu family has created. The family combines their Chinese culture with traditional southern Cajun barbecue flavors. This fusion creates a unique twist on traditional barbecue that has made the restaurant a campus favorite. Dumplings with soy sauce and crispy spring rolls, both filled with barbecue pork, are perfect examples of how these two merging cultures create unique, delicious menu items. Other popular items include the pulled pork sandwich and waffle-cut fries. The fried French toast sticks are another fan favorite that pair perfectly with bottomless mimosa pitchers. The mimosas are perfect for a Saturday morning, but for the night, the pitchers are the bar’s specialty. One of the most popular among students is the AMF pitcher, due to its high alcohol content; it's a college kid essential. Five different liquors mixed with sour mix and soda make up this pitcher for $7 to $10, depending on the night. Overall, the menu is not only delicious, but the variety appeals to the diverse community of Tucson.
(https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/the-blind-pig-943-e-university-blvd-115-tucson/1338122)
(https://www.doordash.com/store/the-blind-pig-tucson-878213/)
Social Media
Sources:
Cardenas, V. (n.d.). Around the corner: New BBQ restaurant and bar opens in place of the fix. The Daily Wildcat. https://wildcat.arizona.edu/127660/arts/around-the-corner-new-bbq-restaurant-and-bar-opens-in-place-of-the-fix/#:~:text=The%20Blind%20Pig%2C%20located%20in,the%20idea%20in%20March%202019.
Knott, G., & Burch, C. E. (2019, September 5). From tailgating to Wildcat Swag, here’s what you need to know before UA’s first home football game. Arizona Daily Star. https://tucson.com/news/local/from-tailgating-to-wildcat-swag-heres-what-you-need-to-know-before-uas-first-home/collection_58f44c32-cf47-11e9-80a9-1f7e6203beec.html#7
Tucson Conventions and Visitors Bureau. (n.d.). Main gate in Tucson, Arizona: Visit Tucson. Main Gate Square In Tucson Arizona | Tucson Districts. https://www.visittucson.org/plan-your-visit/southern-arizona/tucson-districts/main-gate-district/
