Bienvenidos. Willkomen. Bem Vinda. καλωσόρισμα. Kuwakaribisha. No matter how you say it, it’s always special to be and to feel welcome, and this show came to you live from a place that’s built on the very spirit of welcome, the new Welcome Diner!

John Adkisson, Corey Greenhill, Connor Mansager, Matt Russell & Michael Babcock

John Adkisson, Corey Greenhill, Connor Mansager, Matt Russell & Michael Babcock

Our celebrity co-host was John Adkisson of Iron John’s Brewing Company, who rolled out three new “pie-inspired” beers that are musts for your Thanksgiving table. We then turned to another famous John in these parts, John Aldecoa of Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, who called out all of Tucson’s wing fans for his upcoming Chicken Wing Challenge! We then welcomed Connor Mansager, bar manager at Welcome Diner, who introduced us to his cocktail program. Every one of his cocktails tells a story, and we loved the story behind the “902 E. Spritz!” Our featured guest was Welcome Diner owner/chef Michael Babcock, who walked us through his mid century-inspired setting and food-forward culture.

Behold. The Big Jim.

Behold. The Big Jim.

It all made sense when the “Big Jim” arrived, which you’ll have to hear to believe! We can’t wait to hear the words, “welcome back!”