El Chinito Gordo

Location: Tucson, AZ
Project Area: 4,000 SF
Year: 2019
Photographer: Boyant Esperanza

El Chinito Gordo was a concept born from a lifelong friendship between two individuals of Hispanic and Asian cultures. The idea was simple: create a space that brings family, friends, and the community together through memorable food and experience.

El Chinito Gordo inhabited the iconic Club 21, and revitalized it into an environment that pays homage to the original architecture and traditional Mexican style, while interpreting it into a modern Mexican aesthetic. It is warm, open, and playful with bold accents and geometric patterns. The restaurant also serves as a canvas for local artists to showcase and sell their artwork.