Tucson City of Gastronomy Certification Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of food businesses can apply?
Restaurants -- All cuisines, all types of food service
Caterers (NEW) -- On-premise and off-premise food service for events
Artisans -- Food or beverage producers using local or heritage ingredients and craft methods
Retailers (NEW) -- Direct to consumers bricks-and-mortar businesses, online stores, and CSAs selling local ingredients and food products
What are the eligibility criteria?
Businesses must fit within one of the categories, be locally owned and independent, use scratch recipes, be consumer facing, and agree to prominently display the certification logo, and to participate in an annual event sponsored or co-sponsored by TCoG.
Applicants must also be currently meeting and excelling in one or more of five elective criteria.
What is the area covered by the certification program?
Restaurants, food and beverage artisans, caterers, and local foods retailers located anywhere in Metro Tucson or southern Arizona south of the Gila River are eligible to apply.
Can a franchise, chain, or business based outside of southern Arizona apply?
Only locally owned independent businesses, businesses with out-of-state locations but headquartered and supplied from southern Arizona, and franchises based in southern Arizona and no-out-of-state locations may apply.
If I received certification in 2021 do I need to reapply?
During this application cycle we are accepting only new applications, and certifications have been extended to two years. Previous certifications for 2021 are extended through 2022, and reapplication will be necessary for 2023-2024 certification.
When would I need to pay the annual fee?
You will be sent an invoice for the annual fee after receiving notification that your business has been awarded certification. You will receive the invoice along with the “Tucson City of Gastronomy Certified” logo as window stickers and electronic files.
What does the fee pay for?
The annual fee covers a portion of the costs of bilingual business outreach, graphic design, printing window stickers, marketing, and other program-related expenses for TCoG.
What is the “annual event” certified food businesses are expected to participate in?
To provide flexibility to adapt to currently unpredictable business and public safety conditions, the TCoG-sponsored or co-sponsored annual event will be determined later. But it will be a one-day or longer event designed to generate increased revenues and exposure for certified businesses.
What if my business is not doing any of the examples listed in an Elective Criteria category?
It is not required that your business practice all (or any) of the examples listed in each Elective Criteria category. They are offered only as examples of practices that meet the goals of each category. You will not be penalized for criteria categories not met.
Will I receive points for committing to doing some of the examples listed?
You only receive points for business practices you have already been doing during the last 12 months.
What if I am doing other things that are not listed but seem to fit the goal of an Elective Criteria category?
Describe in your own words how you are doing any of the listed examples if they apply, and also tell us about any unlisted ways you are meeting the goals of the criteria categories.
What are the benefits of being certified?
Association with the internationally visible TCoG brand
Increased visibility to visitors and locals--positively impacting sales--via promotion by TCoG, Visit Tucson, and Pima County Heritage and Visitors Center
Being showcased in a national marketing campaign and international annual event starting in 2022
Recognition of your business for uniquely local food and leadership in responsible business practices
Growth in customers seeking to patronize responsible, locally owned businesses
Increased media coverage of your business
Increased ability to attract and retain skilled employees
Opportunities to participate in international exchanges and special events
How can I use the certification for marketing?
Display the “Tucson City of Gastronomy Certified” logo on your business door, website, social media, and marketing materials.1
Promote your business as TCoG Certified in your digital, print, and event marketing.1
Special promotions by TCoG, Visit Tucson, and Pima County to residents and visitors
Other questions?
Contact Jonathan Mabry for application information at jmabry@cityofgastronomy.org