Nana's Kitchen: Origin Story

The Secret Behind Their Success? Family Comes First

Nana's Kitchen is a Taste of Marana STANDOUT winner for 2023! Local Food and Lifestyle Blogger Natalie Moe explores the origins of this local favorite and how they made their restaurant dreams a reality!

Nana's Kitchen
PicturedMarco and Javier Teran at the bar in their restaurant in Marana, Arizona.
CreditNatalie Moe/HappilyPink.com

Nana’s Kitchen: The Award-Winning Restaurant That Will Make You Feel At Home

There's an immediate sense of comfort when you step into Nana's Kitchen for the first time. Most likely, you’re welcomed by co-owner Javier Teran’s boisterous voice and warm smile. And for regulars who have become extended family, bear hugs are commonplace.

For more than 15 years, this family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Marana. But, Nana’s Kitchen is more than just a dining destination—this neighborhood landmark highlights a story of love and family.

Click here to watch Natalie's video inside Nana's Kitchen!

The restaurant's name, "Nana's Kitchen," is a heartfelt tribute to the co-owner’s mother, Maria Hernandez, fondly known as "Nana" to her grandchildren. Javier and his mother have dreamt of running a restaurant and serving Sonoran cuisine since he was in high school.

Maria, the namesake of Nana's Kitchen holds a plate of food in the kitchen of this Marana, Arizona restaurant.
Maria, the namesake of Nana's Kitchen holds a plate of food in the kitchen of this Marana, Arizona restaurant.
CreditNatalie Moe/HappilyPink.com

A Dream Becomes a Reality

In 2007, an opportunity arose to turn this pipedream into a reality. With the support of his wife, Sandra Teran, his younger brother, Marco, and of course, his mom, Maria, Javier opened Nana’s Kitchen as a family-run restaurant in 2008.

The Teran family quickly earned a reputation as a neighborhood gem with their multi-generational recipes, such as the carne con chile made with chile powder sourced from a small Arizona town, Elfrida, and fresh green corn tamales crafted from corn on the cob from Elotes Elfrida from Tucson.

The bar also became a destination for regulars, who became friends with one another, to catch up over margaritas, craft beers and bourbon.

PicturedTacos, enchiladas and local brews are among the specialties at Nana's Kitchen.
CreditNatalie Moe/HappilyPink.com

Awards and Recognition for Nana's Kitchen

Thanks to various accolades, Nana’s Kitchen has captured the attention of guests from beyond the neighborhood. Marco's creative bar program led to a two-time win of Judge's AND People's Choice 1st Place winner at the World Margarita Championship held in Tucson. The 2022 Mango Tamarindo, with its spicy kick and mango chamoy rim, is my personal favorite.

The 2023 Sonoran Passion offers a fruity twist with a prickly pear base, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and habañero-infused syrup. Javier says that Marco is like his mom with creating recipes, but at the bar.

PicturedMarco Teran serves up a specialty margarita at the bar inside Nana's Kitchen. They are also well known of their selection of bourbon and other spirits.
CreditNatalie Moe/HappilyPink.com

The First STANDOUT

Most recently, Nana's Kitchen became the first recipient of the 'Taste of Marana STANDOUT Restaurant Award' from Discover Marana. This award is part of Discover Marana's initiative, which recognizes local restaurants for their exceptional food, service, and community involvement.

Nana's Kitchen isn't just a place to dine; it's a celebration of food, family, and community. This beloved neighborhood gem offers a warm welcome and a flavorful taste of Sonoran tradition.

CreditNana's Kitchen
Natalie Takes You Inside Nana's Kitchen

This itinerary/blog post showcases local businesses in our community. We feature partners that serve food and drink, offer recreational opportunities, places to stay, and shopping. We value accuracy, fairness and balance in our advertising and marketing. We would love to showcase your business to our visitors. These advertising and marketing opportunities (social media, articles, website, and ads) are open to all businesses within Marana and the designated two-mile “Pima County Tourism Partner Zone” around the town limits that meet this criteria. If you want to be featured on our website or in social media, please contact us at MaranaInfo@Maranaaz.gov.

Natalie Moe

Author

Natalie Moe

HappilyPink.com

Natalie J. Moe is the founder and creative force behind the food and travel blog, Happily Pink. What began as a simple passion project to share her travels and experiences has blossomed into a multifaceted career, encompassing creative writing, food photography, food styling and recipe creation. When not working on Happily Pink or supporting the restaurant industry, this Tucson-native and Wildcat alumna enjoys running outside in the Sonoran sun, attending the symphony, and cherishing quality time with her supportive husband, Alex, and her beloved cats, Gigi and Jean-Pierre. Visit HappilyPink.com for more of her adventures.
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