Sally Kane to Open Howdy Diner in Former Welcome Site

The new restaurant will replace the former Welcome Diner building at 902 E. Broadway in Tucson.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Dining Out

Gouache-painted illustration of a mid-century diner entrance with terracotta walls and a patio overhang, evoking a Tucson neighborhood renovation. — Howdy Diner is set to open in the historic building at 902 E. Broadway in Tucson, joining the city's Sunshine Mile district. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support the repurposing of historic local buildings for new commercial businesses?

Owner Sally Kane has leased the former Welcome Diner building to open a new restaurant called Howdy Diner. The eatery will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Why it matters

The owner aims to provide a family-friendly dining destination that complements the offerings of her existing Coronet Restaurant. This project revitalizes a historic site along the Sunshine Mile.

The 3,929-square-foot facility features 36 parking spaces and a total seating capacity of 130 customers. Renovation plans include the addition of a walk-up counter, a bar, and an outdoor patio.

The players

Sally Kane

She is the owner of the Coronet Restaurant and the driving force behind the new Howdy Diner project.

The details

Located at 902 E. Broadway, the building is undergoing interior upgrades to its existing booth spaces. The project is situated at the corner of Broadway and Euclid Avenue within the Sunshine Mile district.

1964: The building first opened as a Sambo's Pancake House.
2016: The site reopened as the Welcome Diner.
2020: The Welcome Diner ceased operations at the location.

Culture Shift

This project continues the trend of adaptive reuse for historic commercial properties within the Sunshine Mile district. By updating a long-standing structure, the development mirrors shifts toward preserving local architectural identity while modernizing community dining spaces.

Residents can look forward to a new venue offering daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. The inclusion of a new patio and bar will provide additional social space for the local community near the Broadway and Euclid Avenue intersection.

The takeaway

Historic preservation often breathes new life into neighborhoods by repurposing well-known local landmarks for modern culinary use. These updates allow residents to enjoy classic architecture while benefiting from expanded restaurant amenities.