Sky Rider Cafe Wins the Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award

Marana, Arizona — What started as a modest family cookout has become a fixture of Marana’s airport and a symbol of hospitality—and now, an award-winning local legend.

Discover Marana is proud to announce that Sky Rider Cafe, a longtime favorite located at the Marana Regional Airport, is the latest recipient of the Taste of Marana STANDOUT Restaurant Award.

The award, launched in 2023 by Discover Marana and the Town of Marana Restaurant Task Force, celebrates local restaurants that go above and beyond—not just in what they serve, but in how they serve the community. What makes this recognition truly special is that nominations come directly from Marana residents, highlighting the places they love most.

“This award is about more than food—it’s about community,” said Stefanie Boe, Tourism and Marketing Manager for the Town of Marana. “We’re thrilled to honor Sky Rider Cafe, a place that started as a cookout and grew into a beloved gathering spot for locals and pilots from across Arizona.”

Founded in 1982 by Barb Abrams, Sky Rider Cafe began humbly with an electric skillet, a bag of burgers, and a sense of family. At the time, Barb’s husband Bud, and son, Gary, were working on an aircraft out of a hangar at the airport. Their impromptu Sunday cookouts soon attracted fellow mechanics and pilots from as far away as Phoenix.

The popularity of these gatherings inspired Barb to open the cafe, turning a tradition of hospitality into a welcoming eatery grounded in warmth and community. More than four decades later, Barb, along with her daughter Jenny and son Gary, continues to keep the spirit of Sky Rider alive.

“We’re very humbled by it,” says Gary Abrams, “I think it’s a big deal and look forward to maybe making some improvements and changing some things down the road, making it even better yet.”

“The Abrams family built something lasting here,” Boe said. “Sky Rider Cafe is a reflection of Marana’s values: hard work, heart, and hospitality.”

Sky Rider Cafe was nominated for the award by employees at the Marana Regional Airport, further underlining the close-knit relationship between the cafe and the aviation community it serves.

About the Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award

The Taste of Marana STANDOUT Restaurant Award is part of Discover Marana’s ongoing initiative to elevate and promote the town’s diverse and growing dining scene. In addition to media coverage and recognition, each award recipient receives a custom trophy handcrafted by local artist Trevor O’Toole.

Nominations for the next Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award are open to the public. Community members are encouraged to submit their favorite local restaurants for consideration by visiting https://www.discovermarana.org/food-drink/taste-of-marana/

Previous Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award recipients include: Nana’s Kitchen, La Olla, Boba Cuecue, and Amore (formerly known as Vero Amore).

About the Town of Marana Restaurant Task Force

The Marana Restaurant Task Force works to bring sit-down dining options to the community to benefit residents, boost tourism, and support local economic development.