Gabe Grateron growing 'TUC' clothing line

Salpointe Catholic High School
Robert ‘Gabe’ Grateron had a vision for a clothing and lifestyle brand when he was figuring out his next steps in life nearly eight years ago. Now, the 2002 Salpointe graduate is working to expand his company not only in Tucson, but in cities around the country.

Grateron and Israel Zavala, co-owners of The Underestimated City, met while working in downtown Tucson in 2010. Grateron and Zavala opened their first brick-and-mortar store in 2012 along 4th Avenue, selling hats, shirts, sweaters, socks and more.

“Originally it was supposed to only be a Tucson brand,” Grateron said. “But then we wanted to come up with something that was more for everyone. (Israel) came up with the idea to turn ‘TUC’ into an acronym, so that’s where The Underestimated City comes in. It’s a reference to Tucson and our hometown, but the bigger idea is that it be more of a theme or a lifestyle in other places.”

Grateron and Zavala stay plenty busy with their retail store, but they realize times are changing in the retail world. They have expanded their presence through social media, Tucson Meet Yourself and the 4th Avenue Street Fair, and now Grateron is returning to his roots at Salpointe Catholic.

The Underestimated City has designed shirts for Salpointe students and alumni, including this year’s football shirt. The newest endeavor is to help grow Legion, Salpointe’s new spirit club. Grateron is currently working with the Salpointe Spirit Store to have the Legion shirts available for students this school year.

Grateron looks back on his time at Salpointe with fond memories.

“It was one of the most important steps for my growth and development,” Grateron said. “You interact among your peers and the teachers act like college professors. They challenge you to think about things differently, and it wasn’t just the rat race of turning in homework.

“I had a great time. I was excited to go to college because I felt like I was able to take full advantage of the resources (at Salpointe). I loved my time here and was thankful for it.”

The Underestimated City’s shop is located at 402 N. 4th Ave in Tucson.
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Salpointe Catholic High School

1545 E. Copper St.,
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 327-6581
Attendance: (520) 327-1990
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