Cantina Laredo has made its way to Hampton Roads.
The Tex-Mex chain has more than 25 locations from Florida to California and as far away as the United Arab Emirates. The first location in Virginia will open Jan. 28.
The restaurant chain leased a 7,612-square-foot space at 4505 Commerce St. in a new building near the corner of Central Park Avenue in Virginia Beach’s Town Center.
The space seats more than 250 diners and will employ upwards of 130.
Sanjay Patel is president of Lap Group’s retail division and said the Chesapeake-based company, Cantina of Virginia LLC, owns the franchisee rights for the entire state.
“We’re opening our crown jewel,” said Patel who is the leading entrepreneur for the restaurant. “Virginia, as whole, and more specifically Virginia Beach, doesn’t have the authentic Mexican that this brand carries.”
Patel said they wanted to give people what he feels they’ve wanted for a long time – fresh, modern and authentic Mexican food in an upscale location.
Founded in 1984, the Dallas company calls itself “the taste of modern Mexico” and offers fajitas, tacos and burritos coupled with signature sauces and guacamole made fresh at tableside.
Top shelf margaritas include the award-winning Casa Rita; there are also specialty sangrias.
The restaurant’s space features three heated and cooled patios, one of which is 1,000 square feet and overlooks the Fountain Plaza at Town Center.
Several of the menu items are Mexico City-inspired, including the Chilean sea bass served with jalapeno beurre blanc sauce and carnitas in a smoky chipotle wine sauce served with charred street corn and black beans.
Lap Group was founded in 2000 and operates a variety of brands in the area including 10 Taco Bells, 10 Wingstops, two Einstein Bros. Bagels & Caribou Coffee, approximately 45 Happy Shopper convenience stores, a Fazoli’s and a few Tropical Smoothie Cafes. Its portfolio also includes several hotels such as Marriott, Hilton and InterContinental Hotels Group.
“It’s just a great brand with great food and I cannot wait for people to try it,” Patel said.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-222-5356, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com
