The public will soon have their chance to share their thoughts on the proposed expansion of Lucharitos in Greenport.
Owner Marc LaMaina first announced plans in May to add new space to the popular taqueria and tequila bar on Main Steet.
LaMaina came before the planning board last week to discuss the proposal, which includes somewhere in the range of 50 new seats, and a plan to cut out a portion of the wall and wrap the bar around in the new space. In addition, a merchandise section will offer Lucharitos’ signature salsas and barbecue sauce, apparel and luchador merchandise.
In addition, he said he’d like the addition to have the feeling of a beer garden, or a Margarita Garden.
LaMaina said a goal of opening by April 1 is “imperative. We will be introducing a ton of new operating procedures, a new point of sale system, some new menu items and most importantly, training new staff. So this takes time to implement and takes more time to tweek.”
Financing for the expansion is coming from his business, LaMaina said, “so an April 1 opening is of the utmost importance. I’m rolling the dice again on this one. I would be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that’s petrified of failure. But I think we have a very good shot here of creating something pretty awesome.”
Last spring, LaMaina said he’d be knocking down the wall to expand to the space next door and was working with an architect. “We want this to be perfect. We have the time to get it right.”
A planning board public hearing will be held on February 26 at 5 p.m. at the Third Street Firehouse.
Eileen Wingate, Greenport Village building inspector, said the public hearing is required because the business is located on Main Street, in the waterfront commercial district, where restaurants and eating places are a conditional use and any expansion is subject to a public hearing.
