COLCHESTER — The vibrant culinary scene of Colchester is about to receive a delightful Mexican infusion, as Casa Real, a brand-new Mexican restaurant, is poised to open its doors at 85 South Park Drive by the end of November, as confirmed by co-owner Eduardo Fuentes. This restaurant space, with a capacity to seat 150 guests, has been vacant since June 2018 when Junior’s Italian shuttered its doors.
Eduardo Fuentes, a newcomer to Vermont but certainly no stranger to the restaurant industry, expressed his passion for the venture while taking a momentary respite from renovation efforts. Originally hailing from Guadalajara, Mexico, Fuentes moved to the United States at the age of 15, embarking on his journey in the restaurant world as a dishwasher in Louisiana. He now proudly owns the La Casita Mexican Restaurant in Berlin, New Hampshire, and will join forces with Ricardo Guzman, who owns a restaurant in Maine, to bring Casa Real to life.
The menu at Casa Real will bear a resemblance to that of La Casita, offering a diverse array of Mexican culinary delights, including tantalizing seafood dishes and specialty items such as quesabirria tacos. Fuentes is optimistic about the prospects of serving authentic Mexican cuisine in the region, mentioning that he has thoroughly researched the local competition and sees a promising niche.
In addition to his culinary ventures, Fuentes also owns a construction company and has personally overseen extensive renovations in the restaurant space. These renovations encompass tiling, painting, and a comprehensive upgrade of kitchen equipment.
For those eager to stay updated on Casa Real’s journey, additional information can be found on Casa Real Mexican Restaurant’s Facebook page. As November approaches, Colchester residents can anticipate a flavorful addition to their dining landscape with the opening of Casa Real.