Richmond Eats celebrates grand opening of first brick-and-mortar location

By Kathy Chouteau

After years of serving the community from an outdoor lot on Macdonald Avenue in downtown Richmond, Armando Lara and Blanca Martinez are ready to make things official. The husband-and-wife duo will host a “Grand Opening” celebration Sunday, Feb. 15 from 1-5 p.m. for Richmond Eats at 1428 Macdonald Ave., their first brick-and-mortar restaurant.

The Grand Opening will offer free snacks for guests from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and live music by Los Mentados de Richmond from 1-5 p.m. Those staying longer can enjoy karaoke that evening starting around 6 p.m. and lasting as long as the crowd’s energy, according to Lara.

During the Grand Opening, guests can expect a variety of options, including chicken wings, ribs, ceviche and shrimp, among other specialties.

While the restaurant at its new location has been quietly operating for seven months, this weekend’s event marks a milestone for the couple, who began their culinary journey in Richmond three years ago with little more than a dream and a downtown lot.

The menu at Richmond Eats’ new location reflects the couple’s heritage, featuring what Lara describes as “El Salvadorian and Mexican fusion.” Among the restaurant’s most popular menu items are the pupusas, which Lara said was “how we got here” to the new brick and mortar location. He added that the tamales played a role too.

Other popular menu items include their quesabirria tacos and traditional Salvadorian fried chicken. For those looking for something hearty, Lara recommends trying out the Mar y Tierra (Sea & Land), a platter featuring steak, chicken breast and shrimp served with rice, beans, salad on tortillas.

For Lara and Martinez, Richmond Eats is truly family affair. Their 25-year-old son and Martinez’s daughter both work at the restaurant, learning the ropes of the hospitality industry. Lara says his ultimate goal is to create a space where the community can connect.

“[This is] a place for families to come and spend some time together,” Lara said, and “enjoy each other’s company…For other families, they can talk. If they don’t know each other, they might…start new friendships.”

Lara, who has lived in Richmond for 28 years, opened the restaurant after being inspired by Martinez’s experience in the Salvadorian food industry. Today, he remains focused on growth and hopes to purchase a permanent location for the business within the next few years.

The owners emphasized that, while they serve beer and offer karaoke, the atmosphere is very family-friendly. Lara noted that they work hard to maintain a respectful and welcoming environment for all guests.

Find Richmond Eats at 1428 Macdonald Avenue in Richmond. The hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant is closed Mondays. Find Richmond Eats on Instagram and Facebook and order delivery from DoorDash. Questions? Call 510-776-2511.