From the owners of LU LU and 3 Eyed Fish, new waterfront restaurant coming to Tri-Cities
Cindy and Brian Goulet, owners of two of Richland’s best-known restaurants, are building a third eatery.
The Goulets broke ground on Perch Cantina in early July at Richland’s Columbia Point, next to LU LU Craft Bar + Kitchen, which they opened in 2016.
Perch Cantina is expected to open in May 2024, bringing a menu with Mexican American flare in a bar-focused setting.
The 5,500-square-foot restaurant will seat 150, with room for an additional 150 on a patio and a rooftop “sky deck” for private parties and gatherings.
The rooftop deck echoes the one at 3 Eyed Fish Kitchen + Bar, the couple’s original restaurant, on Keene Road in south Richland. It opened in 2013 and was remodeled in 2018.
Perch Cantina will be a close sibling to LU LU. The Goulets leased the property at Columbia Point from the city of Richland under a deal that required them to add a second business within five years of opening the first.
It took longer than planned, thanks to the pandemic. Goulet said she’s thrilled to begin the 10-month construction project.
“This is the last piece of land at Columbia Point,” she said. “It is a special area.”
HDG Architects of Spokane designed the project. Goulet said she turned to a well-known designer from out of town to ensure Perch Cantina has its own unique identity.
“I don’t want something that looks like LU LU. I want something different.”
Chervenell Construction Co is the contractor.
Son Macoy Goulet, who works for Chervenell, is the Perch project manager. Daughter Paige Jordan, who helps run the two existing restaurants, is integral to the project, as is Paul Robinson, director of operations.
The Goulets began designing Perch Cantina more than a year ago. Goulet said she knew she wanted something that stood apart from LU LU and 3 Eyed Fish and decided to draw on the Tri-Cities rich mix of Mexican offerings for inspiration.
There is no Mexican food at Columbia Point and she spied an opportunity to bring her own flair to the concept while adding diversity to the food available there.
She has begun experimenting with recipes though it is too early to hire a chef or formalize a menu just yet.
“There’s a lot of things about Mexican food that we love,” she said.
Perch Cantina will be a polished property, but she envisions catering to a more casual crowd, such as boaters who use the Columbia Point boat ramp and nearby marina.
They may be getting off their boats and not dressed for more formal spots.
This story was originally published July 31, 2023 at 11:41 AM.