Openings: New Cuban food truck + Grand opening event for Richland’s latest restaurant
Tri-Citians who have been seeking authentic Cuban sandwiches have a fresh new option.
Cuba Libre Tri-Cities, serving Cuban cuisine, made its debut this week at a food truck cluster in Kennewick.
Cuba Libre is a family affair, owed by the husband and wife team of Yeny and Rafael Najarro Romero, daughters Jessica, Jennifer and Sophia and son Raymond.
Najarro Romero calls Cuba Libre a labor of love, built on Cuban hospitality and his family’s deep love of their adopted country.
He emigrated to the U.S. from Cuba, drawn by the tales his father told of traveling in America before the Cuban Revolution severed relations.
“I came from Cuba in search of freedom,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Americans who made him and his family feel welcome.
He traveled via El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico and became a U.S. citizen. The entire family entered the U.S. legally, he stressed.
Yeni, he said, is the cook of the family. Starting a business was a way to share their culture with the community and would fill a need for Cuban food in the market.
The family bought the former Tumbleweeds Mexican Flair truck after it closed. The 2022 truck was full equipped. The only major change was a rebranding of the exterior.
The menu features a heavy rotation of Cuban favorites, a Cubano sandwich made with slow-pulled pork ($14.99), Ajiaco Cubano (Cuban stew), Croquetas Cubanas, Ropa Vieja (shredded beef), Cerdo Asado ($15.99), Fricase de Pollo ($13.99), twice-fried green plantains ($2.50) and of course, Cuban coffee ($3).
The entire family works in the truck, though Najarro Romero said he will keep his day job — driving for LTI Milky Way — to ensure bills are paid while the truck builds an audience.
Business hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days a week at Bella’s Furniture, 7425 W. Clearwater Ave., near Columbia Center Boulevard.
Follow Cuba Libre Tri-Cities on Facebook.
Hyde grand opening Friday
Richland’s newest restaurant and bar, Hyde Tap Lounge, will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at noon, Friday, May 2.
Hyde, led by Lissette Alvarez and Patrick Canizal, opened in April at the former Dupus Boomers, 502 Swift Blvd., at George Washington Way.
Following a remodel, the restaurant features elevated menu items and a casual vibe in the bar.
Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday to Wednesday, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Thursday to Saturday.
Go to hydetaplounge.com.
Urgent care brand coming
MultiCare is extending its Indigo Urgent Care brand to the Tri-Cities.
The Kennewick and Richland clinics will treat minor injuries and illnesses for all ages, including sore throats, ear infections, allergies, rashes, sprains, and minor fractures. Additionally, Indigo offers virtual behavioral health services for conditions such as depression and anxiety.
The Kennewick clinic will open at 6821 W. Canal Drive, at the former Old Country Buffet building. The building is being renovated for Panera, as well as Indigo.
The Richland clinic will be at 3155 Duportail St., near Yakima Federal Savings.
Go to indigohealth.com.
Headed to Vantage?
Royal Family Ranch has opened a burger joint at Vantage, just in time for warm weather road trips.
The Ranch is a burger joint, market and cut shop built around beef, potatoes, beef tallow, cheese, onions and eggs produced on the ranch or by its neighbors.
The grand opening celebration is from 4-7 p.m., May 9. The Ranch is at 301 Vantage Hwy, Vantage, about 75 minutes northeast of Richland, just north of I-90 at Exit 136, Wanapum Road/Main St.