LuchaCubano Set To Close In Downtown Riverhead

RIVERHEAD, NY — LuchaCubano, a sandwicheria and rum bar on East Main Street in Riverhead, is set to close within a few weeks.

In a Facebook post, owner Mark LaMaina wrote: "It is with a heavy heart and a focus on the future that we announce that our last day as LuchaCubano will be Jan 2, 2023."

LaMaina thanked his leadership team, front and back of house, "for consistently pushing forward. Thank you to our loyal customers, local and afar," he said.

He added: "We realize what some things in downtown Riverhead need to do right now is stay the same. It’s an honest mistake to get caught up in the hype of thinking all change is good. It’s not."

LuchaCubano opened in February at the site of the former Sunny's Riverhead Diner & Grill, a downtown mainstay since 1932, which closed due to the pandemic.

"While LuchaCubano was a labor of love and produced some of our best food as a company, it’s in the wrong place at the wrong time," LaMaina said. "A concept for a different location, for sure. For now, we are going to take a break, circle back and take another shot this spring."

Speaking with Patch, LaMaina said the eatery had a "short but exciting life."

Looking ahead, LaMaina said he is "flirting with a few ideas" to pay respect to the former diner's rich heritage. "We may reopen the space in spring in an ode to its namesake — it was a American diner in Riverhead for 89 years. I think with all the change in downtown not everyone was happy to see the grill change."

Despite the fact that LuchaCubano is closing its doors, LaMaina's belief in the revitalization of downtown remains steadfast.

"We aren’t giving up hope on the possibilities of downtown Riverhead. It could be a simple pivot that connects the dots," he said. "They aren’t many non-mom and pop shops on Main Street. We are the canary in the coal mine for a lot of folks watching from the sidelines."

LaMaina is looking forward with enthusiasm. "We are blessed with the team and foundation to take a hit, learn and adapt. So who knows?"

The Center Moriches location of Lucharitos was a self-described overgrown field and an old farmhouse in need of some TLC before LaMaina worked his magic with grit and vision. "And look now. It’s our diamond. Things take time. And the real growth is the ability to admit defeat and pivot. Which we are really, really, good at," he said.

LaMaina added: "It’s my dream to be a success story in downtown Riverhead. It will happen eventually. We shall see — we are always the underdog. Just how we like it."

Lucharitos has garnered a loyal clientele since the first location opened in Greenport. New expansion is planned, LaMaina said. "We are in a good position — about to open two huge Lucharitos locations in 2023, one in Mineola and one in a location yet to be announced. Operating a successful restaurant in downtown Riverhead is a passion project. So it’s not something I would ever give up on that easily."

LaMaina lauded the "amazing food" Chef Joseph Taffurelli has created at LuchaCubano, as well the ambiance that Tracy Smith and Matthew Chizever conjured, something that "was very distinct. You really stepped out of Riverhead when you walked inside."

Luchacubano, located at 87 East Main Street, served up roast pork and plantains, coffee and mojitos, and was infused with "Miami vibes."

LaMaina announced plans for the business in October, 2021 just after Riverhead officials gathered to watch the demolition of the former Swezey's building downtown; two buildings were razed to make way for the new Town Square, joining Main Street with the Peconic Riverfront.

"I'm looking forward to being a part of the Riverhead revitalization. I have been waiting and waiting to jump into an opportunity here. And things lined up," LaMaina said at the time.

A new Lucharitos was unveiled in Melville last year, with a Center Moriches location launched one year ago. Lucharitos also branched out to the concession stand of the Mattituck Cinema. The new sites for the popular taqueria and tequila bars join the original Lucharitos location in Greenport and Little Lucharitos in Aquebogue, as well as the Lucharitos Burrito Bar, which opened in Mattituck.

With the coming closure, LuchaCubano gift cards will no longer be available; all gift cards will be converted to the eatery's new concept once launched, with a $25 bonus inconvenience card, LaMaina said.

There's still time to sample a Cuban sandwich.

"We are still rocking and rolling until January 2 and hope to see you before we close the LuchaCubano door for the last time," LaMaina said.