A longtime Hampton Roads restaurateur is bringing his talents to the City of Williamsburg.
Ricardo Perez’s new restaurant, La Terraza, will open its doors at the former site of Ruby Tuesday on Richmond Road by mid-October. The location has been vacant since the casual dining chain closed in December 2013.
The new restaurant will offer a full menu of authentic Mexican dishes, Perez said.
Perez said La Terraza will be similar to Plaza Azteca in its offerings, but said his restaurant will have a unique atmosphere with its fully authentic menu.
The restaurant is a few weeks away from opening, but Perez said opening a business in Williamsburg had been on his radar for some time.
“We’ve been working on it for maybe five months,” Perez said. “We had been looking for empty space for a while. It’s hard to find good locations in Williamsburg that are available.”
Perez worked with RJS & Associates Inc. to acquire the location in a private transaction, but Perez said city staff were helpful with navigating the codes compliance and permitting process.
With the new restaurant, Perez will extend his restaurant footprint into Williamsburg for the first time. His other ventures include La Parrilla Mexican Grill in Suffolk and 3 Amigos.
Despite his involvement with other restaurants, Perez said he wants people to in Williamsburg to know him for La Terraza. He said he hopes to do that with good portions, good food and good service.
Perez has spent the majority of his career working in and operating restaurants. After leaving California 25 years ago, he made stops working in restaurants in Tennessee and Virginia before working in his uncle’s restaurant.
“He taught me how to be involved with restaurants,” Perez said. “And I really like what I do.”
Most of the construction on the restaurant has been completed, and furniture was delivered last week. Perez said acquiring health permits and a liquor license were the final steps before La Terraza’s grand opening.
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