Luchacubano Opens Friday In Downtown Riverhead

RIVERHEAD, NY — A new day is dawning in downtown Riverhead as the owner of the popular Lucharitos taquerias opens the doors to Luchacubano, a sandwicheria and rum bar on East Main Street Friday.

Luchacubano, located at 87 East Main Street — at the site of Sunny's Riverhead Diner & Grill, which opened in 1932 and closed due to the pandemic — will serve up roast pork and plantains, coffee and mojitos, and be infused with "Miami vibes," owner Marc LaMaina said.

On the eve of opening day, LaMaina spoke with Patch: "We are thrilled to do finally be a part of downtown Riverhead. To be in such a historic location and in an area that I believe is now in its revitalization stage."

LaMaina gave a shout out to his "very talented team," headed by our General Manager Tracy Smith and head chef Miguel Soriano. "Our corporate chef Joseph Tarffurelli meticulously designed a light, fun menu that can be enjoyed by everyone," he said. "The Cuban sandwich reigns supreme here. But my secret go to is the Elena Ruz. Come see why."

LaMaina announced plans for the business in October just after Riverhead officials gathered to watch the demolition of the former Swezey's building downtown; two buildings were razed to make way for a 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.

Luchacubano, LaMaina said, will focus on a Cuban sandwich line and branch off into a Cuban style menu "with our play on it."

The eatery will serve breakfast, lunch, and reservation-only dinner, as well as a specialty coffee program, he said.

"It will be a simple and fun place to be. Family friendly with some of the nostalgia still visible and alive. This dining cart is the oldest in Long Island. It's special. We don't want to change too much. The bones will stay, the layout, the floor, and ceiling, the stainless steel. We are just putting some lipstick on it."

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.