Growing Long Island restaurant chain coming to Station Yards

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Lucharitos, a popular Tex-Mex chain with North Fork roots, will be opening a new restaurant in the Station Yards mixed-use development in Ronkonkoma. 

The company leased 1,500 square feet of restaurant space at Station Yards where it will join a growing mix of commercial tenants at the sprawling Tritec Real Estate project, according to a statement from the developer. 

Lucharitos, which features a Tex-Mex menu and margaritas, began with a 750-square-foot eatery in Greenport in 2012. It has since opened additional locations in Mattituck, Center Moriches and Melville.  

“When we started this journey, we wanted to create a space that people could come to and feel like they stepped into vacation mode, even if it is for half an hour,” Marc LaMaina, owner of Lucharitos, said in the statement. “Creating that vibe has been the cornerstone of the Lucharitos brand since day one. The combination of tacos, margaritas, nostalgic pro wrestling, and a big hit of genuine hospitality really caught on.” 

The new Ronkonkoma restaurant is expected to open in late spring or early summer. 

The tenant was self-represented, while Steven D’Orazio, Maria Valanzano and Jake Horowitz of Colliers represented the landlord, Tritec Real Estate, in the lease transaction. 

“Bringing Lucharitos into Tritec’s Station Yards project marks a significant milestone for our team. As a vibrant and beloved local brand, Lucharitos perfectly encapsulates the spirit of community and innovation we’re fostering at Station Yards,” D’Orazio said in the statement. “Their commitment to leasing the first pad site of 1,500 square feet sets a dynamic tone for the development. Our team is thrilled to have played a pivotal role in this partnership, reflecting our dedication to enhancing the local business landscape and offering unique culinary experiences to the community.” 

The new retail and restaurant tenants at Station Yards will be located in the project’s current development phase, which includes 388 apartments, 70,000 square feet of retail space, 16,500 square feet of office space and a public plaza. 

“The inclusion of Lucharitos at Station Yards signifies a major milestone in our development as we continue to fill spaces with dynamic tenants,” Jimmy Coughlan, vice president of development at Tritec, said in the statement. “Lucharito’s lively atmosphere and flavorful dishes are the perfect complement to make Station Yards a culinary and community destination.”