Louisiana-based chain introduces its Mexican concept on Jefferson Street April 22, two weeks ahead of Cinco de Mayo. As ABiz reported in early February, the closing of Bonsai Sushi Bar downtown opened the door for La Carreta Mexican Restaurant to enter the Lafayette dining scene. The Louisiana-based chain of eight Mexican eateries plans to unveil its Lafayette restaurant Monday, April 22 - two weeks ahead of May 5's Cinco de Mayo, the annual celebration to commemorate the unlikely victory of the Mexican militia over the French army in 1862.
No two La Carreta restaurants are alike in terms of their design and décor, according to founder Saul Rubio.
A native of Queretaro, Mexico, Rubio moved to Hammond after working in Florida restaurants. Fifteen years ago, at age 36, he opened his first restaurant in Hammond, where he now has two locations of La Carreta and an Adobe Cantina and Salsa restaurant. He's since expanded to Denham Springs, Mandeville, Baton Rouge (2), Amite and LaPlace and is opening a location in Covington. His sushi concept, Rox Restaurant, opened about a year ago in Ponchatoula.
La Carreta offers "fiesta time" drink specials daily from 3 to 6 p.m., as well as live music. Additionally, each restaurant runs its own food specials and typically has its own drink specials. View La Carreta's extensive menu of traditional Mexican fare (and a number of surprises) here.