Located at 113 S Parsons Ave. in Brandon, Cuban-American restaurant Ay Que Rico has been growing in popularity since its founding in September 2024, and now it’s preparing to expand to a second location. Ay Que Rico’s second restaurant will open in Lakeland, at 3419 E County Rd 542, according to submitted plan review documents.
What Now spoke with Odalis Chanlatte, one of the owners behind the restaurant, on Wednesday about plans for the expansion.
“We don’t know the start date yet, but it should be about two and a half months,” Chanlatte said.
And what can we expect from the menu at the new location? What Now asked. Will there be any additions?
“There will be some additional items, yes. The menu will be a bit more diverse, since, in Brandon, we have limited space. In Lakeland, it’s about 4 times bigger.”
With about 2,200 of space, plus outdoor seating, the new Ay Que Rico will boast seating for more than 140 guests in total, continuing a tradition of constantly rotating specials, Karaoke Saturdays, and more.
The menu ranges from handhelds like the Cuban Sandwich and the Ay Que Rico Sandwich (Ham, pork, palomilla steak, cheese, pickles, mayonnaise and mustard) to entrees like Palomilla Steak and Chicken Milanesa, to Friaturas like Chicken Empanadas and Croquetas, and even to breakfast choices—plus, of course, a few new dishes yet to be revealed at the second restaurant. There’s something for everybody, and Chanlatte says the secret to the restaurant’s success has been an approach to food and customer service leading to growth that is almost entirely word-of-mouth.
“We have never done any formal marketing,” said Chanlatte. “So it’s all been based on the quality of the food, the focus on customer service, and being a family-oriented environment.”
You can keep up with Ay Que Rico news by following the restaurant on Facebook.
