The owners of local restaurant Rio Chico are opening a new concept called La Minerva Cocina and Tequila in North Charleston next spring.
Raul Salazar and Alondra Ramirez recently leased a 4,200-square-foot space in the new Cedar Grove Commons shopping center on Dorchester Rd, alongside First Watch, Chicken Salad Chick and Buffalo Wild Wings. It’s here that they plan to open La Minerva, a concept that differs from their longstanding work with Rio Chico.
While the menu at La Minerva will still be rooted in traditional Mexican flavors, the couple tells What Now Charleston these dishes will feature a modern and upscale culinary twist. They are currently working with a chef in Mexico who is creating the recipes, to be finalized next month. They also plan to concentrate more on unique, handcrafted tequila cocktails at the new restaurant.
Salazar and Ramirez have owned Rio Chico for 12 years and currently have five locations around the Charleston area in West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Hardeeville.
Construction permits are still pending, but Salazar tells What Now Charleston that they hope to open La Minerva in March or April of 2024.
