A fast-casual Peruvian restaurant with a Mexican twist is set to open this fall in Palmetto. Bapa Pollo a la Brasa, owned by restaurateur Nuri Erol, is bringing bold new flavors to 1210 8th Street.
Erol is no stranger to the restaurant industry, having previously owned Mangino’s Pizza and Wiseguys Pizza in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area. He moved to Palmetto three years ago and saw a need for Peruvian chicken, prompting him to fill the gap.
“I always liked Peruvian chicken. There are a lot of Peruvian chicken places in the Virginia area. I didn’t see one here that was really making good chicken. I said, ‘This is what I need to do here. It’s different from pizza,’” Erol told What Now Tampa.
Erol said he spent several years thoroughly studying the concept before launching the restaurant.
“I went to Lima, Peru and I learned some techniques over there. I brought my ovens from Peru,” he said. “We will use Peruvian spices and infuse the concept a little bit with Mexican. I thought it would be good to make something unique.”
The menu will feature charcoal chicken or pollo a la brasa. It is served in quarter, half or whole portions with sides and sauces. Sides include rice, black beans, coleslaw, salad, guacamole, fries or yuca. Sauces feature aji verde, aji amarillo, adobo-ranch, salsa, honey mustard and bapa sauce. The chicken can also be served taco-style.
“What I’m most excited about is providing something different. It is a healthy concept. It’s not fried, it’s not gas. It’s cooked directly on charcoal,” Erol said.
Bapa Pollo a la Brasa will officially open its doors for a grand opening at the end of October, following soft launches. Visit the restaurant’s website for updates.
