Government Shutdown Puts Plans For New Lucharitos Locale In Peril

CENTER MORICHES, NY — The partial U.S. government shutdown has affected scores across the nation — and for one local business owner, the impact is all too close to home.

Marc LaMaina, owner of the popular Lucharitos, popular taqueria and tequila bars in Greenport and Aquebogue, said plans for a third location in Center Moriches have come screeching to a halt in the wake of the shutdown.

"We are teaming with BNB and the U.S.Small Business Administration to finance the project," LaMaina said. "Currently our SBA loan is approved — just needs to be signed off on. It is a signature away from completion. We had planned to close in early January. Unfortunately, here we are — at this standstill."

The SBA loan, LaMaina said, affords the opportunity to put less money down and use that capital for renovations and investments in other projects.

And the waiting isn't easy.

"We put hundreds of hours into this process," he said. "It is something we do not want to back out of now."

LaMaina added that the shutdown is frustrating for both him and his team and the seller of the property. "Logistically now, we run into problems. We have plumbers and contractors lined up for work. We have new staff training now for a projected spring opening. So the longer this goes, the more we are thrown off on our timetable — and the more expensive it gets."

The seller, he added, has the property ready to go, and two businesses were relocated from the property so he could commence with plans. "So the longer it goes, the worse it gets for us all," LaMaina said.

The end result could be dire, he added. "It is possible that the seller looks for another purchaser. It's very real that we lose this opportunity."

The new location, at 177 Montauk Highway in Center Moriches, was set to follow the flagship Lucharitos on Main Street in Greenport, and the second spot, Little Lucharitos, which opened in Aquebogue in 2017.

To lose the spot would be a heartbreak, as LaMaina haslong said the location encompasses all he'd been looking for: "This site has been lovingly cared for and has so many special and straight up magical spaces. We fell in love with it instantly. Even the chickens. We can't wait for a huge plate of tacos, a round of margaritas, some treats from our farm and a table full of friends under the lights of that famous pear tree.This is going to be a special place. Full of good vibes, here."

The previous owner at the site, Chris Cohen, "has been so awesome," LaMaina said. "I got her number through her friend and have been picking her brain non-stop. She created this slice of heaven on that corner. It's going to be really neat. And the love we have gotten from the people of Center Moriches is absolutely crazy. We are good at picking towns that have a strong community vibe and care about their neighbors. We hope to fit in and become family with Center Moriches ASAP."

"We want to create a magical place where good, fresh food and drinks are shared among happy folks"

Describing his vision, LaMaina painted a verbal vision of a dream he hopes will come to fruition, despite obstacles: "We want to create a magical place where good, fresh food and drinks are shared among happy folks. Where kids can can lost in the organic farm and pick sunflowers and pumpkins. We are putting our kids in charge of our play area — and they have some wild ideas. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your age, we won't be able to keep a live dragon on the farm, as my kids asked. Doesn't matter how magical the place is. Sorry, boys. Chickens are cool enough."

Lucharitos, which opened after Hurricane Sandy caused extensive damage to the Greenport building, followed in the footsteps of LaMaina's former business at the site, Butta Cakes. Lucharitos soon became a staple in the village, with an expansion in 2015.

Reflecting in a past interview on what the journey has meant, rising from the devastation of the Sandy, to not only create Lucharitos but now, add new locations, LaMaina said, as a businessman and a father, "95% of my drive is family based. We all want our family to be safe and happy and content. They motivate me, as cliche as that sounds. It's the same for most dads out here. The other five percent is purely bases on competitiveness. I want to be the best in the niche. Thats attributed to being involved in sports since a kid. My life was upside down," after Sandy, "and I'm right where I should be right now. I'm happy. I'm pressing forward."

No matter how busy his work life, LaMaina said he will always make time for family and friends — and the third son he and his wife are expecting this month. "I'll close the restaurant for a day if I think we need a team event or just a day to all rest and get on the same page. I'm very anti-whatever you think a normal restaurant should be. My motivation to create this space and my desire to create more like it stems from wanting the ability to one day soon spend all my time with my family. That's the end game."

LaMaina, who also earned a masters degree in restauranteurship, has business chops coupled with faith, optimism, and a can-do spirit that helped him to spin magic in a new business after the Sandy floodwaters receded.

What others are facing due to the shutdown puts his challenges into perspective, he said. "We are hoping the government can work together to find common ground and resolve the issues," he said. "We are only a small story in a long list of people who are now struggling because of this issue. For those that are directly affected by financial or medical or housing issues, this is far more serious."

And, he added: "Things happen. We will make margaritas out of the limes — eventually."

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.