Margs And Tacos As New Lucharitos Opens In Center Moriches

CENTER MORICHES, NY — Good news for those hankering for an icy cold margarita and tacos galore: After more than two years of anticipation, the Center Moriches location of Lucharitos is officially open.

"It’s been the hardest challenge of my restaurant career to get Center Moriches open," owner Marc LaMaina said. "I won’t forget it. But it’s done. And it’s time to open and enjoy the space."

The new site for the popular taqueria and tequila bar joins the original Lucharitos location in Greenport and Little Lucharitos in Aquebogue, as well as the Lucharitos Burrito Bar, which recently opened in Mattituck.

LaMaina thanked Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico and his team for helping him along the way.

"It’s not often a local politician goes out of their way to make sure things are still moving forward and checking in," he said. "These days that's a beautiful thing and I really respect that."

Panico was present, along with the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to welcome the new Lucharitos.

"A beautiful family and beautiful new business offering fresh, delicious food and drinks," Panico said.

LaMaina said he's thrilled to be opening officially; the business operated for months in a limited capacity out of a food truck on the property.

"The community is just as psyched as us for nice weather, margs, and tacos," LaMaina said. "We plan to be here for a long, long time. I like this area a lot."

The Center Moriches Lucharitos is open seven days a week; click here for hours.

In September, the Center Moriches Lucharitos location was in the spotlight when famed chef Alex Guarnaschelli came to shoot an episode of her Food Network digital show, "Fix Me A Plate."

The past months were filled with obstacles, including a fire — and the pandemic.

"We were able to pivot very quickly. It’s a testament to my team's character. We are in this together. Since Day 1, it’s a team effort," LaMaina said. "I don’t think anyone gets through this alone."

Despite the hurdles, LaMaina and his team forged ahead. From the beginning, LaMaina has had a dream for the property: "We want to create a magical place where good, fresh food and drinks are shared among happy folks. Where kids can get 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."

The spot, he added, encompasses all he's been looking for: "We fell in love with it instantly. This is going to be a special place. Full of good vibes."

LaMaina also thanked Center Moriches friends for reaching out via social media or in person at the Aquebogue and Greenport locations, "and sharing your excitement. It sealed the deal for us."

Lucharitos, which opened after Hurricane Sandy caused extensive damage to the Greenport building, was born after 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 percent 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. The other five percent is purely based on competitiveness."

LaMaina, who also earned a masters degree in restauranteurship, said he has felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude while building his businesses.

"When I walk into Lucharitos in Greenport I am often hit with this feeling of 'Wow, what is this place? What did we create here?' It amazes me. What we have . . . is magical at times. There are moments, sometimes when we are flashing the lights and the entire place is singing 'Happy Birthday' to a five-year-old wearing a Luchador mask and holding a real championship wrestling belt that I'm choked up. Or moments where our staff is hanging out after a shift and laughing and letting off steam — I can't believe we built this from scratch."