Empty Commons space to get new tenant

The Columbus Redevelopment Commission voted Monday to reassign the lease for 310 Washington Street in the Commons to Luciana’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina.

Heather Pope, director of redevelopment for the city, says this will be Alberto and Sarah Bravo’s third location. Naming the restaurant after their daughter, the Bravos opened their flagship location in the Broad Ripple neighborhood of Indianapolis in 2015. The following year, a second location was open on 82nd Street in the Keystone at the Crossing area of Indianapolis. The couple credits the chain’s fast success to its upscale feel, affordable prices and quality food. The couple explained that while they don’t offer a huge selection of dishes, the ones that are on the menu are well made with quality ingredients.

“We are very excited about coming to Columbus and being part of such a great community” said Alberto Bravo. “Luciana’s will be a great fit to this very vibrant downtown area.” The restaurant is expected to open on August 2. The Bravos explained that is a “lucky day” for the family, noting birthdays and other events important to them.

The Bravos anticipate investing between $250,000 to $300,000 in the facility in renovations and new equipment. They are not seeking any financial support from the Redevelopment Commission. The Bravos will take over all the terms and conditions of the previous lease. There are seven years remaining on the current lease, which was broken when former tenant, Jordy McTaggart’s, fell behind on its financial responsibilities and vacated the space.

City officials say they are “in negotiations” with the previous tenant to recoup unpaid funds.