After nearly three years of construction, a new Latin American wine bar and café will open in Old Town early next month.
LaPluma Coffee & Wine is expected to open at 1000 Cameron Street the first week in April, followed by a grand opening later in the month, its owners tell ALXnow.
“It’s been quite a journey for the past three years,” owner Iliana Lopez said. “I know a lot of people are anxious for us to open, and we did a full renovation of this building.”
Iliana is from El Salvador and owns the business with her husband, Dany, who is from Guatemala. The couple also own DP Home Improvements in Alexandria.
“We had a dream to come to the U.S. and create jobs and show our love to the community,” Dany said. “We will be blessed to have 22 people working at our restaurant.”
The 1,152-square foot building was constructed between 1885 and 1891, according to the city. It was most recently home to Energesco Solutions LLC.
“Since at least the mid-to-late 20th Century a variety of commercial uses have occupied the site, including a grocery store, an oyster shop, and, most recently, offices associated with a video production company,” the city said in a 2022 staff report.
The first floor of the building will be dedicated to the coffee shop and the wine bar is on the second floor. There is also room for 28 indoor and 28 outdoor seats, with the outdoor dining area in a former parking lot.
“We want to bring unique flavors from Latin America to Alexandria,” Iliana said. “Sure, we want people to come to eat and drink, but we really want people to come to the shop to connect.”
The restaurant is still hiring and will conduct a job fair on Saturday (March 8).
