Earlier this year, Richard Robinson planned to close his Pink Salt & Wine Bar restaurant at 1430 San Marco Blvd. and move the business to 1571 University Blvd. W. in Lakewood.
He wanted to expand his concept to combine fine dining and tapas.
While Robinson, 39, opened Pink Salt & Wine Bar and Veveta Tapas in August, he decided to keep Pink Salt open in San Marco.
He realized he serves different distinctive clientele in the two neighborhoods.
The potential move had been precipitated by rain.
During heavy rain in San Marco, cars driving by caused wakes to splash hard enough against the door to enter the front of the restaurant.
“Yes, it still gets flooded 90% of the time, but we realized the convenience it offers to customers who live on that side of town,” he said of the location.
At Pink Salt & Veveta Tapas, the emphasis is on small plates. He wanted to serve tapas as a tribute to his mother, Veveta, who operated a rum bar that served tapas in his native Jamaica.
There are some Pink Salt items on that menu as well.
Pink Salt & Wine Bar and Veveta Tapas provides easier parking and is a larger space where Robinson can host bigger groups. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.
The build-out costs came in about $180,000, slightly over budget, but those costs were manageable, he said.
Pink Salt & Wine Bar and Veveta Tapas is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. In November, lunch will be added from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday and Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With a full liquor license, happy hour began this week from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. There is also a happy hour tapas menu.
Robinson lives in Lakewood and he knows the demographic. He offers two specials for those 65 and older.
On Tuesdays, grandparents who bring their grandchildren to dinner are given 20% off the entire bill. There is no age limit for the grandchildren.
“We know that grandparents love to spend time with their grandchildren,” he said.
On Thursdays, anyone over 65 with proof of age can receive 20% off their bill.
Pink Salt & Wine Bar in San Marco hours are from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Operating two restaurants means more staffing. While Robinson had 14 employees at Pink Salt, now he has about 25 for both restaurants and is looking for more help, he said.
Servers have been trained to work at both restaurants so that they can be sent to the busier restaurant when needed.
Two restaurants also mean more challenges.
“A bigger operation means bigger problems. But it’s a good problem to have,” he said.
“Opening a second location comes with a little stress. I have to learn to balance my time – when to do it myself and when to delegate. Delegating has become my new favorite thing to do.”