Classic tapas and traditional Spanish dishes are the focus of this new Optimist Hall venture.

Marina’s Tapas debuts with lunch service today.

Chef Andres Kaifer and Alex Bridges — who are behind Customshop in Elizabeth — have taken over a 500-square-foot space formerly occupied by Velvet Taco. That Dallas, Texas-based concept closed roughly a year ago.

Kaifer and Bridges, who have owned Customshop since 2022, were looking to expand their portfolio. The new restaurant — named for Kaifer’s great-grandmother, Marina Martinez — will highlight the flavors and culinary traditions of Spain with family recipes passed down for generations.

Martinez was born in Alviles, Spain, in 1894. She was head chef at Casa Alvarín, a restaurant her husband purchased. That establishment, founded in 1902, remains in its original location today.

Kaifer, a first-time dad, says he wants to inspire the same love of food in his daughter.

“This spot is extremely important to me because my childhood, my memories — and, now, my career has built up to this full-circle moment of honoring the strong women in my family,” Kaifer says.

Chef Dre Cavazos has been tapped as chef de cuisine for Marina’s. Expect a menu is built around simple, quick and delicious food, Kaifer previously told the Charlotte Business Journal…

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