Restaurant boss gives a Mexican wave goodbye
THE city's only independent Mexican restaurant has been put on the market for £75,000.
Agents selling the leasehold Arribas, on Notte Street, said it is hoped to continue the business as a Mexican food outlet, but it could be turned into any sort of restaurant, or the building could be used for something else.
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Arribas on Notte Street
Christie + Co also said the 100-cover restaurant business could be expanded and even extend its opening hours.
Current leaseholder Chris Christophi declined to comment, but Christie + Co said was selling up because he wanted to focus on other business interests in the Plymouth area.
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Christie + Co's Matthew Smith said: "It's a chance for someone else to come in and roll out their style of operation.
"It doesn't have to stay as a Mexican-style restaurant and could be any number of things, subject to planning, but is most likely to stay as licensed premises.
"And they could open longer," he said.
"The opportunity now exists for a hands-on owner/operator to come in and expand the business."
Arribas, which employs six full-time and six part-time staff, is Plymouth's only independent Mexican-style eaterie.
The Chiquito chain has an outlet at the Barbican leisure park, while the Las Iguanas chain, which is moving to Royal William Yard, serves "South American food".
"This particular type of cuisine is scarce in Plymouth as few restaurants cater for Mexican food," said Mr Smith.
"This niche cuisine, combined with the potential for increased opening hours, provides a unique opportunity for expansion."
The two-storey, flagstone Arribas building was built by Isaac Foot Senior in the 1880s, as a Mission Hall.
After being gutted by enemy bombing during the Second World War it was sold for a nominal sum by David Nash, a grandson of Isaac Foot, to the Elim Church and continued to serve in an ecclesiastical role until 1983, when the congregation moved to Embankment Road.
The building was then turned into a restaurant by Michael and Jill Robinson, who re-christened it the Barbican Revival.
Mr Christophi has owned it since 2004 when it became Mexican-themed.
The lease, which commenced in January 2004 for a term of 21 years and is expected to be renewed at the end of the term, is being sold for a guide price of £75,000.
Accounts for the 2010/11 financial year show net sales of £417,232.
Comments
by CharlieDodd
Saturday, September 01 2012, 11:16AM
“..'Agents said it is hoped to continue Arribas as a Mexican food outlet'..
If so, it could do with a more Mexican-sounding name, how about "Santa Ana's", or "Zapata's" or "Sierra Madre" or "The Alamo" etc?”
by Rick_OShay
Saturday, September 01 2012, 10:14AM
“Oh dear, one mans meat is another mans poison.
I ate there once, probably the worst experience I have had in a restaurant. The service was dire, food terrible and the bill took ages to appear. I complained ( I think it may have been to the owner) and he was very rude - something I found amusing since it was in full view of other customers who seemed to be having an equally bad time.
My only surprise is that the place hasn't closed down before now.
Rick O'Shay
Zog”
by jaygeek1
Saturday, September 01 2012, 9:53AM
“Dammit. The enchilladas are to die for in that place. I am going to have to pop in and have them one last time (three more times) just in case.
This news has destroyed my culinary happiness !”