Lakeland

Ay Que Rico! Expanding With New Lakeland Restaurant

Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, oxtail, seafood dishes, and American-Cuban favorites will highlight the menu at this restaurant.

Image from Ay Que Rico! on Facebook

LAKELAND, FL- Ay Que Rico! is preparing to open its second location at 3419 E County Rd 542, Lakeland, FL 33801, with owners Odalis Chanlatte and Isnelys Prieto targeting a late May opening, Chanlatte told Business Debut. The team is currently working through permitting, training, and buildout, with plans to open within the next 75 days.

What to Expect

The concept blends traditional and fine Cuban cuisine in a full-service, family-oriented setting that also welcomes pets, Chanlatte told Business Debut. The Lakeland location will feature seating for approximately 126 to 135 guests, along with two outdoor areas.

A large backyard space will serve as a key draw, designed for events including birthdays, weddings, and community gatherings. The outdoor area will include a stage for live entertainment, with capacity for up to 350 to 400 guests in a concert-style setting, Chanlatte told Business Debut.

The menu will combine traditional Cuban dishes with American-Cuban offerings to appeal to a broad audience in Lakeland. Signature items include the Cuban sandwich, the Ay Que Rico sandwich with palomillo steak, and the “Riconator,” which layers steak and chicken on a Cuban sandwich, Chanlatte told Business Debut.

Other highlights include ropa vieja, oxtail, beef stew, palomillo steak, vaca frita, and seafood options. “Every single dish, every single item is well received,” Chanlatte told Business Debut, noting the success of the brand’s first location in Brandon.

Prieto, who leads the culinary vision, developed the concept over several years before launching the first restaurant. “She’s the brain behind all those things,” Chanlatte told Business Debut.

Opening Timeline

The team is targeting a late May opening, pending final inspections and approvals. Chanlatte said progress will depend on how smoothly the permitting process moves forward.