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WEST HARTFORD, CT — A highly decorated local restaurant is opening up a second location in town, this time at a prominent shopping destination.
According to Blue Back Square, a Coracora restaurant — which specializes in fine, upscale Peruvian cuisine — is “coming soon.”
It will be located at 51 Isham Road, the site of a former Mexican restaurant chain that closed over the weekend after opening in 2022, Rosa Mexicano.
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The second-generation, family-owned eatery first opened in West Hartford back in 2011, according to Blue Back Square.
Coracora is in its second generation of family ownership, with sisters Macarena Ludena, a chef there, and co-owner Grecia Ludena.
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It was opened by their parents Luisa Jimenez and Hector Ludena,
“We’re excited to grow Coracora and become an integral part of West Hartford’s vibrant Blue Back Square,” said Ludena.”The upscale, vibrant scene there will perfectly complement Coracora’s new flagship location, and we can’t wait to enhance our existing and future customers’ experiences.”
Blue Back Square officials also expressed excitement the space is being filled.
“Coracora’s flair for serving up authentic Peruvian cuisine within an upscale, stylish atmosphere has made it a household name in the West Hartford community,” said Paul Brandes, principal with Brand Street Properties, which oversees Blue Back Square.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Blue Back Square to be home to their new flagship location as we grow our lineup of unique dining, retail, and entertainment offerings.”
Coracora is a highly decorated restaurant in Connecticut and it currently operates is main restaurant at 162 Shield St. in West Hartford.
The site will become a fast-casual eatery while the new site at Blue Back Square would become the main, upscale restaurant.
In addition to being regularly nominated for the James Beard Awards, considered the “Oscars” of the restaurant industry, Coracora in 2023 was named that year’s “Restaurant of the Year” by the Connecticut Restaurant Association.
No timetable has been finalized for Coracora’s new opening, but since the prior use of the site was also a restaurant, the zoning hurdles that must be navigated are minimal.
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