There aren’t a lot of French restaurants in the Yakima Valley. With the recent opening of Chez Torrez in the West Valley, a Yakima couple are doing something to change that.
Magan and Pablo Torrez say their restaurant, pronounced “Shay Tore-ray,” has done well in its first month since opening in the Orchards shopping center, immediately north of Rosauers supermarket.
“When we decided we wanted to open a restaurant, we did the research and said, ‘What’s not in the area?'” Magan Torrez said. “This is the third location we tried to find, after looking downtown and elsewhere, and it’s worked out well so far.”
The 410 S. 72nd Ave. location in the West Valley area previously housed a Subway, and was ready to open as another restaurant before plans fell through, allowing the Torrezes to lease the site and eventually open last month.
“I’ve been cooking for more than 21 years,” Pablo Torrez said, noting he spent considerable time working at a resort near Lake Chelan.
His wife added that she worked her way through college waiting tables and has been involved in the “front end” and business operations of restaurants for much of her life.
The menu is a mix of soups, sandwiches, salads and charcuterie boards with imported meats and cheeses. Baguettes and croissants are baked fresh daily.
Popular items include the loaded “Le Metro” sandwich with gouda, prosciutto, ham, pepperoni and array of fresh veggies, and the classic Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame sandwiches with ham and cheese, plus a sunny side egg on the latter.
The couple found that their chocolate croissants, made fresh daily and with imported butter from France, were quite popular as the restaurant opened each day, prompting them to extend their morning hours.
Pastries, coffee and other drinks are available at 7 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, with sandwiches and other menu items served through 6 p.m. on those days.
Pablo said that within a week or two crepes will join the menu, both in savory and sweet varieties. The couple also plan to offer wine, both from local wineries and imported wines from France.
“We are trying to pair our charcuterie boards with the wines at area wineries,” Pablo added. “A lot of people have come through here to grab meat and cheese boards.”
When asked what they have learned about running their own business, Magan quickly noted the long hours and need to budget their time.
“For me, 3 a.m. comes really quickly,” Pablo added, regarding his daily routine of baking pastries.
For more information, visit the Chez Torrez Facebook page or call 509-225-0068.
The Current highlights business news throughout Yakima County. Send your information to business reporter Joel Donofrio at jdonofrio@yakimaherald.com or call 509-759-7851.