Food truck owner Kris Ramil had a goal to find a brick-and-mortar by year’s end. Mission accomplished.
Palm and Press Bistro Co., formerly The Lab Bistro, now shares a restaurant with 21 Burgers in Virginia Beach’s Lynnhaven Shopping Center, near the intersection of Rosemont Road and Lynnhaven Parkway.
Palm and Press offers house-made Cuban fare, featuring empanadas, croquettes and Cuban sandwiches. The popular coffee drinks and pastries will return at some point, the owner said, with plans to add new items, such as smoothies.
Ramil had searched for a standalone location, but said three didn’t work out. He also discovered that rent was too expensive for a small business such as his.
Meanwhile, he tried to find a commercial kitchen to prep and store food for the truck. He approached the owners at 21 Burgers, a baseball-themed burger joint that opened in 2015. Together, they came up with the idea of sharing the space and the costs, giving customers the best of both worlds like Taco Bell and KFC.
“Our foods are different. Owners are diverse and knowledgeable. That’s what I love about this,” Ramil said.
The two businesses have only been partnering since August, so the process is still a work in progress. The spot will eventually have two signs and separate decor, menu boards, and checkout systems once everything is implemented.
It’s been a learning experience, Ramil said, but the concept allows both parties to help each other while thinking about growth, possibly another joint venture.
The restaurant’s hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Ramil said his food truck is being used mainly for catering and weekend events. He hopes to find a permanent spot for it in Chesapeake.
Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com
Dining and Cooking