CHULA VISTA, Calif. — New roots are growing along Third Avenue in Chula Vista. The booming downtown is welcoming new Mexican restaurants and artisan shops.
And Kalaveraz Mexican restaurant is one of the new establishments and it is bringing the heat and shaking things up on Chula Vista’s Third Avenue.
“We felt like our concept was exciting and different enough that the community needed us out here,” said Liliana Brito, Marketing Director, Kalaveras.
Kalaveras has been serving up its sizzling quesabirria tacos across southern California, but this is their first restaurant in San Diego County.
“The community has welcomed us with open arms,” said Brito.
From traditional Mexican dishes to sushi and pasta plates with a Latin flare, local diners are digging the new vibes.
“It's really nice to be able to come so close and not have to drive like to North Park or downtown to find a good spot to eat,” said Angelina Suarez.
That vibrancy is felt throughout Third Avenue from the colorful murals to local artisans.
“It's the brightest store, that's El Cholo's Kid and that's just what it is, and it's beautiful,” said Daisy Romero, El Cholo’s Kid owner.
She opened her first storefront, El Cholo's Kid, on Third Avenue in October.
“There's just so many businesses here that you can just get the most authentic, there are people who have been here forever,” said Romero.
That authenticity is carried in her eco-friendly, colorful bags and clutches made from recycled plastic bottles.
“Our grandmothers walked around with these types of bags to go to the grocery store, like the Mercado and all those things,” said Romero.
She wanted to make each bag, which is hand woven in Jalisco, accessible in San Diego and across the world.
“I've sold worldwide. I've sold to Dubai and to Australia and to Europe,” said Romero.
That diverse culture can be felt throughout Third Avenue where you see it bustling with people grabbing their morning coffee or families lined up for chilaquiles at Talavera Azul businesses.
“Third Avenue is definitely hitting its stride. It's experienced some somewhat of a renaissance,” said Dominic Li Mandri the District Manager for the Downtown Chula Vista Association.
He said there are more than 220 small businesses on Third, such as La Bella's Pizza which has has been here since the 50's and new generation businesses like El Cholo's Kid and potential businesses are chomping at the bit to move in.
“If there are any vacancies on Third Avenue, they're quickly filled up. And we have about four new businesses that are going to be opening up in the next two months here on Third Avenue alone,” continued Li Mandri.
While Third Avenue's growth is serving a new kind of charm, it still has its small-town feel.
“Just relax, park, grab your coffee, and then you stroll for a bit. It's amazing,” said Romero.
Li Mandri says the Downtown Chula Vista Association is working with San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Chairperson Nora Vargas, on a grant to build out its public spaces including a public square at Memorial Park.
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