A Cherished Napa Mexican Restaurant Is Expanding With a Downtown Sister Spot
Cinthya Cisneros is about to release the sequel to her super-popular Napa business La Cheve Bakery and Brews. The entrepreneur, who runs her restaurants with her family, will open Con Amor Botanas y Tequila this summer at 815 Main Street in the former La Taberna restaurant space. La Cheve, run by formerly undocumented Mexican owners, opened in 2020 as a tremendous, vibrant part of Napa's restaurant scene. The hope is to make this restaurant an ode to Mexican culture and ancestors who've passed.
Whereas La Cheve is a brunch-forward, patio-friendly space, Con Amor is more nightlife and drinks-focused. This spot is a place 'you can bring your abuelita for a tequilita,' as the business's website touts. Expect well-made cocktails, small bites, or full plates — many dishes at La Cheve remixed for the sleeker bar location. Some of the beers from La Cheve will be on tap, too. Cocktails, like the La Llorona black margarita, should make the jump as well.
The family's first restaurant is beloved for its all-day brunch items including Mexican avocado toast topped with Guava habanero jam and concha French toast. Cisneros's dad will be the chef at this new outfit like he is at La Cheve, but an executive chef will be brought on to help execute his vision. Her mom will still be the head baker. She'll keep handling operations. 'Now with two babies instead of just one,' she says with a laugh.
The idea to open this second business came from Cisneros recognizing that all the family's eggs were in La Cheve's basket. If there's a slow day, that means no money across the board. She wanted to diversify her income streams and scale her businesses. Born in La Piedad, Michoacan, Cisneros was the first in her family to graduate college. Then she worked as a high school chemistry teacher, which led to her love of making beer. She cites her family's hard work ethic as the reason La Cheve has been so successful. 'I kept telling my mom this new place needs to be done con mucho amor,' Cisneros says, 'and she said why don't you just call it Con Amor?'
Con Amor Botanas y Tequila (815 Main Street, Napa) will open this summer.
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