URGENT UPDATE: Rochester is set to welcome a vibrant new culinary destination, Yuma Fritas, scheduled to open in mid-December 2023. This exciting “Cubanish” restaurant will occupy the former Taco Jed space at 808 Broadway Ave. S. in the Soldiers Field Plaza.
Chef Justin Schoville and his partner Lindsay Zubay, creators of the popular Championship Dining, are behind this latest venture. The duo aims to bring a taste of Havana to Rochester, transforming the space previously occupied by Taco Jed, which closed its doors in October after a successful seven-year run.
Schoville shared that the inspiration for Yuma Fritas originated from a personal experience during a visit to Florida. “I got introduced to fritas in Miami. It’s been an idea that my wife and I have been playing around with for a little while,” he said. The restaurant will specialize in fritas, a Cuban street burger typically made with chorizo, and topped with crispy shoestring potatoes.
Yuma, a Cuban slang term for foreigners, reflects the culinary twists the team plans to introduce to traditional Cuban flavors. The fritas menu will feature an array of options, including chorizo, beef, chicken, and fish, all served on a toasted egg bun, topped with a variety of toppings like Havarti cheese, bacon, cherry tomato salsa, avocado, and mango slaw.
In addition to fritas, the menu will offer a classic Cuban sandwich and a plant-based alternative. Patrons can also look forward to fried plantains, coconut ginger rice, and unique dishes like fritters made from malanga root.
Schoville emphasized the importance of authenticity in their offerings. “We’ll also have batidos, which are Cuban smoothies or milkshakes, but not like the shakes at Hot Chip. They’re tropical shakes made with coconut, guava, mango, caramelized pineapple, and papaya puree.” These refreshing drinks will complement a full bar featuring tropical cocktails, including mojitos, Cuba libres, and piña coladas. Interestingly, Yuma Fritas will forgo fountain drinks, opting instead for imported bottled Coke and Fanta made with cane sugar.
The restaurant plans to employ a team of 20 to 30 staff members and will operate seven days a week. Schoville is confident that the transition from Taco Jed to Yuma Fritas will be seamless, stating, “We just need the three Ps — paint, plants, and a playlist,” referring to the minimal renovations needed to create the vibrant atmosphere.
As Rochester’s dining landscape continues to evolve, Yuma Fritas promises to deliver a unique culinary experience, capturing the essence of Cuban cuisine with a contemporary twist. This new addition is expected to become a hotspot for locals, food enthusiasts, and anyone craving authentic Cuban flavors in a casual setting.
Stay tuned for more updates on the grand opening of Yuma Fritas and prepare to indulge in a delicious array of Cuban-inspired dishes right in the heart of Rochester!
