The restaurant will become a physical extension of the popular online croqueta delivery service, which launched in 2016 by partners Alec Fernandez and his aunt Victoria Carballo. For the past two years, they've sold products out of a commercial kitchen in Doral. The opening marks the first time customers will experience their legendary croquetas outside of a quick delivery or pick-up.
Set up on Bird Road near Florida International University (Fernandez wouldn't disclose an exact location), Dos Croquetas' new store will serve various fried rolls, along with an expanded menu of other Cuban items and drinks.
"The goal is to bridge the gap between traditional Cuban bakery and a fine-dining restaurant with upscale croquetas," Carballo says, who oversees Dos Croquetas' menu and recipes.
As for the atmosphere, Fernandez says the 1,200-square-foot space will feel like a casual bar open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with additional
The menu will include many of the brand's signature recipes, including traditional ham; the 305, made with Cuban-style picadillo, sweet plantains, and queso blanco; and the Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which is filled with creamy cheesecake, Maria cookies, and guava chunks. Also expect vegan options and new items such as the croqueta melt — a hot-pressed Cuban sandwich stuffed with croquetas.
For dessert, a shake bar will offer various flavors, including vanilla, guava, and Nutella, as well as sweet croqueta combinations.
"All of Miami is our audience," Fernandez says. "Croquetas are for everybody. It's in our blood to eat them."
Dos Croquetas. doscroquetas.com. Opening spring 2019.