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La Teresita Plans 10 New Diners

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By RICHARD MULLINS

rmullins@tampatrib.com

Published: November 21, 2008

TAMPA - Fans of the historical West Tampa restaurant La Teresita soon could have 10 new locations to find their Spanish-style omelets, cafe con leche and grits.

Despite terrible times for restaurants nationwide, the owners of the 36-year-old La Teresita say this is the perfect time for them to expand, and they have the financing to do it.

Rents and equipment costs are at historically low levels, and people are looking for less expensive places to eat, owner Luis "Louis" Capdevila said.

"We will be that neighborhood location for people, like the Spanish version of what Applebee's tried," Capdevila said. "People are looking for less expensive places to get good food and in large portions. That's what we do."

For instance, a breakfast with coffee, toast, omelet and ham can cost less than $5 at the original diner on Columbus Avenue in Tampa. Capdevila would not disclose exact revenue figures for the family-owned restaurant but said his sales are up about 15 percent this month compared with the same time last year.

The new locations will open in phases over the next three to four years. They will be diners with seating for 50 people.

The first new site will be in Wesley Chapel at State Road 54 and Interstate 75. Ultimately, Capdevila hopes to have locations throughout the region.

This represents a second recent attempt by La Teresita to expand. Several years ago, the owners tried a franchising approach to open sites, but the concept didn't work, Capdevila said.

This time, each new location will be company owned to maintain control over the menu, the purchasing and service, he said.

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