Vega's Restaurante reborn | Local favorites return in Torrington
Vega's Restaurante reborn | Local favorites return in Torrington
Vega’s Restaurant, formerly known as Rose Vega's Bakery, in Torrington welcomed a packed house for their first day back open after a car crashed into their restaurant last December.
It's now at a new location, with a fresh coat of paint, a revamped menu and a new name, but it’s just how all of their customers remember it.
Cutting the ribbon on the new restaurant was a full circle moment for the owners. In the car crash seven months ago, several people were injured, including owner Carlos Vega and his mother.
“I got to tell you, it was something that I never expected,” said Vega. “We were working on a regular day, and then this car comes in at 70 mph and almost killed us all. We’re happy to be here still alive and God is good.”
After that day, Vega didn’t know if he wanted to start back up the business as he was fearful of losing it all again.
“It was tough to revisit the restaurant business again and trust that it was not going to happen again,” said Vega. “The Torrington town kept asking when are you opening again, I miss your food.”
Vega’s wife, Arlene Gonzalez, says the outpouring of community support convinced them that their restaurant deserved another shot at life.
“The process was different, but we thank God for what’s happening here today,” said Gonzalez. “I think what occurred that day allowed us to be in a better position.”
On the first day back open, the restaurant looks like it didn’t even skip a beat. Regulars like Anya Stephenson and Jacque Anthony Williams couldn’t wait to order their usuals.
“Rice and beans baby rice and beans, bring on them rice and beans,” said Williams, when asked what his favorite meal at the restaurant was. “Since they’ve closed down, I haven’t been able to get that, so that’s what I’m looking forward to first. Once I get that out the way, I’m going to move on to the other epicurean delight they have on the menu.”
“Anything with vegetables,” said Stephenson, when asked what her favorite option was. “The yuca fries here I’ve been really loving. So come on down; they have a whole lot of options.”
Newcomers like Jeff May were ready to dive in for the first time.
“I ordered beef and empanadas with yellow rice,” said May. “We’re always going out to eat for lunch; it’s really nice to have another spot to go eat.”
It’s a different location, look and name, but it’s the same people serving the community the only way they know how.
“The old name was Rosa Vega’s Bakery,” said Vega. “The new name is Vega’s Restaurante. It’s something new and different, more catchy. And just a lot better vibes.”
The restaurant is now located at 45 Main St. in downtown Torrington.
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