Coco Cabana’s co-owner Omar Etemadi recently confirmed that he is planning a soft opening of his new restaurant in Dublin, CA on February 1, 2011. Coco Cabana is located at the 6,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Stacey’s at Waterford in the Shops at Waterford. Etemadi, who also owns Oasis Grille & Wine Lounge in Downtown Pleasanton, said that he intends to have a few signs outside Coco Cabana on February 1st to let visitors know about the restaurant’s opening. The actual ribbon-cutting and grand opening will most likely occur in mid-March.

Coco Cabana is leaving much of the original tenant improvement in place, but it has definitely infused a different look-and-feel to the space. The red and purple colors of Stacey’s at Waterford are out and browns and other earth tones are in. “We’ve also remodeled the bar area,” shared Etemadi. “There will be a happy hour from 4PM to 6PM and a “reverse” happy hour from 9PM to midnight in the evenings.”

The highly-anticipated new restaurant will feature a Latin themed menu with a wine and tequila lounge. Coco Cabana will offer “a relaxed and fun dining experience throughout the restaurant and lounge with an extensive tapas (small plates) menu and a regular menu. Fresh fruit sangria, local wine and cocktails will highlight the bold flavors of the cuisine,” said co-owner Sadaf Etemadi. “A unique experience is emerging in Dublin. Inspired by the majestic flavors of Latin America. Coco Cabana is the latest blend of modern Latin heat and flavor.”

The location at Waterford is ideal for a new restaurant like Coco Cabana for many reasons. Unlike new commercial developments like Grafton Station, Tralee Village, and Avalon Dublin Station, new restaurants going into the Shops at Waterford no longer have to pay the onerous water and sewer hookup fees, because the previous tenants have already paid them. The water and sewer hookup fees for restaurants in new commercial developments can run anywhere from $200K to $400K.  In addition, the Shops at Waterford has remained a thriving hub for shoppers and diners in East Dublin even during the economic downturn. Finally, Coco Cabana will be able to benefit from all of the tenant improvements made by Stacey’s at Waterford.