Owners of this closed Wichita restaurant promised they’d be back. Now, they are.
Peruvian restaurant Lima Nation had a bit of a cult following in Wichita. Then suddenly, in February, the restaurant at 2146 N. Collective Lane closed down after two years in business, and its owner filed for Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy.
Now, though, the owners — chef Carlos Barreda and his wife, Karo Barreda, are back with a new business concept that will allow their faithfuls to get their food again.
The couple is launching a new business called Lima Catering Co., and they’re planning not only to offer food for smaller private and corporate events but also for people who’d like to have dishes delivered to their homes or have Chef Carlos — who trained at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Lima, Peru — prepare food live in their home kitchens.
“The closure of the restaurant really wasn’t the end for us,” Karo said. “We wanted to do something else. . . The idea is to continue sharing Peruvian gastronomy and Peruvian culture.”
At the moment, Carlos is trying to choose a commercial kitchen to work from and has narrowed it down to three.
Customers will have several options. They’ll be able to order catering for small- to medium-sized events either from the menu posted online or by asking for a certain type of cuisine. Carlos is the only one cooking, but he can prepare any number of dishes, not just Peruvian, Karo said.
Dishes on the standard catering menu include Lima Nation favorites like lomo saltado, which is Peruvian stir-fry, and empanadas. The menu also includes desserts, including tres leches cake, and a variety of lasagnas, including one made with seafood.
Those who want Lima Nation food in their homes can have it delivered, but orders must total $250 minimum.
Carlos has also agreed to the in-home dining experiences. He’s a bit shy, his wife said, but the kitchen is his domain, and he comes to life there. People who want to throw private parties with a personal chef will enjoy his presentation, she said.
“He does a perfect and beautiful job with the food,” his wife said. “That’s his passion.”
Anyone who wants to inquire about catering should call 316-719-6866 or email limacateringco@gmail.com. The menu and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at www.limacateringco.com
The couple also has not ruled out opening another restaurant someday, Karo said. They’d just need to find the right investors.
The Barredas moved to Wichita to be close to Carlos’ brother. Though they owned restaurants in Nicaragua and Honduras, Lima Nation was their first U.S. business.
Carlos filed for Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy in February, citing total liabilities of $314,183.85 and total assets of $23,774.76.
At the time, the couple said that they’d made “significant efforts” to keep the restaurant open but that operating costs made it impossible to continue.
The Barredas also said at the time that they had plans to continue doing business in Wichita. The new catering business is that plan, Karo said, and they’re eager to see how it’s received.
They already have been in touch with the core group of customers who were loyal to Lima Nation.
“We have been hearing from a lot of customers and also from customers that haven’t really realized that we closed,” Karo said.
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