Jessica Reyes Lambert, owner of Un Toque Boriken, Kokoriko's brings passion, roots to food
When Jessica Reyes Lambert held a June 28 grand opening of her catering and cakery business, Un Toque Boriken, in Kokoriko’s Pizza and Fried Chicken, 819 Main St., Worcester, it was more than celebrating a move from her previous location on Stafford Street in Worcester. Lambert is new owner of Kokoriko’s.
Little has changed since May 1, when she took ownership of the Main South business, finalizing the deal with previous owner, Alex Franco, on April 28. “I’m still amazed at how fast it happened,” said Lambert, who happened to be in the restaurant for a take-out order and while chatting with Franco he asked if she wanted to buy the place.
“I’ve known Alex and family for a while, and he always jokes around so I sort of laughed it off,” said Lambert. “When I realized Alex was serious I said, ‘let me talk to my husband.’”
The well-established Kokoriko’s will continue to serve its original fried chicken recipe and incorporate Latino flavors in specialty pizzas, according to Lambert, who said fresh ingredients make options for pizzas limitless. “I have a background in nutrition, and I want our items to be healthy and fresh, and with time there will be more vegan and gluten-free options,” she said. “More grab and go, too.” Note: The restaurant’s menu is extensive and offers authentic Latino cuisine, in addition to complete dinners, grilled items, wraps, etc.
A life-long resident of Worcester, Lambert graduated from the former Worcester Vocational High School (now Worcester Technical High School) and attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence. She’s a “proud Worcester Regional Food Hub grad,” using the hub’s kitchen for food preparation before establishing her own industrial kitchen. The food hub provides a variety of services for start-ups and local food entrepreneurs.
Lambert said she left a corporate job, deciding that her true calling was working with people to serve the community and their neighbors. Food is a central pillar of her Latino culture, she said, and the cuisine represents the comfort that comes from foods she grew up eating and also expresses cultural pride. “I have always loved to cook and share food with others,” said Lambert, founder of Worcester Families Feeding Families and an active member of Christian Community Church in Worcester. She has worked with many local nonprofit organizations, including Friendly House and Catholic Charities, and has helped prepare breakfast and lunch for winter shelters under Seeds of Hope. She also has participated in Worcester Community Action’s regional emergency and social service programs that revolve around food and coordinated hot meals provided by Worcester Together during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lambert is among countless volunteers who have helped change the lives of people in the community as a social responsibility rather than always receiving a financial reward.
Last December, Judy Alvarez of Worcester helped her daughter (Lambert) put together 200 to 300 meals for Plumley Village residents who were temporarily displaced. Last week, mother and daughter worked side by side at Kokoriko’s readying meals for the federally sponsored home delivered meal service, Meals on Wheels. Cultural meals included Latino and Vietnamese. Alvarez continues to help in her daughter’s catering business and restaurant.
Lambert grew up in Worcester (Grafton Hill neighborhood), is married to Daniel (Dan) Lambert and has three children. She said she has a huge support system of family and friends. “We’re very busy here, and I know I can count on Kokoriiko’s previous owner and family to help us out in a pinch,” said Lambert. “In fact, Alex’s wife is going to teach me how to make fresh fruit juices using her recipes. “The juices are extremely popular and so refreshing on hot, summer days.”
Kokoriko’s has a consistent takeout business, according to Lambert, who employs two delivery drivers. Some of her catering clients who live in Rochdale, Leicester and Holden now call the restaurant for takeout, she said, “and, we deliver.”
Kokoriko’s Pizza and Fried Chicken is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; closed Wednesday; 2 to 11 p.m. Sunday. Inside seating for four to five. Telephone: (508) 459-1550. Visit www.kokorikospizzafriedchicken.com. Connect on social media for updated menu info. Parking lot in back of the building. Note: Un Toque Boriken Catering and Cakery posts on Facebook. Check it out!
Mariela Rivera of Oakham, who previously worked with Lambert, is chef at Kokoriko’s. Lambert looks forward to training and mentoring four young interns at the restaurant this summer.
“We’re off to a great start,” said Lambert about her new business. “We continue as a member of the Main South Business Association and plan to work closely with other businesses in the area. I love the diversification here. Yes, there’s competition, but it’s friendly and Main South owners are willing to help each other. If a McDonald’s and a Burger King can be located next to each other and succeed, why can’t two or three pizza businesses on the same street? I know we can do it.”
Lambert is friendly and energetic and always happy to talk with customers about her businesses. She expects to announce more news by late summer or early fall. Expansion?
“You’ll have to wait and see,” she smiled. “It’s big.”
Congrats to Lambert and crew on their new home!
Farmers market returns
The Wayland Summer Farmers Market at Russell’s Garden Center, 397 Boston Post Road, Wayland, takes place weekly from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 11.
The market features New England-grown vegetables, fruit, eggs, locally made bread, baked goods, pasta, cheese, meats, seafood, fresh and frozen prepared foods and more. Visit www.russellsgc.com to sign up for market email.
If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Table Hoppin': New owner of Kokoriko's 'off to a great start'
