New Latin fusion restaurant is under construction on the waterfront in downtown Wilmington

Allison Ballard, Wilmington StarNews
Updated ·2 min read
Retail space on the ground floor of apartment complex Pier 33 remains for lease on downtown Wilmington's northern end. Despite a slow start in leasing, the real estate agents say momentum is picking up.
Retail space on the ground floor of apartment complex Pier 33 remains for lease on downtown Wilmington's northern end. Despite a slow start in leasing, the real estate agents say momentum is picking up.

Among the new apartments, houseboats and businesses in the Pier 33 complex on the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington are a few restaurants in the works. One of those recently started construction and is eyeing a possible opening early next year.

Jennifer Rigard of the Wilmington-based FreshCo Marketing Studio works with restaurants from Boston to Florida. Now, she and her husband are partnering with a South Carolina restaurant group to bring a new concept to this area.

Rigard said she’s lived in the Wilmington area for a decade and believes Bonita Latin Fusion & Cocktails will bring something unique to the local dining scene.

“We’ll incorporate Peruvian and Colombian dishes, as well as those from the Caribbean, and countries like the Dominican Republic.”

Columbian chef Boris Marcell is set to lead the kitchen at the upcoming Bonita Latin Fusion & Cocktails restaurant in downtown Wilmington. This dish from his Instagram account teases the Latin-Asian fusion elements of the eatery.
Columbian chef Boris Marcell is set to lead the kitchen at the upcoming Bonita Latin Fusion & Cocktails restaurant in downtown Wilmington. This dish from his Instagram account teases the Latin-Asian fusion elements of the eatery.

Rigard said she’s recruited well-known Colombian chef Boris Marcell to design the menu and lead the kitchen when the restaurant opens. Look for ceviche and sushi, and menu items that explore the Asian flavors and techniques of Latin America.

“It will be an experience for dining, but also for cocktails,” she said. “We want to incorporate Miami-style cocktail service. We want to have some tableside presentations and cocktails that use a lot of tropical flavors.”

Bonita will also likely be a spot for live music representing the many cultures of Latin America.

The restaurant will be located in the growing area near Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Bonita is set to occupy two spaces at Pier 33. Terry Espy, of MoMentum Companies, said they'd been working to find the right spot for the restaurant. They also hope to have outdoor seating to make the most of the riverside setting.

Pier 33 is also home to Marina Grill and Miguel and Ramon Villasenor have announced plans to open a second Tequila Comida & Cantina nearby, as well.

Bonita Latin Fusion & Cocktails restaurant is under construction at Pier 33 in downtown Wilmington.
Bonita Latin Fusion & Cocktails restaurant is under construction at Pier 33 in downtown Wilmington.

More: With new restaurant partnership, Mexican brunch trend continues in Wilmington

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Bonita Latin Fusion restaurant is under construction in downtown Wilmington