Acclaimed Denver chef Enrique Socarras is set to make a significant return to the culinary scene with the opening of his latest venture, Jama Miami Cuban Food + Drink, at Freedom Street Social in Arvada. The new eatery, located at 15177 Candelas Pkwy, marks Socarras’s return to restaurant ownership after several years away from the industry. Known for co-founding the popular Cuba Cuba in 2001, Socarras is bringing his Miami-inspired Cuban cuisine back to the forefront of Denver’s dining landscape.
Socarras, who moved from Miami to Denver, has expressed his excitement about the new project. “This project, for me, is very heartfelt. I’m just really excited to be cooking for Denver again,” he shared with What Now Denver. After months of discussions, he signed the lease for his new food hall stall last week. The modular setup at Freedom Street Social means no major construction is needed, allowing for a swift setup process.
Jama’s Culinary Focus
The menu at Jama will highlight Miami-style Cuban food, a nod to Socarras’s upbringing. Emphasizing sandwiches and street-style favorites, the eatery aims to capture the essence of Miami’s vibrant Cuban coffee counters. Although liquor service will be managed by Freedom Street Social’s main bar, Socarras is eager to collaborate on cocktails that align with Jama’s brand.
Operational Strategy and Staffing
With hiring already underway, Socarras plans to employ a team of 10 to 15 staff members, including some familiar faces from his previous ventures. The strategic location within Freedom Street Social allows Jama to leverage the food hall’s existing infrastructure, facilitating a seamless operational launch.
Testing Grounds and Future Plans
In preparation for the opening, Socarras has been testing his menu from a ChefReady ghost kitchen in Denver. This approach has allowed him to refine his offerings and gauge customer preferences. According to the ChefReady website, approximately half of Jama’s orders come from delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, with the remainder being local pickups.
“Once Jama opens, he plans to pause the ghost kitchen, but says it may return to assist with takeout.”
Historical Context and Industry Trends
The announcement of Jama Miami Cuban Food + Drink comes at a time when food halls are gaining popularity as dynamic culinary hubs. These spaces offer chefs and restaurateurs a unique opportunity to experiment with new concepts without the overhead costs associated with standalone restaurants. Socarras’s choice to open within Freedom Street Social reflects a broader industry trend towards modular and flexible dining experiences.
Socarras’s return to the Denver culinary scene is not just a personal milestone but also a testament to the enduring appeal of Cuban cuisine. His previous success with Cuba Cuba laid the groundwork for a thriving Cuban food culture in Denver, and Jama aims to build on that legacy.
Looking Ahead
As Jama Miami Cuban Food + Drink prepares to open its doors, the anticipation among local food enthusiasts is palpable. The venture represents a new chapter for Socarras, who is eager to reconnect with the Denver community through his culinary creations. With a focus on authentic flavors and a commitment to quality, Jama is poised to become a beloved fixture at Freedom Street Social.
The opening of Jama Miami Cuban Food + Drink is slated to bring a taste of Miami to Arvada, enriching the local dining scene with its vibrant and flavorful offerings. As Socarras embarks on this new journey, the community eagerly awaits the opportunity to experience his heartfelt culinary vision firsthand.
