Hacienda Santa Teresa Restaurant was supposed to have its official grand opening celebration with family, friends, the mayor and members of town council.
But due to COVID-19, that celebration has been put on hold, but the family who owns the business wants people to know that they are still open for business and they are offering free meals to front line health care workers for the rest of April.
"We had seen that a lot of places are offering discounts for front line health and emergency workers, so we wanted to take it an extra step and offer a whole free meal," said owner, Juan Angel Velazquez.
"All they have to do is show credentials and they can either walk in and order, call in ahead of time for pickup, or have it delivered."
Velazquez and his family moved from Cancun, Mexico to Bradford in 2004. It has been their lifelong family dream to open their own restaurant, dating back to when Valazquex, his mother and grandmother used to sell food on the street of Cancun to make a living.
"We have been lucky enough to live in a country with so many opportunities and with hard work, we have now been able to fulfill that dream."
Even with the unfortunate timing for anyone to open a business, the Velazquez family still wants to give back in anyway they can.
"The community has been amazing to us over the 16 years, so we feel that it is only right to give something back during these difficult times," said Velazquez.
Once the pandemic passes, the family says they plan to host their much anticipated, traditional grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with the town.
"Once everything going on with COVID-19 ends, we plan on having that big grand opening party."
The restaurant is still open for take-out and delivery orders at 22 Holland St. West. Visit their Facebook page here to see their menu options.
