Food+Drink

New Restaurant Roblé Will Have Southwestern Zing

Sammy Gibbons |

A new Eau Claire eatery plans to opens its doors in a space that has seen its share of new doors opening. The Letnes family, owners of Milwaukee Burger Co. and Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Grill, will premiere a unique Southwestern menu at a new restaurant, Roblé Tacos and Tequila, in the building that used to house Picanha, Outback Steakhouse, and (most recently) The Front Porch, at 5020 Keystone Crossing. “Those restaurants had their struggles, but we’re not worried about the location,” said co-owner Kent Letnes. “If we can make awesome tacos and margaritas, then I think we’ll be just fine.” The casual dining joint, set to open in November, will follow the same wood-fired concept that has been successful at Grizzly’s. Roblé – that’s Spanish for “oak” – will have a wood-fired rotisserie oven and broiler installed in its kitchen to make tacos, enchiladas, and other entrees. Letnes said the restaurant will be unique because it will be the only place in Eau Claire with specifically Southwest-style food, which is different from Mexican cuisine but is often confused with it. “We wanted to develop a concept here that is unique and could lend itself to be a bit more healthy, which wood-fired food is,” he said. Interior decorating of the restaurant will be done by Shea, a Minneapolis design and architecture company, and will commence shortly. Letnes said that they will publicly announce the grand opening in the near future.