New Wash Heights Restaurant To Open In Former Home Of Lucky Seven

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — A new restaurant is coming to the former home of the Lucky Seven Tapas Bar in Washington Heights.

Casa Latino will open at 1447 Saint Nicholas Ave., between West 182nd and 183rd streets, according to a September community board meeting.

The restaurant will be run by two former employees of Casa Del Mofongo, which is a popular Dominican restaurant on the same uptown street.

Eddie Mourad, the owner of the new restaurant, worked at Casa Del Mofongo for 18 years as an office manager.

The representatives for the restaurant went in front of the Community Board 12 Licensing Committee and were approved for a liquor license. The owner said there will also be a DJ, karaoke, and live music.

Its hours of operation will be Monday through Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 a.m., Thursday to Saturday from noon to 4 a.m., and on Sunday from noon to 2 a.m. The inside will have a capacity of 256 people, with 32 tables and 12 barstools.

The restaurant will also be sound proofed, according to its application.

Mourad said the restaurant would hire 40 to 45 employees from the neighborhood.

"I used to be a regular client at Lucky Seven and I think our are needs a business in this space," uptown resident David Hidalgo said during the licensing meeting. "95% of the people that worked there belong to the community. They helped single mothers work and managed their home life and childcare. I want to see a business that brings resources to the community. I hope you keep the promise to hire people from the area."

The liquor license was approved by the committee unanimously.