WILMINGTON—Wilmington now has a Dominican restaurant to call its own.
Though there are plenty of Hispanic food options in town, Mamajuana is the first to focus on bringing cuisine from the Dominican Republic to the Port City.
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When Jasmine Minaya first moved to Wilmington, she was disappointed by how few Dominicans she found. As a student at New Hanover High School, Minaya said her siblings were the only Dominican people enrolled.
Since Mamajuana Restaurant opened, Minaya said the authentic cuisine has helped bring Dominican people together.
“I’ve met a lot more, especially since the restaurant opened,” Minaya said. “We have had Dominican people come here and they tell us, ‘Yes, it tastes authentic, don’t switch anything up.'”
The name Mamajuana derives from a Dominican drink that is made from rum soaked in wood chips. One day, Minaya said the restaurant will serve the drink, but for now, it’s awaiting approval on a liquor permit.
A joint venture started by her mother and stepfather Henny and Willy Peguero, the family-business opened on May 7 at 1414 South College Road.
Mamajuana Restaurant is open every day of the week. It will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will close at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Mamajuana runs a lunch special featuring $2 off any regular lunch item.
For more information on Mamajuana Restaurant, visit its Facebook page.
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