Small Business Survivors: New Day of the Dead eatery, Sueño opens this weekend

Just a few days after the re-opening of the seasonal pop-up bar Nightmare Before Tinsel, another venue complementing the popular destination will officially be opening its doors for customers. Sueño comes from Craft Concepts Group and owner Teddy Sourias, and this Day of the Dead themed eatery will be open most likely until the end of the year, instead of only for a few months like its companion Nightmare.

Sueño is meant to be a celebration of the Mexican holiday with inspired decor, original art pieces from some of the region’s top artists, plus a menu that features traditional and fusion Mexican cuisine by Executive Chef Caroline Hough (which includes a new taco board featuring plenty of proteins and toppings.) The new eatery will also boast Puerto Rican-style empanadas from Tata’s Empanadas, margaritas and cocktails, and an extensive list of tequilas.

“I am excited to be cooking Mexican food and using the knowledge I have garnered from years in this industry working with amazing and talented people,” said Hough in a statement. “I want Sueño to be known for delicious food that respects the great history of Mexican cuisine while bringing my own personality to the menu. I love cooking with fresh and local ingredients, and I want this menu to meld my bright fresh flavors with classic Mexican dishes.”

According to the release, this new pop-up restaurant will occupy the first two floors of the building that Sourias recently purchased before the global pandemic. The plan was to put in a full service, top to bottom renovated restaurant until the shutdown halted his grand plans for his newest restaurant and eatery. However, Sourias wanted to activate the space and bring it to life with his long-time goal of a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. Sueño, which means dream in Spanish, was designed to compliment Nightmare Before Tinsel located immediately next door. Sueño features both drinks from the Sueño menu as well as spooky seasonal cocktails inspired by Nightmare Before Tinsel. On the flip side, those who do visit Nightmare will also be able to sample some of what Sueño has to offer for the time being.

Starting Oct. 9th, the new Midtown Village venue will operate with indoor dining at 25% and following all health and safety regulations as prescribed by local and state officials. However, diners can still enjoy the new eatery outdoors as well, Sueño and Nightmare Before Tinsel will together offer outdoor table service at the brand-new haunted streetery. Suño boasts approximately 50 seats on the two levels of the 6,000 square foot space, but Sourias also announced that after opening weeks, a few additional socially distanced tables (or those separated by glass) will be added down the road. Outside, there are also seven private outdoor “dining rooms” along the 12th Street streetery with seating for four people at a time to help make the experience seem a little more VIP.

According to the release, for health and safety, all patrons must wear masks unless they are at a table with additional safety protocols including staff temperature checks, the mandatory wearing of masks and shields (inside), socially distanced tables, new cleaning procedures, and other new systems. Down the road, not only will Sourias evaluate if he will upgrade and continue the Sueño concept in a new and bigger and more permanent way after there is a vaccine. Additionally, Sourias has plans to renovate and open the third floor dining room.

For more information call 15.909.9406, visit @SuenoPhilly on social media, or check out their website suenophilly.com