Cuba Libre expands its restaurant ownership to Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties.

Cuba Libre enthusiasts in the Philadelphia suburbs will no longer need to venture to the city to savor the delights of this celebrated Old City restaurant. GuestCounts Hospitality, the parent company of Cuba Libre, has officially taken ownership of three suburban establishments: Paladar Latin Kitchen in King of Prussia and Bomba Taco + Bar located in Newtown and Malvern, both situated in Bucks County. This acquisition, finalized at the end of March, was recently announced by GuestCounts in a formal statement.

Previously owned by the Cleveland-based Paladar Restaurant Group, the three restaurants have encountered challenges in recent years, including the closure of several Ohio locations. By transitioning management from a Midwest-based group to local operators, GuestCounts aims to leverage its extensive Philadelphia experience. Co-founder Barry Gutin articulated the strategic advantage this shift presents, emphasizing the incorporation of local knowledge and networks into these thriving restaurant concepts. Notably, the flavors synonymous with Cuba Libre are set to be integrated into the new venues, with plans to share recipes and culinary inspirations drawn from Cuba Libre’s celebrated empanadas and award-winning mojito.

To enhance the dining experience, GuestCounts intends to invest a minimum of 0,000 in upgrades across all three locations. Improvements will include better sound systems, additional televisions, and enhanced outdoor seating options. Guests can also expect extended hours at these establishments during the summer, featuring late-night happy hours and special weekend events.

The partners of GuestCounts, which include Gutin, Larry Cohen, and Bob Gallo, bring a wealth of experience in the nightlife industry, having previously operated popular venues such as Pulsations and Egypt on the Waterfront. Their extensive background in nightlife management will enable them to infuse a lively atmosphere into the bar areas of the newly acquired restaurants. Starting June 20, a new initiative will see DJs performing until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at the rebranded “610 SOCIAL Bar + Lounge” at Paladar, specifically catering to corporate professionals in the King of Prussia area.

Meanwhile, at the Bomba restaurants, a rebranding to Bomba ¡Tacos + Tequila! reflects a renewed focus on tequila-centric mixology and unique dining experiences. Beginning in July, the venues will introduce a new “¡Tequila Time!” happy hour, while outdoor dining will be enhanced with firepit tables for patrons to enjoy.

GuestCounts is also upgrading catering and private party options, allowing for online reservations for groups of up to 12 people at Paladar and Bomba, with larger gathering arrangements requiring direct communication with sales staff. With these recent acquisitions, GuestCounts now operates a total of seven restaurants, including the original Cuba Libre location in Old City, which has been a staple since its 2000 inception. The company also holds restaurants in Atlantic City, Washington, D.C., and Orlando.

This multifaceted strategy not only seeks to enrich the dining experience in suburban Philadelphia but also fortifies GuestCounts’ presence in the regional restaurant scene, signaling an ambitious growth trajectory.

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