In an Instagram caption on the Rita’s original account, co-founder Missy Flynn confirmed that she will be opening Bodega Rita’s, alongside co-founder Gabriel Pryce, at the development.
“This is a massive regeneration of an amazing part of London and one we have faith and trust in. When you’re a small self-funded business built on the dreams of two people with very little outside support - no backers, no PRs, no advisors, no nada - it’s easy to get overexcited but also to freak out when things like this present themselves,” writes Flynn.
“It’s very flattering and rewarding to know that hard work does pay off. Somehow we’ve all managed to get to a point where we can announce that Bodega Rita’s, an absolutely tiny little sandwich shop/ deli / bodega, is opening in a few weeks.”
Details of the food and beverage offer at the bodega have not yet been released, although it has been running a residency at Browns East since May, and hinted on a separate Instagram page that the décor and food at the will be similar to that served at the Club Row pop up.
Food and drink served at the Bodega Rita’s residency includes iced coffee served in Oaxacan ceramic; pastries made with peanut butter, jam and banana from Popham’s bakery; maple bacon croissants; blood orange chocolate pastries; vegan horchata made with brown and white rice milk and medjool dates; agua fresca made with hibiscus flower and lime; and ingredients that can be bought to take home including bags of dried chillies, and various salts.
Décor inspiration at the residency came from Luis Barragan, a Mexican architect, and features red and terracotta tones that Flynn says will be used “heavily” at the Kings Cross site.
Rita’s closed its American/Mexican junk food and cocktail restaurant – which counted Jackson Boxer as one of its original co-founders – in 2016. It reopened at Redchurch Brewery over the summer.