DANBURY — Local entrepreneur Cirilo Rodriguez recently opened his second Latin eatery, Torre Fuerte Cafe at 60 Newtown Road, offering more traditional Columbian and Ecuadorian specialties with a Puerto Rican fusion.
City officials including Mayor Roberto Alves recently celebrated the grand opening on April 15 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Alves expressed support for Rodriguez’s latest business venture, saying: “Cirilo Rodriguez represents the very best of Danbury’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
Rodriguez’s first restaurant is Torre Fuerte Deli at 53 Locust Ave. which also serves traditional Latin fare along with classic deli items, such as their house Cuban sandwich and favorites, including corned beef and pastrami.
“He’s built a business that serves thousands each year and has earned the trust and loyalty of our community,” Alves said about Rodriguez’s first restaurant.
About opening of the new cafe, Alves said, “That kind of growth doesn’t happen by chance, it’s a reflection of hard work, consistency, and a belief in Danbury. Cirilo’s success story shows that in our city, small businesses can not only thrive, but expand, create opportunity and leave a lasting impact.”
At the new place, Rodriguez serves authentic Columbian dishes such as bandeja paisa, called a “feast on a platter,” according to internationalcuisine.com, with rice, beans, grilled steak, sausage, fried sweet plantain and avocado.
The café also features ceviche, an Ecuadorian specialty with poached seafood marinated in lime and orange juice with red onions, tomato and cilantro.
The menu will also include Puerto Rican frituras, which are fried snacks such as alcapurrias (starchy fritters) and pastelillos (turnovers).
The new Torre Fuerte Café is also a sign of a positive business climate in the city, Alves said.
“We’re seeing a city where opportunity isn’t just attracting new entrepreneurs, it’s giving those who have already found success here the confidence to grow, expand, and reinvest,” Alves said. “That’s the kind of momentum that continues to strengthen our local economy.”
Alves said the growth of more Latino and Hispanic-owned restaurants in Danbury and statewide is also encouraging and “reflects individuals investing in their future and building their American Dream.”
