Y Arriba Y Arriba coming to Downtown Disney

Y Arriba! Y Arriba!

Hot New Latin Dining and Entertainment Concept
To Be Introduced at Downtown Disney, Anaheim

Y Arriba Y Arriba, Downtown Disney's new Latin dining and entertainment concept at The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, will be a unique 600-seat tapas-teatro. The menu will feature tapas the snack-sized dishes that are a favorite throughout the Latin world while the teatro will feature live entertainment including concerts by Latin stars of today and tomorrow.

Y Arriba Y Arriba is the latest milestone in the world of Latin dining and entertainment for the Cachaldora/Currais family - a journey that started in Cuba nearly 200 years ago when their ancestors arrived from Spain and opened their first restaurant. The family's most recent success has been Club Tropigala, the world-famous Latin supper club in the heart of Miami Beach.

"To continue our success into the 21st century, we recognized that we would need to grow in a different way," says Jose Cachaldora, an operating partner of Club Tropigala, and family leader in this new concept. "Fortunately, we found neighbors in Miami who provided just what we needed when they joined the team."

Pat McBride, an entertainment center designer, whose credits include Cafe Tu Tu Tango and The American Wilderness Experience, joined the team, as did David Klein, who is experienced in new brand development. The partnership was completed by Barry Gibbons, former Chairman and CEO of Burger King Corp. , who is Chairman of the Board of Directors for the new company.

"This is FAR from being just another theme restaurant," says Gibbons. "We believe our dining experience will be unique, with universal appeal, and we will add to that with an ever-changing mix of live Latin entertainment and imagery."

The name Y Arriba Y Arriba reflects what this unique team is trying To achieve. The phrase has a secure place in musical history as the rousing cry in the middle of the song "La Bamba." Although its literal translation is about "overcoming" or "conquering," today it means almost anything you want it to.

"That is exactly what we want our new concept to be," says Jorge Currais, fifth-generation descendant of the founder of La Zaragozana, the historic first family restaurant in Cuba. "We want everybody to get something different from a visit to Y Arriba Y Arriba - whether it be the food, drink, decor or entertainment; whether they just have fun or learn something about Latin history and culture. We plan to make YArriba Y Arriba a memorable experience."

Y Arriba Y Arriba will showcase the varied cultures, countries and history of the Latin world. The restaurant's decor will feature interesting and intriguing Latin paintings, sculpture and crafts. The 18,000-square-foot entertainment center will have several bars and a coffee area, as well as a branded merchandise sales facility, where patrons can purchase t-shirts, caps and a variety of other items.

Y Arriba Y Arriba will capitalize on the rapid demographic growth of Hispanics in the United States. By the year 2020, Hispanics are expected to be 18 percent of the total population, making the U.S. the second biggest Latin nation behind Mexico. In Los Angeles and Miami, Hispanics already represent more than 35 percent of the population. Nation's Restaurant News recently identified Latin foods as "ready for meteoric growth in the U.S." -- a trend that will clearly benefit Y Arriba Y Arriba.

Y Arriba Y Afiiba will also take advantage of the increasing popularity of "social grazing," or eating smaller meals throughout the day and sharing dishes with company. The menu will have a wide variety of meat and fish-based dishes, as well as vegetable items, soups and finger foods. Patrons can also order meal-size portions with side dishes like rice, fried potatoes and salads. A children's menu is also available.

In keeping with the fun atmosphere at Y Arriba Y Arriba, a trolley covered with "Classic Tapas of Madrid" will constantly circulate in the restaurant and bar areas to stimulate diners' appetites and complement the normal waiter service. Some dishes, like Brazilian beef rodizio, will be carved at the table, making dining even more fun.

The 18,000-square-foot entertainment center will have several bars and a coffee area. Y Arriba Y Arriba will also have a branded merchandise sales facility, where patrons can purchase t-shirts, caps and a variety of other items. Top-name Latin entertainers will be showcased on the restaurant's main stage, which has state-of-the-art camera and sound facilities. There will also be several support stages for daytime entertainment or specialty acts.

A cast of 20 in-house performers will give 5 to 10 minute "vignettes" of different Latin countries throughout the day and evening. Fashion shows, poetry and literature readings and celebrity appearances will occur frequently during the day, and a house orchestra will play dance music in the evening. Regular Latin specialty acts, such as mariachi and flamenco dancers, will complement the in-house cast, and star performers will appear on weekends and for special events.

Y Arriba Y Arriba will be located in Downtown Disney, a retail, dining and entertainment center and part of the major expansion of The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The Resort expansion will also include a new theme park called Disney's California Adventure as well as a deluxe hotel to be called Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. At the heart of The Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney will be an entertainment mecca of themed retail, dining, nightclubs and other venues all within walking distance for guests, conventioneers and local residents. Downtown Disney will become a unique gathering place, connecting the two theme parks - Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland - together with The Disneyland Resort Hotels.