Dos Hermanos, a new Oaxacan brick-and-mortar on Elm Street, celebrated its grand opening on Friday.
Dos Hermanos started off as a single food truck in Columbus but has since expanded to five food trucks and seven brick-and-mortar locations. This is not only their first location in Cincinnati but also their first full-service restaurant.
All of the food on offer is authentic Oaxacan fare, said Owner Lisa Gutierrez.
“We find a lot of traditional seasoning,” Gutierrez told CityBeat. “Banana leaves for our tamales, instead of corn husks. Our salsas are the same thing that they get back home. We spend a lot of time on using not only local ingredients but also ingredients that’s traditional to Oaxaca.”
Oaxaca is a state in the south of Mexico. The restaurant’s name (literally two brothers) is in reference to Gutierrez’s husband and brother-in-law. Gutierrez’s husband was actually busy preparing food when CityBeat attended the opening on Friday.
Dos Hermanos is joining the Findlay Market District as a long-term resident of the Findlay Launch Program, an entrepreneurial accelerator that’s helping it pilot this first full-service restaurant. The concept began as a single food truck 14 years ago, and has now grown into a fleet of food trucks, as well as several quick-service locations in Columbus and Athens and a catering program.
“We have a back room for events, we have $9 Fiesta deals,” said Director of Operations Robert Packer. “So, you can come and eat for under 10 bucks, any day, all day, every day of the week.”
The restaurant celebrated with a dance performance and a distribution of food.
“We are authentic Oaxacan,” Packer said. “All of our sauces are handmade in house. All of the marinades, hand-cut chicken [are] truly authentic flavors.”
“We’re excited to be here in the community,” Gutierrez said.
Dos Hermanos is located at 1819 Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine. Learn more about them at eatatdos.com.
Katherine Barrier contributed reporting to this story.