When Que Chula picked the perfect spot for its Mexican flavors on Franklin Street, the owners didn’t expect to open in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
But the Mexican restaurant opened in April 2020 at 140 W. Franklin St. in the former Hops Burger Bar location and adjusted to the necessary social distancing changes.
For the owners, Jose and Laurena Ibarra, Que Chula is a place where they can embrace their Mexican culture.
The Ibarras are not new to the restaurant business, and it shows with the launch of Que Chula, which was able to start offering takeout right away. Jose and Laurena are second generation in the Mexican restaurant business, as their parents opened one of the first Mexican restaurants in Chapel Hill. They also own another Mexican restaurant in Virginia.
“We have always wanted to open a restaurant in Chapel Hill,” Laurena wrote in an email. “Especially because it’s my hometown and my husband has always liked Chapel Hill’s atmosphere. We have learned that people travel all around the world and are willing to try new food. We wanted to bring our real Mexican flavors and our beautiful vibrant folklore to town!”
Que Chula is described as “authentic Mexican food with a twist,” explaining how its authentic cuisine mixes with the twist of the unique presentation and flavors. The Ibarras partnered with local chef Miguel Cuevas to bring this “authentic Mexican food with a twist” to life.
Photo via Laurena Ibarra
“Miguel Cuevas understands our vision and he executes delicious fresh from scratch dishes,” wrote Laurena. “He knows that Mexico offers a wide variety of flavors and dishes that make people want to try something new next time.”
In addition to Que Chula’s cuisine, the Ibarras hope its presentation of food, weekly chef’s specials, unique vibrant decoration and furniture will help it stand out amongst other restaurants on Franklin Street. With hopes to curate a unique dining space, Laurena Ibarra personally picked everything from the plates to the colors to the decor to the furniture – reminding her of her beautiful Mexican culture.
The Ibarras envisioned Que Chula to be a fun and friendly environment where guests can feel that they are somewhere in Mexico, and the combination of the Mexican cuisine with the indoor and outdoor dining space help to create this experience.
“We would love to expand Que Chula all over the Triangle and to other states, as we would love to bring Mexico through Que Chula,” Laurena wrote.
Que Chula is located at 140 W. Franklin St. across from Carolina Square and is currently offering takeout and dining room service.
Story by Merritt Strodel
