IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
State Street, the tree-lined centerpiece of downtown Redlands comprised of historic buildings and locally-owned businesses, continues to undergo a facelift. On the west end of the road near Tennessee Street, the next phase of the city’s Pavement Accelerated Repair Implementation Strategy (PARIS) will commence on August 31.
Meanwhile, the boutique and dining-driven east end of State Street has said goodbye to some of its mainstays, while welcoming new establishments in their place.
Las Brasas, a popular Mexican café, closed in August after 20 years in business at 15 East State Street. Some residents believe the small restaurant was owned by the family of Kobe Bryant’s wife Vanessa, as many of her relatives were said to be employed there. Another Mexican restaurant has since moved into the Las Brasas space.
Additionally, several eateries catering to new patrons now populate State Street and its downtown neighbors. The State, a bar and grill serving American cuisine and specializing in craft beer and whiskey, opened earlier this year at 22 East State Street. The restaurant features several bar height tables that face toward the street, a new spin on sidewalk seating that is popular in bars throughout coastal Orange County.
At 26 East State Street, Wok In Café now occupies the space of the former Betty’s Burgers. The Chinese fine dining restaurant also opened in 2015. Inside the historic Redlands Citrus building at the intersection of adjoining Orange Street, the proprietors of Cheesewalla, a gourmet grilled cheese stand, have acquired a 900-square foot space as part of the Orange Street Alley Park project.
Meanwhile, other businesses continue to call State Street their home after multiple decades. Cuca’s Mexican Food, now in its 25th year of business, has kept its original walk-up stand at 527 East State Street despite opening five more locations throughout the Inland Empire. The downtown Redlands location, which continues to attract loyal crowds for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is open from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Thursday. Late night crowds are served until 2:30 AM on Friday and Saturday, and the walk-up is open until 8:00 PM on Sunday.
Other State Street businesses to remain for several years include Baskin Robbins at 405 East State Street and the Redlands Galleria antique mall at 17 East State Street.
