Rivera Italian Restaurant appears to be ahead of schedule on its move to North Little Rock’s Lakewood Village Shopping Park. When we reported in June that the restaurant was relocating from its cozy location at 4546 E. McCain Blvd., owner Johnny Qerimi was targeting a November opening for the move to the roomier 6,000-square-foot space in the former Mojitos & Margaritas at 2629 Lakewood Village Drive. According to signage on the former spot and future location, the reopening will be Tuesday, Oct. 8.
But Rivera isn’t abandoning its former home in the miniature strip mall between Burger King and Walmart Supercenter on the east side of Highway 67/167. When we spoke to Qerimi over the summer, he told us the plan is to reopen as a New York-style pizzeria once the relocation project is complete. At the time, he estimated that the pizzeria would open in January.
Rivera has temporarily closed the McCain store, and signage on the window says that went into effect Sunday night. The sign on the door at the novel location says the restaurant will be serving “all your favorites,” plus a novel and expanded menu and an enhanced wine list. It also advertises a full bar and a party room.
Interested job applicants can call 501-955-2300. The restaurant’s hours will be 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
