Two of Monterey County’s best-known and loved restaurants have announced plans to open in this new, live-work-play community of The Dunes.
Lalla Grill currently offers casual yet refined dining in two locations — in Monterey’s Del Monte Shopping Center and on Cannery Row. El Charrito has a 40-year history starting as a Mexican grocery store in Salinas and evolving into a quick-service, grab-and-go establishment known for its burritos and other authentic Mexican menu items. The restaurant operates from its original Salinas location as well as the El Charrito Express in the back of a full-service, high-end Monterey Mexican dinner house called Alejandro’s.
“We’re excited to be coming to [The] Promenade at the Dunes,” says Alex Moncada of the Moncada Group, which owns and operates both restaurants, as well as Alejandro’s. “There’s a lot of growth going on in Marina — [there are a] large number of families in the area and employees in nearby businesses. Shea Homes’ premier reputation as a builder and developer is well-known. We felt this would be the perfect locale to offer delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner options.”
One Building, Two Dining Leaders
The restaurants will both occupy a nearly 5,170-square-foot building with a shared kitchen on the corner of General Stillwell Drive and Jetty Street in Marina.
Lalla Grill is bringing a fresh, updated design to Monterey, with a spacious, partially enclosed patio featuring abundant greenery and heaters for year-round comfort. The menu will feature beloved favorites like Pistachio Chicken Salad, Argentine Steak, and Poblano Chicken Enchiladas, alongside exciting new dishes inspired by local flavors. The bar will showcase a craft cocktail selection, as well.
Located at the north end of the building, El Charrito will offer a large patio for outdoor dining and easy access with convenient parking near the entrance. A dedicated order-ahead pickup area will streamline online orders. Famous for its hand-stretched flour tortillas made on-site, El Charrito continues the legacy of the Salinas staple founded by Moncada’s family in 1981.
The Perfect Connecting Point
Moncada continues, “Marina’s masterplan calls for the surrounding area to be fully developed by 2028, so we feel like traffic generators are only going to increase over the next few years as Shea Homes and other developers build new residential communities. There are a number of national quick-service brands in the vicinity, but El Charrito will bring a local flavor to the table. And Lalla Grill will be one of the few full-service restaurants with local, fresh in-house food and beverage offerings including more than a dozen specialty cocktails.”
“We’re thrilled to be a part of what we believe will be one of the most exciting and trendy retail centers in Monterey County,” concludes Moncada.
Spaces Are Filling Up Fast
Space within Promenade at the Dunes’ seven commercial buildings with 32,685 sq. ft. is rapidly being leased. The new restaurants are the fourth and fifth retailers to be announced.
- Trader Joe’s — 12,500 sq. ft. specialty grocer • 215 10th St. • Now open!
- The Brass Tap Marina — 3,200 sq. ft. craft beer bar and grill • 99 General Stillwell Dr. • Open!
- Bay Federal Credit Union — 1,750 sq. ft. • 140 10th St. • Opening planned for June 2025
- Lalla Grill and El Charrito — 5,170 sq. ft. • 98 General Stillwell Dr., Units D40 and D10 • Opening 2025
With strong interest in the less than 10,000 square feet remaining, opportunities are dwindling quickly, and additional tenant announcements will continue in the coming weeks.
Promenade at the Dunes promises to be an in-demand destination retail center and community gathering place on the Monterey Peninsula. Construction is well underway along 10th Street from the soon-to-open Trader Joe’s to the Cinemark Century Marina theater and the highly popular Brass Tap Marina. A unique feature of Promenade at the Dunes is the retail stroll’s inviting village square — with a plush lawn, fire pits to ward off any ocean chill and a raised stage for special events and musical performances.
The streets themselves will feature shade trees, flowering paths and public art — from a riveting art walk to commissioned murals. Adventurous visitors will also find themselves just steps away from the shores of Monterey Bay.
The center is part of a mixed-use community — The Dunes on Monterey Bay — developed by award-winning homebuilder, Shea Homes. Residential options within the neighborhood include Rooftops at the Dunes townhomes, featuring a number of live/work units above the commercial spaces at street level. Shea Homes is also offering Light House and Sky House at the Dunes single-family detached homes and Bay House at the Dunes duet-style homes.
Timing Is Right
If you’ve been watching the Promenade’s transformation since The Brass Tap’s and Trader Joe’s openings, there’s no better time to learn how you can become part of this one-of-a-kind live-work-play community. If you’re considering a new location for your business, don’t wait! Contact Ralph Borelli at Borelli Investment Company or Michael Schoeder at Cushman & Wakefield for full details.
