When Will Vida Cantina Open?

Three months after Joel Harris and Jay McSharry announced their plans to create the new Mexican restaurant Vida Cantina, the project is really taking shape and the new eatery could be open by Memorial Day Weekend.

McSharry, who owns several Portsmouth retaurants that include Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe and Moxy, and Harris, who owns Dos Amigos Burritos, , according to Chris McMahon of Summit Realty Partners.

McMahon said then the 98-seat restaurant will feature modern Mexican cuisine using the best local, seasonal and organic ingredients. The restaurant will also feature a full bar that specializes in Tequila and a quick service area that will provide a speedy lunch or dinner option to patrons. Vida means life in Spanish and Jay and Joel’s intention is to create vibrant, gathering place where everyone can enjoy life with soulful food and imaginative cocktails in an unpretentious and relaxed environment.

Meanwhile, , located at the former Taco Bell restaurant next door to Vida Cantina has not begun any renovation or construction yet. Josh Lanahan and Michelle Lozuaway, co-owners of STREET, previously said they leased the Taco Bell eatery this winter and hoped to open their new restaurant this spring.

In April, El Rodeo agreed to lease the former Outback Steakhouse in Newington to create a new Mexican restaurant there.