Terrebonne, Oregon – A landmark historic building in Terrebonne is set to embark on a new chapter, trading railway passengers for diners seeking authentic Mexican flavors. La Catrina Chingona, a new restaurant venture, is preparing to open its doors within the walls of the historic Oregon Trunk Passenger Depot building, located prominently at 400 NW Smith Rock Way.
A Historic Venue Reimagined
The building itself carries a rich history, integral to the early development of the region. Constructed in 1911, it originally served as the train station along the Oregon Trunk Railway. This role connected communities and facilitated commerce for decades. While its days as a functioning railway depot are long past, the structure was preserved and underwent a significant renovation in 2004, transforming it into a space suitable for modern commercial use, specifically as a restaurant. Its distinctive architecture stands as a reminder of Terrebonne’s past, now poised to host contemporary community gatherings centered around food and drink.
The Visionaries Behind the Project
La Catrina Chingona is the latest undertaking from local entrepreneurs Danielle Nogosek and Kayla Jeffrey. The duo are already established figures in Terrebonne’s business landscape, known for their successful operation of the popular establishments Brand 44 N and The Pump House. Their track record suggests a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to providing quality experiences. Their decision to launch La Catrina Chingona in the historic depot building, a structure steeped in local history, signals a deep-seated commitment to both the culinary scene and the preservation of local heritage within the community, aiming to create a destination that is both a restaurant and a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Authentic Flavors and Culinary Approach
The cornerstone of La Catrina Chingona’s offering is its dedication to authentic Mexican cuisine. The culinary direction is deeply personal, rooted in cherished family recipes that have been passed down through generations, promising a genuine taste experience distinct from more generalized Mexican-inspired fare. This foundation of tradition is coupled with a forward-looking element: a rotating seasonal menu that will allow the kitchen to highlight fresh, local ingredients sourced from the surrounding Central Oregon landscape and beyond, reflecting the changing seasons and offering patrons new dishes to explore upon repeat visits. This dynamic approach ensures that the menu remains fresh and responsive to ingredient availability and culinary creativity.
Beyond the food, the establishment is also poised to become a destination for spirits enthusiasts. A dedicated tequila bar will be a prominent feature, offering a selection of beverages that includes unique drinks crafted to pair with the cuisine or enjoyed on their own. Designed not just for traditional shots but as a focal point for crafted cocktails, the bar will feature a curated selection of tequilas and other spirits, aiming to provide a sophisticated yet approachable drinking experience. This element adds another layer to the restaurant’s identity, blending traditional flavors with creative mixology and offering a social hub within the venue.
Navigating the Path to Opening
The journey to opening La Catrina Chingona has not been without its challenges. Like many businesses navigating the current economic and labor climate, the project experienced delays, primarily attributed to staffing challenges. Securing the necessary personnel to ensure smooth operations, maintain high service standards, and support the kitchen’s ambitions has been a key hurdle that required careful management and planning by the ownership team. These delays underscore the complexities of launching a new hospitality venture in the present environment.
Despite these delays, the opening timeline is now firmly set. A soft opening is scheduled to welcome initial guests and gather feedback on June 26 and 27, 2025. During these dates, the restaurant will operate from 4 pm to 10 pm, providing a preliminary taste of the La Catrina Chingona experience and allowing staff to fine-tune service and kitchen operations ahead of the official launch. This controlled opening phase is standard practice to ensure readiness for higher volume.
Grand Opening Celebrations Planned
The official grand opening celebration is slated for July 1, 2025. The owners are planning a vibrant series of events designed to be a multifaceted celebration for the community, extending beyond just the culinary aspect. The festivities are expected to include live music, promising an energetic and festive atmosphere that encourages patrons to linger and enjoy the evening. Adding a distinctly unique flair, the event will also feature a tattoo artist on-site, offering a form of artistic expression rarely combined with a restaurant opening, adding an element of surprise and novelty to the proceedings. Furthermore, a car show is planned, appealing to automotive enthusiasts and adding another dimension to the diverse activities surrounding the launch, ensuring there is something to engage a wide array of interests among attendees and draw a broad cross-section of the community to the historic location.
Operating Hours and Future Plans
Upon opening, the restaurant’s initial operating hours will run from 4 pm until approximately 10 pm. This schedule allows the team to focus on dinner service and manage the initial volume. However, the owners have already indicated intentions to extend the closing time to 11 pm in the near future as operations stabilize and customer demand dictates. This planned extension reflects anticipation for the restaurant becoming a late-evening destination. Guests are encouraged to visit the restaurant’s official website for the most current information regarding hours, menu offerings, and details about the grand opening events. The website address is lacatrinachingona.com.
With its blend of historic location, authentic family-inspired cuisine, a dedicated tequila bar, and planned community engagement events, La Catrina Chingona is poised to become a significant and unique addition to Terrebonne’s dining and cultural scene, breathing new life into a cherished local landmark and offering a distinct culinary experience.
