Loca Luna Holds Soft Openings After Near-Complete Renovation of Riverdale Space

Loca Luna closed in September 2025 for renovations and is now in its final stage before a public reopening. The Remolinos Group — which took ownership from Mark Abernathy, who ran the restaurant for decades as one of Little Rock's more established dining institutions — is holding invitation-only soft opening lunches and dinners this week at 3519 Old Cantrell Road. The official reopening date will be set based on those results.

What Changed

The renovation was described as near-complete on both the interior and exterior. Outside, the facade has been upgraded and a fenced-in front patio was added — a tangible improvement for a street like Old Cantrell where outdoor seating matters during spring and fall. Interior changes were not released in full, but the scope of the project suggests a substantial reworking rather than a cosmetic refresh. The Remolinos Group also owns Red Door, which closed April 1 for its own extensive renovation and is expected to reopen with a new concept in summer 2026.

Riverdale Context

Loca Luna has been one of the Old Cantrell corridor's dinner anchors for years, with a long-running identity tied to Abernathy's ownership. A change in ownership followed by a nine-month closure and full renovation is a meaningful transition — the restaurant that reopens will share a name and address but be a materially different operation than the one that closed. How much of the original identity the Remolinos Group carries forward versus resets is the open question for regulars.