Cascades Grill Celebrates Soft Opening May 14-17 in New Entertainment District

There’s a new restaurant for residents of Carlsbad, New Mexico, interested in upscale American cooking and modern Mediterranean dishes. Cascades Grill has a soft opening planned for the weekend of May 14-17 and will then be open for guests to enjoy its cuisine. The location of the Cascades Grill (400-2 Cascades Avenue #Suite 115) is significant because the development has remained vacant for nearly a decade. This opening celebrates the revitalization of that part of town and its future as an entertainment district.

“The Carlsbad population has more than doubled in the past 30 years, but retail and restaurants have not kept up,” says Derek Balzano, Principal at Sundial Construction. “We need to keep up on the commercial side.”

Residents will enjoy Cascades Grill and appreciate having another local business to choose from in their dining options. Here’s what you can expect from this restaurant. 

Residents Can Test the Cascades Grill at the Soft Opening

The four soft opening days at Cascades Grill are separate ticketed events, so residents can’t walk in and ask to be seated just yet. Anyone interested can buy their tickets ahead of time and test various menu items before they are permanently added. Each ticket comes with an appetizer sampler and dessert sampler to try, and the restaurant will have live music and entertainment to support the festivities. Each diner will be asked to fill out comment cards so the restaurant can learn what people liked and disliked.

Cascades Grill has a full bar and seven flat-screen TVs, making it a destination for sports fans. Balzano and his team have developed two menus, a full seated menu and a small-plates menu for the bar. They are focused on using fresh, organic, and local products when possible.

Balzano Worked With the Carlsbad Department of Development 

Balzano has a long working relationship with the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD). His first partnership with the CDOD was to restore the Trinity Hotel and Restaurant 16 years ago, which is now an iconic downtown landmark. Balzano’s interest in the Cascades region highlights his desire to see Carlsbad grow by providing more opportunities for residents.      

“I really appreciated the CDOD working with us on the Trinity Hotel project,” says Balzano. “They have been pivotal in the community and hopefully can help others in the future.”

Balzano adds that he hopes more restaurants and boutiques will move to the Cascades part of town now that his grill is open. He wants to be a pioneer, encouraging further development in the area.  

Entertainment Options Support Economic Development 

Cascades Grill will create jobs and support the existing hospitality industry in Carlsbad, but this business will also contribute to economic development in other ways. New restaurants, sports bars, and entertainment options make Carlsbad a fun place to live. They boost the quality of life, making people want to stay here while attracting new residents. Potential employees are more likely to be attracted to the area, while families will be more likely to seek out Carlsbad to raise their kids.  

“Cascades Grill is more than a new restaurant, it’s a signal that Carlsbad is investing in itself,” says Kristen Gamboa, Executive Director of the CDOD. “This opening marks a turning point for the Cascades area and reflects the momentum we’re building in our local economy. At CDOD, we’re proud to support developments that enhance quality of life, attract new talent, and make Carlsbad a more vibrant place to live, work, and grow.”

Discover Other Quality of Life Investments in Carlsbad

There are several things to do if you are considering moving to Carlsbad. From cooling off at the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area to exploring Carlsbad Caverns and the Guadalupe Mountains, there are countless activities for families. After a fun day outside, residents can stop at Cascades Grill or other restaurants in the area.

Love where you live in Carlsbad, New Mexico. See why more people choose Eddy County for their families and why businesses can find their ideal workforce here.