MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — After nearly two months of silence, the sounds of sizzling and conversation are returning to Republica Restaurant and Lounge. The popular Latino spot in Matthews reopened Wednesday following an immigration enforcement scare that rippled through Charlotte’s Hispanic community in November.
David Padilla, who oversees marketing for several Latino businesses in the area, including Republica and La Unica, said the decision to close was made immediately after word spread of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.
“As soon as we got word of the ICE situation, we made the decision to close immediately,” Padilla said. “It’s not cheap, but at the same time, we were thinking more about everyone’s safety.”…