LOOK: Helvetica Slated to Open on Wednesday

If you’re a fan of Barroco Grill, chances are you’ll like Helvetica. 

It’s got the same artsy and hip vibe, replete with local artwork; distinctive menu options; vibrant colors; and Latin American flair.

Helvetica, the highly anticipated design-inspired café on Detroit Avenue, is expected to open its doors on Wednesday.

A grand opening event is planned for Friday, complete with live entertainment.

Juan Vergara, who opened the popular Barroco last year with his father, Carlos, is partnering with friend and designer Edward Padilla to open the design-inspired Helvetica — named after the popular font.

“We started our friendship doing wedding photography, branding and marketing,” Vergara said. “We did well, and then I opened Barroco.

“Since we're both graphic designers, we always talked about having a place to meet — a place to get inspiration. And this opportunity came up … It’s the perfect time and the perfect place.”

The tableside-service café will offer Rising Star coffee, crepes, tacos, soups/sandwiches and Latin American juices.

But Vergara said it’s safe to say that the menu is expected to change regularly.

“Just like we did at Barroco, we want to be able to build the menu based on what the customers want,” he said. “We’re going to bring new things to the table, little by little.”

Helvetica is opening in the space previously occupied by Grand Poo-Bas Record Shoppe at 11823 Detroit Avenue — across the street from Virginia Marti College of Art and Design.

In other words, it's the perfect spot for a café that’s “geared toward the design community.” There’s also a “mini-design library,” with customers encouraged to pull reference books from the handcrafted shelves.

“Grab a book and get some inspiration,” Vergara said. “You’re sure to find someone who’s working on a project. If you need a graphic designer, you will be able to find one here.”

“But this will be a meeting place for everyone.”

Just like Barroco, artists and designers will be encouraged to post their work in the space.

“We want to highlight the cool things happening in Cleveland,” he said.

In the 18 months since it opened, demand has been so high at South American-inspired Barroco Grill that Vergara has doubled the space of its Madison Avenue location, with recent plans announced for a massive renovation.