A popular Pasco restaurant that closed during the Covid-19 pandemic is set to reopen this spring in a prominent new location.

Andy’s Coffee Break is taking over the former Shari’s restaurant building at 1200 N. Columbia Center Blvd. in Kennewick.

Antonia Velasquez, her partner Armando Ruiz, and her son and daughter-in-law, Victor and Miriam Murillo, are working to give the building a facelift.

They’re aiming to open in six to eight weeks, Miriam Murillo said in early April.

A large sign with the Andy’s logo has gone up outside the restaurant, building excitement in the community for the eatery to make its Kennewick debut. Velasquez, Ruiz and the Murillos are excited, too.

“We’re excited for the community we hope to establish. We’re excited to be a friendly place, somewhere customers can feel welcome, feel at home,” Miriam Murillo said.

That’s part of what the original Andy’s Coffee Break in Pasco was known for – its homestyle, family feel. Its menu also drew customers in, especially the breakfast options.

Murillo said all the old favorites from the Pasco days will remain on the menu, and some new items may also be added. 

The plan is to open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The building is in Columbia Square, owned by the California-based Argonaut Investments. “We are very excited to welcome Andy’s Coffee Break to Columbia Square,” the company said in a statement.

Andy’s Coffee Break had a long history in Pasco, serving diners for years off West Court Street. Velasquez bought the eatery in 2018.

It’s separate from Andy’s North Restaurant and Lounge, which remains open on the other side of West Court Street under different ownership. Andy’s North sold its share of Andy’s Coffee Break nearly a decade ago, according to Andy’s North social media.

The Kennewick Shari’s closed in 2023. 

Velasquez considered a few different spots for the Andy’s revival, “but they just didn't feel like the right fit and things weren't lining up. She also had different partners at the time,” Miriam Murillo said. 

“But God had other plans for not only her, but for me and my husband to join her in this new venture, and God has definitely been guiding this whole project and continues to do so,” Miriam Murillo said.

The operation will be a family affair.

“We’re all going to be hands-on,” Miriam Murillo said. “And that’s what we hope to pour out to the community – that feeling of family."