PHILADELPHIA, PA — GuestCounts Hospitality, the Philadelphia-based company behind the renowned Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of three area restaurants from Ohio-based Paladar Restaurant Group. The deal, completed on March 27, 2025, includes Paladar Latin Kitchen in King of Prussia and two Bomba Taco + Bar locations in Malvern and Newtown.
“This is a deal that was nearly two years in the making,” said Barry Gutin, principal and co-founder of GuestCounts Hospitality. “Since the acquisition, we have been gearing up to bring new energy, improvements, and a local perspective that will enhance the guest experience at all three locations.”
Enhancing the Dining Experience
GuestCounts plans to invest more than half a million dollars in improvements across the three restaurants. Enhancements at Paladar Latin Kitchen include a new sound system, additional bar-area televisions, and upgraded patios and lounge spaces. At the Bomba locations in Malvern and Newtown, improvements will feature sound system upgrades, additional televisions, cheeky taco and tequila-themed video signage, and expanded outdoor seating.
The company aims to energize the dining experience at the newly acquired properties, with a focus on celebration dining, late evening happy hours, and weekend late-night events. “We’re bringing more fun and energy to Paladar and Bomba,” Gutin noted. He also mentioned that culinary collaborations between all three brands, including the Cuba Libre team, will introduce new dishes and beverages, such as Cuba Libre’s popular empanadas and award-winning mojito recipes.
Rebranding Highlights
Beginning June 20, 2025, Paladar’s updated bar and patio area will reopen as the “610 SOCIAL Bar + Lounge,” targeting King of Prussia’s professional community. The lounge will hold special events with DJs, extended happy hours, and a late-night menu featuring affordably priced items from 8:30 p.m. to midnight on weekends.
Both Bomba locations will adopt the revised name Bomba ¡Tacos + Tequila! to reflect their deeper focus on tequila-centric cocktails and playful dining themes. Starting in July, both sites will offer late-night ¡Tequila Time! happy hours on Fridays and Saturdays, enhanced by updated décor and expanded seating options.
The Newtown restaurant will provide outdoor seating overlooking the Village at Newtown amphitheater, while Malvern guests will enjoy new fire pit tables and a seasonal s’mores menu, all while overlooking scheduled entertainment on The Grove’s public green.
Building on Past Success
GuestCounts Hospitality has a strong history of delivering memorable dining and nightlife experiences. The team’s past ventures, which include iconic Philadelphia nightlife venues and regional success stories like Brûlée Catering, reflect their expertise in enhancing guest enjoyment.
Additional upgrades include improved online reservations for the three locations, the introduction of Bomba’s first-ever table booking system, and expanded group reservation options. Guests can also use gift cards across any GuestCounts Hospitality restaurant, including Cuba Libre, Paladar, and Bomba.
As Gutin explained, “Today’s upscale guests increasingly seek in-person interactions in more intimate, welcoming restaurants and bars. We will use our nightlife experience to create the magic guests expect, especially during later hours.”
With its local roots and commitment to innovation, GuestCounts Hospitality is setting the stage for a fresh, energized dining and social experience in the Philadelphia suburbs.
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