Doña Marina’s, the region’s first Nicaraguan restaurant, sets up permanent residence in Wrigley Hall

Harold Powell | Thursday, September 28, 2023

Heather Fagan, owner of Doña Marinas. Harold Powell

Doña Marinas is located at 318 Grand River Ave. inside the Wrigley Center in Port Huron, Michigan. Harold Powell

A customer orders at Doña Marinas. Harold Powell

The Cuban Sandwich is one of the most popular dishes at Doña Marina’s. Harold Powell

Doña Marina’s Pollo Asado with maduros and Spanish rice. Harold Powell

Owner of Doña Marinas, Heather Fagan (center), poses for a photo with her employees Martin Lee and Alexandra Hand. Harold Powell

If you’re looking for a shining example of perseverance, passion, and hard work, look no further than Heather Fagan, owner of Doña Marina’s restaurant.

A customer orders at Doña Marinas.Serving up a fusion of Nicaraguan and Latin American food, Fagan has much to celebrate as her business has been well received after a successful opening inside of Wrigley Hall located on Grand River Avenue in downtown Port Huron.

“Word of mouth is the biggest advertising you can get, and the community has been incredible with that,” Fagan says. “We’re now open five days a week as well to better serve our customers.”

Fagan started her business in 2022, originally operating out of the former Thumb Coast Kitchens and Atrium Café & Ice Cream Parlour which is now the home of Blue Water Allies. Since moving to Wrigley Hall, Fagan has been able to further grow her business and make positive changes such as hiring more team members and expanding Doña Marina’s menu.

Owner of Doña Marinas, Heather Fagan (center), poses for a photo with her employees Martin Lee and Alexandra Hand.

The Cuban Sandwich is one of the most popular dishes at Doña Marina’s.Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include the Cuban Sandwich and Monday Night Football special, the Plato De Carne. The Cuban Sandwich — which is also available in a smaller version with the Cuban Sliders — is made with ham, swiss mojo pork, pickles, mustard, and served with your choice of plantain chips or chili verde. The Plato De Carne consists of pulled chicken and pork served with 12 warm corn tortillas, rice, and a Chimichurri sauce.

“Eventually I’d like to start serving desserts and non-alcoholic beverages such as tea fusion drinks,” she says. “I have also considered Nicaraguan tamales as well. We are still working on creating the space to be able to provide those items.”

For those on the go, Doña Marina’s offers online ordering. To learn more or see the full menu, visit donamarinas.com.

Related: secondwavemedia.com/the-keel/devnews/Dona-Marinas.aspx

Read more articles by Harold Powell.

Harold Powell is the Community Correspondent for The Keel and owner of Phantom Pen Media offering multimedia services to individuals and organizations across the Blue Water Area. He is a current board member for the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce and the most recent Chamber Choice recipient at the Eddy Awards. Harold is an avid volunteer for the YMCA of the Blue Water Area as well as Bridge Builders Counseling & Mentoring and in his spare time, enjoys spending time with his son, writing and listening to music, playing video games, and not folding laundry.