The Afro Taste Restaurant and Lounge in the former Pedro O’Hara’s space at 134 Main St. in Lewiston has a lounge and a small dance floor. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Another restaurant that’s been in the works for months opened mid-May in what Afro Taste Restaurant and Lounge called a soft opening — mostly word of mouth and social media. It offers lunch and dinner and turns into a music and dance venue in the evening. A date has not been set for the grand opening at 134 Main St., but The Buzz has learned a grand opening announcement is expected in the next few weeks.

The focus of the restaurant is very unique in the area: East African cuisine with ingredients sourced locally or directly from Africa and not offered anywhere else in Maine, according to owner Gael Karomba. “There is nothing like this in the Lewiston-Auburn area,” he said.

The restaurant and bar is approximately 3,200 square feet, while the music lounge area about 1,200 square feet, according to Karomba.

Manager Bernard Katende said they are quickly gaining a following, with most of the customers coming from the local area. He said people are coming from Portland and even farther away, as word of mouth spreads about the African-themed business.

Katende also said there is a menu in place that changes daily as the kitchen gets a handle on what dishes are popular and readily available. He said some base items will always be available.

Live music is blended with DJs from around the country representing African, Caribbean, Latin and American music — think Afrobeat, reggae, hip-hop, R&B and more.