Former Baseball Star Tony Perez Opens Cuban-Inspired Coffee Chain Across Florida
In a unique venture blending his Cuban heritage with entrepreneurial spirit, former Major League Baseball star Tony Perez has launched a new coffee chain across Florida, celebrating his roots and the rich coffee culture of Cuba. Known for his legendary career as a clutch hitter and a key player for the Cincinnati Reds, Perez is now making headlines off the field with his latest endeavor that aims to bring authentic Cuban flavors to coffee lovers throughout the Sunshine State.
The new coffee chain, aptly named “CubaCafé,” emphasizes traditional Cuban coffee recipes, vibrant decor, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of the island’s lively streets. Perez, who was born in Cuba and emigrated to the United States as a young boy, has long been passionate about sharing his cultural heritage. His vision was to create a space where both Cubans and Floridians could enjoy high-quality coffee while experiencing a slice of Cuban culture.
CubaCafé’s signature offering is its rich, robust espresso-style coffee known as “cafecito,” prepared using traditional methods. The café also serves “colada,” a larger serving of cafecito often shared among friends, as well as “Cuban mocha” and flavored coffee drinks infused with distinctive Cuban spices. The beans used are sourced from Cuba and locally roasted in Florida to ensure freshness and authenticity. The menu includes Cuban pastries such as pastelitos, croquetas, and sweet plantains, enhancing the cultural experience.
The design of each location reflects Cuban aesthetics with vibrant colors, vintage posters, and decor inspired by Havana’s historic architecture. Perez emphasizes that the ambiance aims to evoke a sense of community and nostalgia, encouraging patrons to linger, converse, and enjoy the moment—an embodiment of the Cuban “sobremesa” tradition.
Beyond the cultural appeal, Perez envisions CubaCafé as a platform to support Cuban artisans and small-scale coffee producers. He has partnered with local vendors and artisans to incorporate Cuban art, crafts, and music into the stores, creating a cultural hub that celebrates Cuban heritage beyond just coffee.
The expansion across Florida includes multiple locations in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale, with plans to grow further into other southeastern states. Perez’s reputation as a sports icon has undoubtedly helped generate excitement and media attention, but he emphasizes that his focus remains on delivering quality and authenticity in every cup.
Community engagement is a core aspect of CubaCafé’s mission. Perez plans to host cultural events, live music nights featuring Cuban bands, and coffee tastings to educate customers about Cuban coffee traditions. Additionally, a portion of proceeds will go toward programs supporting Cuban-American communities and initiatives preserving Cuban culture.
Tony Perez’s transition from baseball legend to entrepreneur reflects his desire to give back to his community and preserve his cultural heritage. His passion for coffee and Cuban traditions has culminated in CubaCafé, a venture that not only serves excellent coffee but also fosters cultural pride and community connection across Florida.
As CubaCafé continues to grow, it stands as a testament to how sports figures can leverage their influence to celebrate and sustain cultural identities, blending passion, entrepreneurship, and community service into a compelling new chapter.
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