The sandwich cubano at Latin American Cafeteria recently made Short Order's 100 Favorite Dishes list. We touted its huge, bountiful nature as distinguishing it from others around town, and noted its tag line: "Since 1974, over 50 million Cuban sandwiches served." So far so good, but one detail escaped notice: This Latin American Cafeteria, which opened about six months ago, is not being operated by Raul Galindo. He is the creator of "The Original" Latin American Cafeteria and its oversize sandwich cubano.
Galindo came here from Cuba and started the business with his brother
Luis, who is now deceased. At one point, they had nine shops, but
personal stuff involving his ex-wife and her possibly questionable
business decisions led to the loss of all the stores. Galindo is
currently working with a consulting firm and has plans to open new
Latin American franchises, perhaps in "restaurant express" and "café"
forms.
I apologize for neglecting to note that Raul Galindo's name was no
longer etched on the Latin American Cafeteria window and that he is no
longer associated. And I also apologize to Mr. Galindo for not giving him due
credit in the ode to what was originally his idea -- meaning Latin American Cafeteria and for thinking big when it came to the sandwich cubano.
Can't wait for version 2.0.
