Old Havana Cafe to Open in Stuart This November

STUART, FL — Old Havana Cafe is preparing to open at 2225 S.E. Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996 on or around November 22. Owner Chuchi Rivero, known professionally as “Chef Chuchi,” told Business Debut the date will coincide with his birthday and mark the couple’s first brick-and-mortar restaurant following five years operating a successful Cuban food truck and catering business in Toronto.

What to Expect

The fast-casual cafe will serve authentic Miami-style Cuban fare in a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. Guests will order at the counter and can enjoy seating for about 30 to 40 diners in a 1,400-square-foot space with both tables and lounge seating. Rivero said the cafe will feature cultural decor, family photos, and memorabilia from his 40-year career in television and film.

The concept is designed as a “place of gathering,” he explained. “Old Havana Cafe is meant to be a welcoming spot where people can relax, share a cup of Cuban coffee, or play a game of dominoes while enjoying food made with love,” Rivero told Business Debut.

Menu and Vision

Old Havana Cafe will offer staples such as pastelitos filled with guava or beef, croquettes, and classic Cuban sandwiches. Popular items from their food truck—including nachos made with a house blend of beef, pork, and chorizo seasoned with ten ingredients that will also appear on the menu, alongside their signature island mojo, a citrus-lime sauce developed during their years in Toronto.
“Our slogan is ‘90 years of Cuban tradition in one bite,’” Rivero said. “It’s all about keeping the flavors true to our roots.”

Family and Roots

Rivero, who was born in Cuba and raised in Miami, operates the business alongside his wife and business partner, Patty Salazar. Salazar, whom Rivero calls “the real boss,” oversees operations and has been instrumental in guiding the transition from their Toronto food truck, Tropical South 2, to the new Stuart cafe. The pair ran their food truck for five years, catering festivals, corporate events, and film productions across Canada, where Rivero also worked as a television director for shows such as MasterChef Latino.

The decision to put down roots in Florida came naturally. “Our customers have always been our compass,” Rivero said. “Many of them were from the Stuart area, and they kept asking, ‘When can we get your food here?’ Eventually, every road led to Stuart—it just felt like home.”

Opening Timeline

The team is targeting a November 22 opening and plans to host a ribbon-cutting celebration with the local chamber of commerce soon after.

Hours

The cafe will be open Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Follow for More

Follow their website for more info. Social media to be announced soon.