Early History of CafÉ Laguardia

Bainoa, Cuba 1950

Roger Laguardia passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2006.

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The original Café Laguardia was named Los Cubanitos (the little Cubans) and was founded in 1950 in a small town outside ot Havana called Bainoa. Most Cubans refer to Bainoa as "El Pueblo del Burro" or the town of the donkey. Legend has it that in the days of pre-indoor plumbing, there was a donkey that would carry fresh water to the local residents and businesses.

Café Laguardia (Los Cubanitos) was founded by Roger Laguardia (left, now passed away) and his partner Lazaro Ubanelles. Café Laguardia was a combination restaurant, grocery store and bar, strategically located in the center of town across the street from the main bus stop – actually, the only bus stop in town!

Café Laguardia became known throughout the island as a friendly, cozy place with great atmosphere and superb home style cooking. Roger and Lazaro's philosophy is that the food should be fresh, hot and made to order – not pre-made fast food – and the customer should always be made to feel at home.

In 1970, Roger, his wife Carmen, and their two sons – Carlos and Jorge – left Cuba and came to America. Roger worked in a factory until his retirement.

One year after he retired, he suffered a heart attack and saw this as a sign that he needed to get back to work! With his passion and burning desire to get back to the love that he left behind in Cuba, he opened Café Laguardia.

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