Statement from the García family regarding El Oriental de Cuba closing:
El Oriental de Cuba restaurant located at 416 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain has been a staple of the Latino community since 1994. The late Nobel Garcia along with his faithful staff at El Oriental de Cuba, not only provided the best authentic Cuban Food but also congregating and breaking bread.
If you’ve ever graced the doors of El Oriental de Cuba you immediately felt welcomed and at home. The walls are adorned with photos of family, friends, and beautiful depictions of Cuba. Nobel was the absolute convivial host who poured his heart and soul into the restaurant and his patrons.
He was sincerely loved and revered in the community. Just a few of the accolades that El Oriental de Cuba received were 1997 Small Business of the Year, 1998 Small Entrepreneur of the Year, 1999 Vision Award and more recently, a proud recipient of the 2023 Boston Legacy Business Award.
In November of 2021, the community as well as friends and family suffered the devastating loss of Nobel Garcia. Amidst mourning such a tremendous loss, Nobel’s two daughters, Yvonne and Lissette and the dedicated staff worked tirelessly to continue his legacy despite the unimaginable void.
In August of this year, the owners closed for vacation to assess the future of the restaurant. Despite their desire to continue with their father’s legacy, there were various extenuating circumstances that were affecting their ability to keep the doors open. Both daughters had their own full-time career, with limited time to devote towards the overall operations and oversight of the business, a task further complicated by the continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry.
After extensive forethought the owners made the heart-wrenching decision to close the doors.
“We would like to begin by thanking our dedicated employees for all their wonderful years of service and their loyalty. We would never have done it without you. Our most sincere gratitude to the community of Jamaica Plain, our patrons, friends, and family for all the love and patronage you have bestowed upon us.”
“While this decision was difficult, we owe it to the community to step aside and make way for an amazing new restaurant that will continue to contribute to the vibrancy of Jamaica Plain and Boston. We are happy to announce “Abuela’s Table”, specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine, will soon be opening its doors at El Oriental’s former location. Adolfo Alvarado, has over 20 years of experience and is the owner and Executive Chef of Somerville’s award-winning Tu y Yo Mexican Restaurant.”
«Lastly, our family will always be proud and humbled to have been a part of the journey and will treasure all of the happy memories of El Oriental and the positive impact that it brought to Jamaica Plain, and the City of Boston.”
A heartfelt goodbye from our family to yours.
Sincerely,
The Garcia Family and El Oriental de Cuba.
