Mi Apá Latin Café: An Authentic Cuban Experience in Gainesville

Courtesy of Peter Ynigo

Peter Ynigo opened the first Mi Apá Latin Café in 2003, building on the success of La Aurora, the Latin market he and his wife had opened in Gainesville, Florida, a few years before. He named the new restaurant in honor of his father, whom he grew up calling Mi Apá.

Authentic Cuban Food and Culture

His father, who made the courageous decision to immigrate with his family from Cuba when Ynigo was a child, contributed to the market’s success and the joyful community that grew up around it through his regular trips between Gainesville and Miami to source authentic items.

“Like the grocery before it, I wanted Mi Apá to have the style of food I grew up eating, plus the language and culture, the whole atmosphere, the feeling of community – all of which my father embodies,” Ynigo says.

Growing the Mi Apá Community

From its first location in central Gainesville, Mi Apá Latin Café grew quickly as opportunities came calling. The restaurant now has five Florida locations including Alachua, Jonesville, The Oaks Mall and the University of Florida campus food court. 

Courtesy of Mi Apá Latin Café

“We’re at the phase of scaling,” Ynigo says. “Our goal is to double our locations every three years.”

Three Generations of Cuban Heritage

Now, Ynigo’s own son is getting in on the act and lending his talents to the family business, making this a three-generation endeavor and making the Mi Apá name even more meaningful.

“My father came to the U.S. from Cuba with nothing, knowing no English. I consider myself an immigrant, but I don’t know the other country because I was so young when I came,” Ynigo says. “And now I have a son who, in his words, is ‘American made with Cuban parts.’” He’s visited Cuba many times and has strong ties to his Cuban heritage.

“I don’t think I could have done this in any community other than Gainesville,” Ynigo says. “We could not have accomplished this growth without our community and our team. When people come to work here, they become family, part of this community we are creating. And now a new generation is building on this.”

For more information about Mi Apá Latin Café, visit miapalatincafe.com.