Meet Debbie Benedit of Havana Sandwich Shop

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Benedit.

Hi Debbie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My late husband and his family immigrated here from Cuba in the early ‘60’s.
Eddie Sr and i were married in Dec 1975, as we drove back from our honeymoon in Miami, he looked over and says “ baby, we’re going to open a Cuban sandwich shop when we get back”…. I simply responded “ who’s going to eat Cuban food in Atlanta?” We talked with his Dad and Mom, Guido and Felisa, they were hesitant at first but after some discussion they said yes! There was an old closed convenience store selling Christmas trees, found owner of property, signed lease on 12/31/1975. Family and friends helped with renovations and 6 weeks later Havana Sandwich Shop, 2/9/1976, opened and served our first Cuban sandwich

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The restaurant business is not for the faint of heart!
The economy wasn’t the best when we opened, but we believed that if we offered affordable, quality, consistent food and people would taste our passion, we would be ok, and that’s what we have done for almost 50 yrs.
During that time we dealt with recessions, a decline in the neighborhood ( many business’s/residents moved to N Fulton county, Roswell in the ‘80’s), death of my husband 2001, 9/11, then my father in law died in 2008, the devastating fire” 2008, and we were forced to relocate, till 2015 when we got original building back, then of course Covid.
Inflation hit us pretty hard recently but it’s getting better.

We’ve been impressed with Havana Sandwich Shop, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a family owned and operated business. Our oldest son Eddie Jr and myself operate Havana now. We will celebrate our 50th anniversary Feb 2026. We all have a passion for what we do and take pride in serving authentic Cuban food, many recipes passed down from my mother in law and husband. Our food is cooked fresh, in house, daily and most items to the order. We are known for our Cuban Sandwich, that’s been voted Best in the Atlanta area. It consists of roasted mojo pork, ham, white American cheese, yellow mustard, pickle, and of course layered on authentic fresh Cuban bread from a local baker. We toast it on a hot sandwich press “ Plancha”swipe butter on top and served hot! But we also offer a full menu of Cuban dishes.
I’m very fortunate and blessed to have “my ladies”, who have been part of the Havana family for many years, Dora, 38yrs, and several others for 25 plus years. They all take pride in the food they prepare and serve, always smiling!
Our “friends” customers always say that the food and especially the Cuban sandwich tastes the same as when they ate it 45 yrs ago, nothing has changed, we keep it simple, quick, fresh, tasty, and consistent!

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Come on in, you will be greeted with a friendly smile, order your food, pick it up at the counter, take a seat, and enjoy the best Cuban food around!
I’m pretty sure we will see you again and become part of the Havana family

Pricing:

• Cuban Sandwich $10.25 Medinoche $11.
• Combo Plates 1/2 sandwich, Black Beans, yellow rice $14
• Lunch plates choice of meat, black beans, rice $15
• Empanadas ( variety of fillings) $3.75
• Miami’s Flan $4.25 Rice Pudding $4.00 Cafe con Leche $4.25

Contact Info:

• Website: Havana Atl.com
• Instagram: havanaatl
• Facebook: Havana Samdwich Shop