In 1958, Mr. Rodriguez, who was 19 years old at the time, had already established five very successful restaurants in Cuba. When Fidel Castro and his revolution ousted the Cuban government, all of Mr. Rodriguez’ restaurants were confiscated, however that did not stop him from opening up new restaurants while the Communists were in power. Incarcerated by the regime for having several new and successful ventures, he never lost sight of the entrepreneurial spirit.
After his release, he became determined to come to the United States. He knew that in America, he would not have to fight the government and he would be able to pursue his dreams. After an incarceration for an unsuccessful attempt to flee the country, he was finally allowed to leave Cuba. Thus, in 1980, he arrived in the United States with his family, but without any financial resources.
Through hard work and dedication, Mr. Rodriguez managed to save enough money to open a business at a local flea market. A man full of vision, he knew exactly what he wanted to do, which was to establish a Cuban style pizza restaurant whose product would remind Cuban-Americans of the typical flavor many of them loved and knew so well. He invested the proceeds of the flea market business and acquired an open-air store located on 24th Avenue and Flagler Street in Miami. His first restaurant was a place where the working man could enjoy a good meal at a reasonable price. The restaurant prominently displayed a sign with the words “Rey’s Pizza”.
He was open all day and all night. His hard work and dedication paid off. And, his mission was finally within grasp. In a matter of two years, his Cuban-style pizza was a hot item in town. People of all nationalities, not just Cuban-Americans, enjoyed the unique flavor of Rey’s Pizza.
Evidently, this meant that it was time for growth, and in October of 1987, he opened a second restaurant. This time he chose the city of Hialeah. Once more, success was immediate. He parlayed that success into several other store openings. Today, Rey’s Pizza has four locations in Miami, four in Hialeah, one in Hialeah Gardens, and one more under construction.
With its family atmosphere, excellent food, reasonable prices, and 24-hour a day service, Rey’s Pizza is poised to make inroads throughout the United States and the rest of the world.
Mr. Rodriguez’ dream was to become the Cuban Pizza King. The word “Rey,” is the Spanish word for “King,” and the trademark and slogan “Y …sigo siendo EL REY,” which means, “I…continue to be the king,” originated from that concept. Certainly, the name Rey’s Pizza,” has become synonymous with Cuban style pizza. Now, “Rey’s Pizza,” is ready to reach new heights and enter untapped markets in the near future.
Learn more about Rey's Pizza at:
www.reypizza.com