The Original Pipo's

Article By: Althea Tyrell

Today I had the honor of speaking with Ramon Hernandez, a member of the original Pipo’s Café family. He shared with me his favorite thing about the Cuban Sandwich Festival, and a little about Pipo too!

How long has Pipos been around?

Pipo’s Café has been around since 1979 when my parents opened up. Since then my brother and I have expended to have multiple locations here in the Tampa Bay area.

Who was Pipo?

Pipo was my Dad, and Pipo is like a Spanish nick name for father. Everyone used to call my dad Pipo. 


Which Pipo’s is still owned by your family?

The only Pipo’s owned by the original family is the one I own and in 3 or 4 weeks I’ll be opening another in down town St. Pete 9531 Bay Pines Blvd. 

What is your favorite thing to eat on your menu?

Roast Pork goes the quickest. We basically through 600-700 pounds a day but my favorite is Ropa Vieja. Ropa vieja is translated in Spanish to old clothes and it’s a stew of tender shredded flank steak in a tomato and wine sauce simmered with onions & peppers till tender.

What’s your favorite thing about the festival?

Wide variety of local businesses that get together once a year to put out their best Cuban sandwich and the best options they have at their restaurants. It’s a good opportunity for everybody to get exposure to thousands of people. And customers can go and try all these restaurants at one time; it’s a win-win situation.  

Press It/ Don’t Press It

It’s got to be pressed. We don’t sell Cuban sandwiches not pressed at the restaurant.


If you’re team #PressIt I think Pipo’s is definitely the right place for you. Look out for them at the festival!