Cristina Lage Codorniú, the youngest daughter of former Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage Dávila, is reportedly the owner of Group Tentacioones SRL along with her husband, Orlando Alain Rodríguez Leyva. This group is connected to several upscale dining establishments in Havana, as revealed in a report by journalist Mario J. Pentón for Martí Noticias.
The investigation suggests that the company is behind high-end restaurants such as Sensacioones, Woow, and Nao Habana, as well as a food delivery service known as IFood.
According to the report, the group employs over 40 people. Although the company’s website does not disclose its owners, it promotes the venues as "the realized dream of a family passionate about hospitality and Cuba's rich culinary heritage."
Instagram posts by these restaurants have tagged the daughter of the former Cuban official.
Pentón notes the absence of publicly available records confirming Lage Codorniú's ownership of these businesses, attributing this to the "opacity" of the Cuban system.
Additionally, the report mentions that Cubanet was the first to highlight the properties linked to the ex-official’s daughter.
As detailed in the report, Lage Codorniú, a law graduate and copyright manager according to her social media, allegedly holds a Cuban passport with a U.S. visa and frequently travels to the United States and Europe, as per sources cited by Martí Noticias.
The publication contrasts this information with the political downfall of Carlos Lage, who was removed from office in March 2009 by Raúl Castro for allegedly succumbing to the "temptations of power." It highlights the rise of luxurious private businesses amid the economic hardships faced by ordinary Cubans.
The report describes the menus and dollar prices at these establishments, comparing them with official data on average state wages, emphasizing the disparity between what these venues offer and the living conditions of most Cubans.
Martí Noticias indicates that Cristina Lage Codorniú did not respond to a request for comments.
The article also references other relatives of Carlos Lage and their roles within the system, amidst a broader discussion on privilege, power, and the emergence of a new business elite allegedly tied to historical connections with the regime.
Exploring the Impact of Exclusive Businesses in Cuba
How is Cristina Lage Codorniú connected to exclusive restaurants in Havana?
Cristina Lage Codorniú, alongside her husband, is reportedly the owner of Group Tentacioones SRL, which is linked to several upscale dining venues in Havana.
What does the report say about the political context of these businesses?
The report contrasts the rise of luxury private businesses with the economic struggles of the Cuban population, following the political downfall of Carlos Lage in 2009.
Why is there no public information on the ownership of these businesses?
The lack of public records on ownership is attributed to the "opacity" of Cuba's system.