A Di'Tú café has reopened in Sancti Spíritus, offering dishes priced as high as 4,500 pesos—surpassing the monthly minimum wage in a nation where the average worker earns less than $13 a month.
The reopening was heralded by Empresa Extrahotelera Palmares S.A. on social media, with the slogan "The news every local was waiting for!"
Images from the launch reveal a menu that mirrors the escalating prices typical in the culinary scene: an espresso is priced at 200 pesos, a frappuccino at 500 pesos; stuffed croquettes start at 1,000 pesos, chicken wings reach 2,500 pesos, and Chifiado Chicken is listed at 3,000 pesos.
The house specialty, the Ditú Platter, is priced at 4,500 pesos.
The Paradox of Celebration
It's ironic to commemorate a regime's significant date with the opening of a venue that, based on its pricing, is far from a popular choice.
Located opposite the Paseo Marcos García, the venue resumes operations "completely revamped" as part of summer initiatives and in honor of July 26, marking the anniversary of the Moncada Barracks assault.
Palmares highlights the addition of renewable energy sources, ensuring uninterrupted service amidst nationwide power outages that pose significant challenges for businesses across Cuba.
A Nostalgic Return
The official Trinidad Travel account also marked the occasion with nostalgia: "Those of us with graying hair remember the smell of fried chicken pervading the classrooms of José Martí University back in 2000."
Di'Tú has a storied history in Sancti Spíritus, dating back to when it was near the university campus before succumbing to neglect, much like many state-run facilities.
Palmares S.A. embarked on a national revival of the Di'Tú chain in June 2024, starting with locations near hospitals in Havana.
Widening Economic Disparity
The expansion to provinces like Sancti Spíritus comes two years later amid an economic crisis that makes dining out increasingly unaffordable for most Cubans.
Nevertheless, the current pricing starkly contrasts with Cuban wages.
In June 2026, the minimum wage in Cuba was raised to 3,210 pesos, a 53% increase, yet the Ditú Platter at 4,500 pesos still exceeds this entire minimum wage.
The official average monthly salary hovers around 6,930 pesos, equivalent to less than $13 at the informal exchange rate.
Inflation is rampant, with the restaurant and hotel sector experiencing a 26.54% year-on-year price hike as of July 2026, marking the highest increase among all sectors.
Understanding the Financial Impact of Di'Tú's Pricing
How does the price of the Ditú Platter compare to Cuba's minimum wage?
The Ditú Platter is priced at 4,500 pesos, which exceeds the entire minimum wage of 3,210 pesos set in June 2026.
What is the average monthly salary in Cuba?
As of the latest reports, the average monthly salary in Cuba is approximately 6,930 pesos, which translates to less than $13 at the informal exchange rate.
What challenges do Cuban businesses face due to power outages?
Frequent power outages in Cuba pose a significant challenge for businesses, interrupting operations and requiring solutions like renewable energy sources to ensure continuous service.