Amanda Wright Perez, a Cuban entrepreneur, has transformed her rich family history, spanning the cultures of Cuba and Jamaica, into a unique culinary experience in Brooklyn. She recently launched a new chapter of El Punto Cubano Express, a restaurant in Williamsburg that fuses Cuban and Jamaican flavors.
In an Instagram video, Wright Perez shared the journey that led her to this business venture, emphasizing that her restaurant represents more than just a commercial endeavor.
"I am not just one culture. I am an intertwining of both, and this restaurant is a testament to that," she expressed.
Amanda was born in Cuba and spent part of her childhood between the island and Montego Bay, Jamaica, living there for seven years. At the age of 10, she relocated with her mother to the United States, settling in Orlando after traveling through Mexico.
Food has always been a significant part of her life. Her parents operated a Cuban restaurant during her early years, although it closed before she turned one year old. This familial experience profoundly influenced Amanda's professional path.
At 18, she purchased a one-way ticket to New York City, initially pursuing acting and later studying psychology. Ultimately, she returned to what she describes as her father's enduring inspiration: the restaurant business.
"Food has been in my veins since day one," she explained.
She opened her first restaurant at 24 and, three years later, made the tough decision to close it. Undeterred, Amanda embarked on a new venture, crafting a more personal identity for her project.
This fresh start materialized in Williamsburg with El Punto Cubano Express, located at 376 Graham Avenue. The location marks the first standalone establishment of a concept that previously operated as a stall within DeKalb Market Hall, now prominently featuring Wright's Jamaican heritage through dishes that blend both culinary traditions.
"I'm not just building a restaurant. I hope to create something bigger than myself, something that makes every sacrifice my mother made to bring us here worthwhile," Amanda stated.
The project has already garnered attention from the culinary press. In 2023, Tasting Table named El Punto Cubano one of the top 20 spots in New York to enjoy a Cuban sandwich. Although the list has since been updated, the restaurant remains a recommended destination.
For Amanda, her new establishment is more than preserving family recipes; it's a way to publicly share her story, shaped by various countries and cultures.
"This is also my way of showing New York who I truly am," she concluded.
Brooklyn has long been home to a vibrant array of Cuban culinary businesses. In 2017, My Cuban Spot caught the attention of The New York Times, which highlighted the unique offerings of the restaurant founded by Rafael Almeida and chef Louie Estrada.
The Journey of El Punto Cubano Express
What inspired Amanda Wright Perez to open a restaurant?
Amanda was deeply influenced by her family's history in the restaurant business and her cultural heritage, which inspired her to open a restaurant that blends Cuban and Jamaican flavors.
Where is El Punto Cubano Express located?
El Punto Cubano Express is located at 376 Graham Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
What makes El Punto Cubano Express unique?
The restaurant uniquely blends Cuban and Jamaican culinary traditions, reflecting Amanda Wright Perez's intertwined cultural heritage.