From washing dishes in New Jersey's bustling restaurant scene to running a successful chain of seven Cuban eateries, Alan López and his wife, Nairelys López, have embarked on a remarkable journey. The Cuban entrepreneurial duo recently expanded their business, Rumba Cubana, to South Florida with the opening of their first restaurant in Palm Beach County.
Their new venue welcomed guests on Friday at 3208 Forest Hill Boulevard, Palm Springs, as reported by The Palm Beach Post. This marks the first location outside New Jersey for the couple, who have already established a family-run enterprise consisting of six restaurants in the Garden State.
From Cuban Roots to American Dream
The story of Alan and Nairelys traces back to their early days in a small Cuban town, where they met during their teenage years. Nairelys' mother was Alan's teacher for several years, which led to a budding romance during high school. Although their paths diverged, fate brought them back together in New Jersey after both emigrated separately in 2001.
A chance encounter at a party rekindled their connection, eventually leading to the creation of one of the most recognized Cuban restaurant chains in northern New Jersey.
Building a Culinary Empire
According to New Jersey Monthly, Alan initially entered the culinary world by washing dishes, while Nairelys pursued an accounting degree at Kean University. In 2004, they opened Rumba Cafe, a small family-style eatery in Jersey City. Five years later, they launched the first full-service Rumba Cubana restaurant, a pivotal moment in their business journey.
Early days were challenging, with Alan balancing his time between the cafe and the new restaurant, while Nairelys managed the operations until he arrived in the afternoon. The couple, along with family members, took on various roles to ensure the business thrived.
Strategic Expansion into Florida
The Lópezs strategically chose to purchase properties for their restaurants rather than relying on leases, a rare move in the restaurant industry. This decision helps protect their business from escalating commercial rent prices, as detailed in New Jersey Monthly.
For their Florida venture, they acquired a property in Palm Springs in the spring of 2025 and spent over a year renovating it, as reported by The Palm Beach Post. They chose this area for its accessibility, parking availability, and proximity to diverse communities in Palm Beach County.
A Taste of Cuban Tradition in South Florida
The menu at the new Rumba Cubana showcases authentic Cuban recipes, featuring dishes like ropa vieja, vaca frita, lechón asado, palomilla steak, empanadas, ham croquettes, Cuban sandwiches, and imperial rice. One highlight is the lechón asado, marinated in sour orange for 24 hours. The imperial rice combines chicken, rice, ripe plantains, and mozzarella cheese, while desserts include flan, tres leches, and freshly made churros.
Most dishes are priced under $25, catering to both families and patrons seeking Cuban cuisine in an area with a growing Latino community.
The beverage menu is curated by Loiver Hernández Crespo, formerly of Miami's renowned Café La Trova. Alongside the classic mojito, the restaurant offers uniquely presented cocktails like La Flecha Old Fashioned and Son de la Loma, adding a creative twist to the dining experience.
Nairelys personally oversees the design elements, from furniture selection to tableware and decor, while Alan ensures culinary standards and oversees construction and renovations of new locations.
The new Rumba Cubana is located at 3208 Forest Hill Boulevard, Palm Springs, Florida. It is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and until 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Customers can contact them at 561-619-8992 or visit the restaurant's official website for menu details and reservations.
This expansion adds to the wave of Cuban-origin dining establishments moving northward into South Florida. Recently, it was announced that Vicky Bakery, established by Cuban exiles in Hialeah in 1972, is planning a new location in Pompano Beach, Broward County, using its franchise model.
Insights into Rumba Cubana's Expansion
What inspired Alan and Nairelys López to open Rumba Cubana in Florida?
Alan and Nairelys López wanted to bring a piece of Cuban tradition to South Florida, an area with strong cultural ties and a large Cuban and Latino community.
How does Rumba Cubana maintain its authenticity in cuisine?
Rumba Cubana stays true to traditional Cuban recipes, featuring dishes like ropa vieja and lechón asado, ensuring customers experience genuine Cuban flavors.
What makes Rumba Cubana's approach to property ownership unique?
By purchasing properties instead of leasing, Rumba Cubana can protect itself from rising commercial rents, securing a stable future for their restaurants.