Palmares S.A., a Cuban tourism entity, has decided to revive the Ditú cafeterias, which were popular in the early and mid-2000s but have mostly fallen into disuse. The announcement, made last Thursday, was presented as an effort "to strengthen tourism in Cuba," reported the state-run Prensa Latina.
Jorge Luis Acosta, general director of Palmares, announced that the restoration of the Ditú cafeteria network will begin with establishments located near hospitals in various municipalities of Havana. The director noted that the Ditú cafeteria in front of the Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital is already operational, equipped with essential food and beverage preparation equipment such as soda dispensers, fryers, mixers, griddles, and refrigerators.
Moreover, Acosta mentioned that in a second phase, the Ditú cafeterias located in "vulnerable and hard-to-reach neighborhoods" will be restored. In these areas, they plan to offer "a more affordable and feasible service to the population," through self-produced goods and productive chains, Acosta indicated.
The company operates 17 branches, three of which are in Havana, with the rest distributed across the provinces. Palmares manages about 678 facilities offering 1,333 diverse products and services, primarily within tourist hubs.
The return of these cafeterias aims to improve the deficient tourism offerings in Cuba, which have been frequently criticized. Currently, the so-called Ditú stands out in the daily life of Cubans for its limited offerings, often sold at very high prices.
A video shared by ADN Cuba shows the precarious state of one of these cafeterias. "Salted crackers for 2,900 pesos a package, Red Bull for 220, Ron Mulata Reserva for 2,700... They don't even sell chicken, croquettes, or hamburgers anymore; soon this will turn into a small private business," a man complains in the video.
This same shortage was highlighted by Anibal Ferrand on Facebook. "Really sad. Ditú, my fellow countryman. Baracoa Oriente CUBA," reads the message accompanying a photo showing the shortage in this cafeteria.
Recently, a group of Cubans in Houston, Texas, decided to open a "Ditú," replicating the popular croquette and fried chicken business that existed in Cuba in the late 1990s. The small restaurant sells food in both an outdoor space and a more intimate indoor area. They also sell beers and other beverages, and the venue transforms into a nightclub as the night progresses, as shown in a video circulating on TikTok.
FAQs on the Revival of Ditú Cafeterias in Cuba
Here we address some frequently asked questions regarding the revival of the iconic Ditú cafeterias in Cuba and their impact on the local community and tourism sector.
Why is Palmares S.A. reviving the Ditú cafeterias?
Palmares S.A. aims to strengthen tourism in Cuba by reviving the Ditú cafeterias, which were popular in the early and mid-2000s but have since fallen into disuse.
Where will the first restored Ditú cafeterias be located?
The first restored Ditú cafeterias will be located near hospitals in various municipalities of Havana, starting with the one in front of the Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital.
What kind of services will the restored cafeterias offer in vulnerable neighborhoods?
In vulnerable and hard-to-reach neighborhoods, the restored Ditú cafeterias will offer a more affordable and feasible service, utilizing self-produced goods and productive chains.
What is the current state of the Ditú cafeterias?
Currently, Ditú cafeterias are known for their limited offerings, often sold at high prices, reflecting the broader economic challenges in Cuba.