Palmares promotes its tourism franchises at first international workshop
The event took place as part of the 15th Varadero Gourmet International Festival
Posted by Cristian Rojas, 14/09/2025
With the goal of enhancing the competitive advantage of Cuban tourism franchises, the 1st International Franchise Workshop was held within the context of the 15th Varadero Gourmet International Festival 2025.
The event served to promote Cuba’s gastronomic heritage and was an opportunity to foster its interest as a business and source of external income.
“Today we take a historic step by beginning a new chapter for entrepreneurship and promoting the presence of Cuban brands as a symbol of Cuban identity and authenticity,” said Lázaro Darién Casabella Hernández, CEO of the Palmares Extra-Hotel Enterprise S.A., during the event’s opening.
He added, “We brought together local and international companies in the same room, who see opportunities where others see challenges; those who believe in the power of uniqueness and exclusivity as a vehicle for quality, development and success.”
The workshop promoted the three franchises that Palmares includes in its portfolio: El Floridita, El Gato Tuerto, and La Bodeguita del Medio, the latter currently with locations in the Czech Republic and Mexico, in addition to its emblematic locations in Cuba.
Dr. C. Martha Omara Robert, professor at the University of Havana’s Faculty of Tourism, spoke at the opening of the event with her presentation, “Investing in a Cuban franchise is all magic and charm: A unique expression of identity and Cubanness.”
In her remarks, the researcher argued that Palmares S.A. provides authentic and diverse tourism, recreational, gastronomic, art, and entertainment services, and that the brands endorsed by Palmares enjoy all the legal guarantees for their use.
Speaking to Sol de Cuba, Ladislav Starka, a franchisee of La Bodeguita del Medio in Prague, expressed that this establishment is a well-conceived project, from its decor, staff, entertainment, chefs, and sense of cultural expression.
The 1st International Franchise Workshop was hailed as a forum for entrepreneurship, networking, sharing experiences, issues and challenges, and, above all, for building alliances and strengthening Cuba’s image.
