Our Story

Cuba 1918 is more than a restaurant-it’s a living tribute to Cuban culture, a Veteran-owned business born of resilience, and a growing hub for live music and community pride in San Antonio's historic Quintana neighborhood. Opened in October 2022 by Erica Rodriguez and Ray Colao Rodriguez, the venue has transformed a 1918-era building into a beacon of flavor, rhythm, and hope.

Ray Colao Rodriguez, a disabled combat Veteran, co-founded Cuba 1918 with a mission to bring authentic Cuban culture and cuisine to San Antonio while helping revitalize a long-neglected neighborhood. Just six months after opening, Ray was diagnosed with service-related cancer. Despite undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and immunotherapy, he showed up at the restaurant nearly every day he was able-not to run the kitchen, but to lead with presence and heart.

Ray is also a talented vocalist and musician, and his passion for music shaped the very soul of Cuba 1918. He envisioned a space where culture could be experienced through sound as much as flavor-and that vision has taken root. Because of Ray, live music is now central to the restaurant’s identity.

From the beginning, Cuba 1918 has nurtured a rich and growing musical ecosystem. The venue has welcomed legendary performers like Tito Puente Jr., rising stars like Vanita Leo, and some of the best jazz and Latin musicians in the region. Regular events-Friday night jazz, open mics, and themed Latin nights-offer a stage for both established and emerging artists to connect with the community and each other. Musicians don’t just perform at Cuba 1918-they leave their mark. In just two years, the restaurant has become a cornerstone of San Antonio’s live music scene, blending Cuban rhythms, Latin soul, and jazz artistry in an intimate, soulful setting.

In 2023, Co-founder Erica Rodriguez, a dedicated community advocate with two decades of non-profit and economic development experience, was selected for San Antonio’s “Revitalize SA” program, which included leadership training and a micro-grant. She used these resources to launch “Revive Quintana,” an effort to activate vacant spaces and bring economic vibrancy back to the area. Cuba 1918 is at the heart of this movement-proof that local vision, Veteran strength, and cultural pride can breathe new life into historic spaces.