On November 21, 1966, a young boy and his family migrates to the United States, fleeing the oppression of their homeland, Cuba. Toby remembers his motherās words as their plane lifted off, leaving the only place heād ever called home: āLook, because you will never see her again.ā
āOpportunity finds those that seek it, and luck belongs to those who work hard for itā he says. Toby found opportunity in America! Ā He graduated as a mechanical engineer from Cal State University of Northridge in California, which led to a successful career of home building & construction.
Founder of Ay Papa
In 1996, our journey began with a simple but powerful dream ā to share the authentic Latin flavors of home with the Miami community. Born from recipes passed down through three generations, our founders opened a humble kitchen where the aroma of slow-roasted Pollo a la Brasa filled the air and welcomed neighbors like family.
After five years of loyal customers lining up daily, we proudly expanded to our second and third locations across Miami-Dade. As we grew, we hired our first professional chefs to support our increasing demand ā yet one promise remained unchanged: every grandmotherās recipe stayed exactly as it was.
Recognizing the rising demand for authentic Latin cuisine at special events, we launched our full-service catering division. From intimate birthday celebrations to grand corporate galas, we brought the spirit of a true Latin fiesta to every occasion. In our very first year alone, we catered more than 200 events.
Our dedication to quality and tradition earned us the prestigious āBest Latin Restaurantā award from the Florida Dining Association. Food critics praised our authenticity, and features in local media introduced our flavors to new audiences. This recognition was not just an achievement ā it was a testament to our passion for preserving culture through cuisine.
With growing demand and unwavering support, we expanded to seven thriving locations across Florida ā from Doral to Kissimmee. Each restaurant was thoughtfully designed to feel warm and welcoming, a true home away from home where families, friends, and colleagues could gather and celebrate.
Today, we continue to innovate while honoring the traditions that built our foundation. From introducing seasonal specialties to expanding our catering reach and exploring new Florida markets, our passion for excellence drives us forward. Nearly three decades since our doors first opened, our mission remains the same: to make every guest feel like family, one plate at a time.
