Family-run mobile street food business Los Cubanos is bringing its popular Cuban cuisine to Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud full time from October 2024.
Serving up an authentic range of Cuban dishes and cocktails, Los Cubanos is already well known in the region for its successful street food pop-ups, including at Five Valleys.
It's now set to create a relaxed, permanent setting for diners inside the large unit next to The Artisan Baker at the shopping centre's food hall, joining an existing line-up of popular independent food businesses.
Los Cubanos is owned and run by Cuban-born Alexis Medina, who has built up a loyal following of street food fans through appearances at events and festivals with his colourful catering van.
A self-taught chef whose love of cooking started with homecooked recipes on the wood fired stove of his family home, Alexis' specialities include frijoles negros (black bean stew), arroz con girs (rice and peas), Cuban tortillas and a range of sides including sweet potato, cassava and plantain fries.
Five Valleys says the new restaurant will have 'a relaxed family feel' with a creative children’s area and 'striking' artwork, with Alexis and his family planning to create a relaxing space which will evolve over time, with customers encouraged to contribute to the decor.
Los Cubanos will also be serving a new range of cocktails, including mojitos from the
classic mint and lime to more unusual garlic and thyme flavours.
Alexis said: 'We want to create a really special space, Cuba is a real cultural melting pot and we’ll definitely be reflecting that with the look and feel of the restaurant, as well as with our menu.
'Cooking is something that’s really instinctive to me and I love making food that makes people happy. We can’t wait to bring our little piece of Cuba to the centre of Stroud.'
Centre manager at Five Valleys, Erica Malpass, said: 'Los Cubanos is the perfect addition to our fantastic line up of independent food traders here at Five Valleys and we can’t wait to see their new business open in October.'
