Two women, cousins, originally from Cuba, are ready to live the American dream steps from the birthplace of America. Danae Peraza, 33, and Dairys Mayoral, 42, will offer a taste of their homeland Cuba at Home Cuban Cafe. A soft opening will be this Saturday at 17 North 3rd Street with a grand opening in about a month.

Both women emigrated to the United States from Cuba at separate times many years ago. Mayoral in 1994 as a 15-year-old and Peraza in 2000 as a 12-year-old.

Mayoral owned and operated a Cuban restaurant with her family in Florida for 21 years. When her oldest daughter wanted to move to Philadelphia for college, she decided to sell the family restaurant in Florida and relocate with her daughter.

Peraza joined her, making it a family affair for the new restaurant startup, which started coming together during the pandemic. They finally settled on the space on North 3rd Street, the former location of Fezziwig’s Sweet Shop.

“We both had a particular vision from the beginning; we wanted to bring the vibes and feels of old Havana to the cafe,” Peraza told Philly Grub. “It is the inspiration behind everything from the building we chose, right down to the logo. If you look at the design, the name sits on a plantain leaf which is very tropical and typical to Cuba.”

A sense of “home” was first and foremost as they developed the concept, both in making Philadelphia their new home and as a space where folks can feel a warm welcome, so the name “Home Cuban Cafe” felt right.

The pair will focus on traditional Cuban fares such as Cuban sandwiches, guava & cheese pastries (pastelitos), Café con Leche and different types of Cuban coffees.

“We’re very excited to be joining the old city neighborhood and are so thankful for the people and businesses that have welcomed us with open arms,” Peraza said excitedly. “This Cafe is only the beginning; we’ve got big plans for this beautiful city!”

Stay tuned to the Instagram page for hours and more.