Hugo’s Spanish Restaurant was opened in 1975 at 931 S Howard Ave by Hugo Sanchez. Sanchez was a Cuban immigrant who escaped the island in 1963. He was rescued by the Coast Guard, went to New York, and became a barber. He moved to Tampa and worked at a barber shop on Gandy until it burned down in 1970. While working as a carpenter, he saw that the former Ciccarello’s restaurant was for sale and bought it. He eventually bought the entire building. Hugo’s Spanish Restaurant developed into a Tampa tradition for Cuban and Italian food, where neighbors, businessmen, and politicians went to break bread and rub elbows.

A sign hung over the entrance that read’ World’s Worst Cuban Sandwich. ' Yet, in 1986, they took top honors in the Tampa Tribune Cuban Sandwich Search, a title held by Wright’s Gourmet House for several years. In 1997, area residents were shocked when State alcohol officials raided the place, taking their alcohol license following claims that agents allegedly bought marijuana from employees there for four months. It was later revealed that a female employee and male waiter who lived above the restaurant had made the deals. Officials reported that owners Hugo and Angela Sanchez witnessed the transactions and said nothing, but the couple denied it. Hugo’s had their license suspended but stayed open and recovered.

Sanchez sold the restaurant in 2015, saying it would remain open. It closed it for good in 2016. .A few other places tried their hand at vittles in the spot. In 2017, The Koshery Mediterranean Grill only lasted a minute. In 2018, Mana Mana Fresh Falafel Grill opened, but it didn’t last long. By 2020, plans were being made to remodel the building, keeping its mixed-use designation with four retail spots on the ground floor and 16 studio apartments above. In 2022, SOHO Square opened.

Losing Hugo’s left a void for Cuban food in the SOHO district. Now, places like Gio’s on MacDill help to fill the gap.

© 2024. Chip Weiner. oldtampaphotos.com