Living Museum
A living museum of Cuban American Conch history in Key West—curated exhibits, notable figures, and the enduring legacy of Cuban American heritage at Mallory Square.
Partnership & continuity
Jose "Pepe" M. Diaz founded El Mesón de Pepe on Duval Street. Fred Salinero and Ed Swift are business partners and co-owners of the Mallory Square location, stewarding the venue and its Cuban-Conch cultural mission.
Original Founder
El Mesón de Pepe on Duval Street
Chef and founder who brought Cuban cuisine and family recipes to Key West. Trained in the mesones of Spain; opened El Mesón de Pepe on Duval Street in the mid-1980s, creating the culinary foundation that continues at Mallory Square.
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Co-Owner, Mallory Square
Business partner and cultural heritage advocate
Manager of Casa Cayo Hueso, LLC and co-owner of the Mallory Square location. Founded the Cuban American Heritage Festival and the Cuban American Heritage Foundation to preserve Key West Cuban history. Restored the original Cuban Club into suites in 1983. Historian of Key West Cuban heritage and the cigar industry.
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Co-Owner, Mallory Square
President, Historic Tours of America
Primary investor and visionary behind Casa Cayo Hueso y Habana at Mallory Square—the historic 1879 brick warehouse that houses El Mesón de Pepe. President and co-founder of Historic Tours of America. Partnered with the Díaz family to bring authentic Cuban cuisine and live salsa to Mallory Square. Civic leader: Monroe County Commissioner, Chamber of Commerce President, and steward of the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden.
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