Ozzy Llanes: Serving Up Big Flavors in a Tiny Space

40 Under 40 Inspiring Innovators Top 10 Winner

While many people “go big or go home” with their dreams, Ozzy Llanes decided to go small with his. Tiny, in fact. Llanes took a leap of faith in the summer of 2020 to build, by hand, Cubanos ATL, a tiny house serving Cuban sandwiches and coffee. While the restaurant format is atypical, you can expect the traditional Cuban flavors the 34-year-old fell in love with as a child, with many family recipes and his mother making flan fresh each day. When not cooking up quality eats, you can find the passionate Cuban-American giving back to his community.

Q: Looking back, what are you most proud of?

Ozzy Llanes: Everything, to be honest! My journey is a bit different, from having to learn the language to getting accustomed to growing up in another country. I think I have adapted really well, and it shows my resilience. I am proud to have grown Cubanos ATL to three locations in such a short time, with many more on the way.

Q: What do you hope your customers experience at Cubanos ATL?

Ozzy Llanes: Great atmosphere. I want you to feel like you’re in Miami when you visit us. From the music to the flavors, we provide the whole authentic experience.

How do you shine a light on the Cuban community?

Q: Ozzy Llanes: Last year we hosted a rally with over 600 people to shine a light on the acts and atrocities the government is committing against Cuban citizens. We also love sourcing our ingredients from Cuban companies. All of our delicious bread comes from La Segunda Central Bakery, a Cuban bread maker in the United States that has been in business since 1915.

www.cubanosatl.com, www.instagram.com/cubanosatl

Meet the rest of 2022’s 40 Under 40 Inspiring Innovators here.