Raul Porto Sr., the founder of the iconic Southern California family-owned business Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, has died at the age of 92.
He died Wednesday “surrounded by his loving family,” according to a post on the bakery’s Instagram page.
“Raul Sr. was an extraordinary man who, along with his wife Rosa, founded Porto’s Bakery from their own kitchen, selling cakes and pastries to friends and family,” the post said. “Through their hard work, humility and dedication, they have transformed a small family business into a valuable community treasure.”
Porto’s Bakery has been a staple for Angelenos for almost 50 years. There are regularly long lines along the sidewalk for the pastries and Cuban specialties. The bakery is known for its famous potato balls and its guava cheese pastry called the Refugiado.
Porto’s first official storefront opened in 1976 on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park, but had its origins in Cuba. While the Portos waited for an opportunity to come to the United States and fell on hard times financially, Rosa started an illegal pie business from her home in Castro-era Cuba.
The family then moved to the United States in 1971 and after arriving in California, they opened the Echo Park location.
Raul and Rosa Porto retired several years ago to devote their lives to their family, the post said. Rosa died in 2019 at the age of 89.
Porto’s has locations in Burbank, Glendale, Northridge, Buena Park, Downey and West Covina. A seventh location is planned for the Downtown Disney District.
“To all our family, friends and guests from across our community: Although words cannot fully express our sadness at this time, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support and all the love and kindness you have shown us over the years . ” the Instagram post read.
