Raul Porto Sr., the founder of SoCal’s Cuban staple Porto’s Bakery, has died. He was 92.
The company announced Friday that he died peacefully and surrounded by family earlier this week.
Jennifer Wells, a representative for Porto's Bakery, told LAist that Raul Porto Sr. had been battling dementia for a number of years but lived a very full life.
“To all our family, friends, and guests from across our communities: while words cannot fully express our sadness at this time, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your continued support and all the love and kindness you have shown us throughout the years,” Porto's Bakery said in a statement on Instagram.
A family affair
Porto’s Bakery is famous for their signature cheese rolls, potato balls, fruit tartlets, and a running list of other sweet and savory treats.
But the bakery started as a family affair more than 40 years ago when Raul Sr. and Rosa Porto came to California from Cuba, according to the company.
The family started selling cakes to family and friends out of their small home kitchen before opening up the first official store on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park in 1976, which has since closed.
“Through their hard work, humility, and dedication, they transformed a small family endeavor into a cherished community treasure,” Porto’s Bakery said in a statement. “Known for his humble nature, Raul Sr. balanced his roles as a devoted husband, father, and businessman, inspiring all who knew him with his passion and commitment.”
Their business continued to grow into six locations across Southern California — Northridge, Buena Park, Burbank, Downey, Glendale, and West Covina. A seventh location in the Downtown Disney District is on the way.
Raul Sr. and Rosa Porto retired several years ago, and the company said in a statement he had enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching the next generation grow.
Rosa Porto died in 2019, but the couple’s children and grandchildren have continued to carry on the family legacy.
"He was so proud," Wells said. "Him and Rosa were."
Remembering Raul Porto Sr.
Porto’s Bakery said in a statement that Raul Porto Sr.’s love for his family was unwavering, and he will live on in the hearts of those he inspired.
Paolo Andino, owner of El Sandwish Cubano, told LAist that Porto’s Bakery has been a beacon in the night for Cubans in Los Angeles.
“I think we all identify ourselves culturally by the foods that we eat, and going to Porto's sometimes just feels like I'm going to visit my mom,” he said.
Andino said he was just at the bakery a few days ago loading up on what he calls his “Cuban meal plan” — which starts as a sandwich but ends up with ropa vieja, lechon, plantains, and a dozen pastries that’ll last for a week.
He was saddened to hear about Raul Porto Sr., Andino said, but he feels as though humans inherently want to leave something to be remembered by, and Porto’s legacy will be long lasting.
“You can see it in the lines that are pouring out the door,” Andino said. “And I think it's going to last in our minds, our hearts, and our bellies.”
Teresa Revel, whose mother used to buy cakes from Rosa Porto when the family was still selling them out of their home, told LAist that finding a Cuban bakery in Los Angeles at that time was a big deal and a big treat.
“To be able to go to a place, to find the food and the pastries that you are accustomed to, and that you couldn't find anywhere else, it was amazing,” she said.
Revel said walking into a Porto’s Bakery was always like walking into a little piece of home.
She remembers Raul Porto Sr. working behind the counter at the Glendale location and helping her with her order “countless times.” Revel described him as a warm, friendly, gentleman who still paid for his own food even after he stepped back from the stores.
“It's the American dream,” she said. “It's a Cuban story, it's what happened to most of us. We got here with, well, nothing, or very little, and through hard work and family pulling together, you succeeded. And they are truly a huge success story.”
@n0elia_g0nzalez said in an Instagram comment that she remembers seeing him working the register at the Glendale location when it was half its size.
“And then later when it grew he’d stand in the doorway between the two big areas watching and saying hello,” they wrote. “As a fellow Cuban, I’m proud of your family and all they’ve achieved [through] hard work, sacrifice, commitment, dedication, and love. Your parents set a wonderful example for all!”
@gaylevergara said their Cuban family always enjoyed looking at the Porto family photos on the bakery walls and appreciate their legacy.
“Porto’s has been an integral part of my life since childhood and always present at every celebration with our own family, big or small,” @e_isforedith said on Instagram. “Thank you, and rest easy señor Raul.”
Porto's Bakery confirmed to LAist that they do not have any public memorial events planned at this time.
