Popular Miami Lakes restaurant reopens two years after fire consumed business

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. – After nearly two years, an iconic restaurant in Miami Lakes is welcoming customers once again.

Latin American Grill, located at 15342 NW 79th Ct in Miami Lakes, has been around for almost 30 years.

It’s a staple in the community and isn’t just a place for eating.

“It’s more than a restaurant, it’s more than selling food. It really is a community coming together in one place,” said owner Reny Gonzalez.

But that legacy was almost shuttered for good.

Back in November of 2022, Gonzalez woke up to a frantic 3 a.m. phone call because his restaurant was on fire.

That fire started in the kitchen after the fire suppression system didn’t function properly.

The restaurant was destroyed and forced to shut its doors. It was an uphill battle to get the restaurant back up and running, but Gonzalez was determined.

“I knew I was going to do it. This place was too important to the community, to our employees. I knew I was going to open it,” he said.

After a $1.4 million dollar upgrade, the restaurant is now back and it’s better than ever. The interior has been modernized and updated, but it is same beloved place.

Customers can still watch “un lunchero” make the famous Cuban sandwich with precision and speed. Customers will also be able to enjoy all the Cuban favorites. You can order in house or to-go.

“We moved away from here about two years ago and we come to visit my mother-in-law, we like to eat breakfast here. So I’m happy we got to eat here one more time before we fly back,” said loyal customer Alexandra Cuevas.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

The Miami Lakes location is the original location and there is another one in Pembroke Pines at 12638 Pines Blvd.

More locations are coming soon.