Rosa Porto facts for kids

Rosa Porto (September 19, 1930 – December 13, 2019) was a famous baker and businesswoman. She was born in Cuba and later became an American citizen. Rosa started a very popular chain of restaurants called Porto's Bakery & Café in Southern California.

Rosa's Early Life

Rosa Porto grew up in Manzanillo, Cuba. Her mother, who was from Spain, taught her how to cook and bake delicious treats.

During a difficult time in Cuba, Rosa baked for her neighbors to help her family. Her small baking business was not officially allowed. Her daughter once shared that when secret police would come, neighbors would quickly hide her baking tools. This way, Rosa was never caught.

Starting a Bakery Business

In 1971, Rosa and her family were able to leave Cuba. They moved to Los Angeles, California. At first, Rosa sold her Cuban-style cakes and other foods from her home. Meanwhile, her husband worked as a janitor.

With a small loan, Rosa and her husband opened their first bakery in Silver Lake in 1976. It was a big step!

Growing the Bakery Chain

Their next bakery, which was much larger, opened in Glendale in 1982. This new location offered even more yummy foods. Over time, Porto's Bakery & Cafe grew to include more shops. You can now find them in places like Burbank, Downey, Buena Park, and West Covina.

Porto's became very popular, especially with Cuban immigrants. But many other people also loved their delicious baked goods and foods.

Rosa Porto stopped baking professionally in the 1990s. Today, her children and grandchildren continue to run the family business. They now have over a thousand employees! In 2019, the Los Angeles Times newspaper called Porto's "the most beloved bakery in all of Los Angeles."

Rosa's Family Life

Rosa married Raúl Porto in Cuba in 1955. They had three children: Beatriz (who they called Betty), Raul Jr., and Margarita. Rosa Porto passed away in 2019 when she was 89 years old.