A Cuban man known as Cubalú on TikTok shared a touching video that resonated with millions. The clip shows his father sitting alone at one of the tables of his outdoor eatery in Miami, surrounded by mostly empty chairs.
The father had asked his son to serve him some food outside with a simple yet heartfelt logic: "Serve me a little so I can sit out there, so people passing by will see someone and stop by."
This Miami-based Cuban entrepreneur paired the images with a heartfelt message that captured the essence of the post: "His strategies, he doesn't realize that watching him eat there is like seeing all those tables filled with people. He is my greatest blessing and my motivation to keep pushing through life. Right now, I only have debts and a big dream, but I promise you, one day I'll make you proud."
The combination of candidness about the challenges of entrepreneurship and the deep filial love sparked an outpouring of support on social media.
The video garnered millions of views, nearly 450,000 likes, and over 8,700 comments in less than a day, with countless users sharing their own stories and words of encouragement.
Many comments reflected similar experiences. One user wrote: "Here I am, watching the video with tears in my eyes because I sell food and have spent the investment, but I know God will provide." Another shared: "My partner does the same on Saturdays when we make burgers, but it's just for him to eat because we don't sell to anyone passing by."
Other messages focused on the father-son bond. "Dad is already proud because he's there with you," one follower wrote. Another captured the general sentiment with a phrase that also went viral: "You're rich, and I'm not talking about money."
One user praised the father's tactic with practicality: "It's a good strategy, king. Hopefully, the whole family comes so the business looks full, attracting more customers." Another was more direct: "You'll have many people eating at your place, it's declared, friend."
The story of Cubalú and his father reflects a shared reality among thousands of Cuban entrepreneurs in Miami who start food businesses with debts, without guaranteed customers, relying on family support as their main drive.
This phenomenon has deep roots in the Hispanic community in the United States. According to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic-owned businesses account for 4.7 million enterprises, generating $800 billion in annual revenue, with a 44% growth over the last decade, compared to a 4% growth for non-Hispanic businesses.
Among the comments, one user summed up what many felt after watching the video: "How wonderful to have a father who is always by your side."
Impact of Cuban Entrepreneurship in Miami
What motivated Cubalú to share the video of his father?
Cubalú shared the video to highlight his father's simple yet touching strategy to attract customers, showcasing their bond and his father's influence as his greatest motivation.
How did the public react to the video?
The video received millions of views, almost 450,000 likes, and over 8,700 comments in less than 24 hours, with many users sharing similar experiences and offering encouragement.
What does the story of Cubalú and his father represent?
Their story represents the reality of many Cuban entrepreneurs in Miami who face financial challenges and rely on family support to pursue their dreams.
What are the statistics on Hispanic-owned businesses in the US?
Hispanic-owned businesses account for 4.7 million enterprises, generating $800 billion annually, with a 44% growth over the last decade compared to a 4% growth among non-Hispanic businesses.