Palmares Seeks Franchise Operators for 33 DiTú Cafeterias Across Cuba

The state-run company, Palmares S.A., is actively seeking economic partners to manage 33 DiTú cafeterias distributed across seven provinces in Cuba. This opportunity involves a franchise model, inviting bids for the operational management of these locations.

According to Palmares, the cafeterias are situated in the provinces of Pinar del Río, Havana, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, and Granma.

Potential operators have until November 30 to submit their proposals.

Details of the Franchise Opportunity

Listed under Tender No. 03/2026, this opportunity is aimed at operators interested in managing DiTú branded food establishments. Notably, Havana hosts 23 out of the 33 cafes mentioned in the call for proposals, spread across various municipalities such as Plaza de la Revolución, Cerro, Playa, Marianao, Boyeros, Diez de Octubre, Arroyo Naranjo, San Miguel del Padrón, Habana del Este, and La Lisa.

In the Plaza de la Revolución area, notable locations include DiTú Acapulco on Avenida 26, DiTú Ciclovía on the same avenue, DiTú 17 and 4 in Vedado, and DiTú Panorama in Nuevo Vedado. Additional sites feature DiTú Patra in Cerro and DiTú Tropicana in Playa.

Geographical Spread Beyond Havana

Outside the capital, ten additional cafeterias are available across six provinces. Pinar del Río hosts DiTú Pinar del Río, conveniently located near the Provincial Hospital and the Central Highway. In Matanzas, DiTú Pastorita is situated in the 2 de Diciembre neighborhood.

Villa Clara presents two options: DiTú Aeropuerto at Santa Clara's Abel Santamaría airport and DiTú Framboyanes in the same city. In Sancti Spíritus, DiTú Sancti Spíritus is on Avenida Mártires, while DiTú Cabaiguán is on Nieve Morejón street.

Ciego de Ávila offers three venues: DiTú Pina in Ciro Redondo, DiTú Morón, and DiTú Ciego de Ávila. The final location is DiTú Bayamo in Granma.

Submission Requirements and Contact Information

To participate, interested parties must submit their proposals in a sealed envelope, marked with "OFFER FOR TENDER No. 03/2026: 'Operational Management of Ditú: _____'," with the specific establishment indicated. The submission must include a business project detailing technical and economic plans, along with the offeror's contact information.

For further details and to acquire the tender documentation, contact Humberto Cabrera Andino, the principal Development and Business specialist, via phone at 50945707 or email at ep.negocios@cm.palmares.tur.cu. Alternatively, Onaidis María Ramírez Sánchez can be reached at 50945715 or via franquicias@cm.palmares.tur.cu.

Office hours are Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The announcement does not specify a location for submitting proposals, so it's advised to confirm this with the provided contacts.

Cuba's Evolving Commercial Landscape

Earlier this year, the Cuban government introduced new regulations for commerce and gastronomy. The "Decree 167 on Domestic Commerce," published in August, allowed the formation of recognized brand chains in retail and light gastronomy. In September, Arturo Vázquez Hernández from the Ministry of Domestic Commerce highlighted DiTú as an example of a franchise model viable in Cuba, emphasizing brand uniformity in commercial practice across diverse venues.

Vázquez clarified that these initiatives focus on management rather than ownership, maintaining state control over these establishments. Previously, Palmares had invited economic actors to manage other venues. In September, 13 cafes and sales points in Havana were offered for lease under a similar call, aimed at leasing out management of gastronomic, recreational, and commercial spaces.

The reopening of DiTú establishments has seen prices that are often steep for many Cuban consumers. For instance, in July, a DiTú cafe in Sancti Spíritus reopened with a "DiTú Table" priced at 4,500 Cuban pesos, featuring items like espresso at 200 pesos, stuffed croquettes from 1,000, and chicken wings at 2,500 pesos.