Havana Sandwich Shop burns

Metro Atlanta

Havana Sandwich Shop burns

Havana Sandwich Shop, a DeKalb County restaurant that has served up Cuban sandwiches for more than 30 years, was heavily damaged Monday by an early-morning fire.

The Havana Sandwich Shop, a DeKalb County restaurant that has served up Cuban sandwiches for more than 30 years, was heavily damaged Monday by an early-morning fire.

Jim Matrangos hugs sister Debbie Benedit after her restaurant on Buford Highway was damaged in an early morning fire. "I just feel so violated right now," Bendit said when she arrived at the scene.

The blaze broke out shortly after midnight in the 2900 block of Buford Highway, according to DeKalb fire dispatchers.

No injuries were reported. Owner Debbie Benedit told WSB-TV that the restaurant was the target of an attempted break-in just last week.

Havana Sandwich Shop owner Debbie Benedit (left) and friend Trudy Wood roll up an anniversary sign inside the restaurant. Local patrons say it's the best Cuban restaurant north of Miami.

Benedit and her brother climb over the charred outside deck. Locals will have to look elsewhere for a boliche sandwich, black beans and rice or strong cup of coffee until a decision is made to either rebuild or close the well-known restaurant.

Broken glass from the front door was covered by a restaurant sign.

Relatives and friends work on a doorway near a sign dedicated to patriarch Eduardo Benedit after the restaurant was damaged in an early morning fire on Monday.

Several times in the past 32 years, the restaurant has been recognized by the national restaurant guide Zagat as being the "Top Cuban Restaurant in Atlanta."

Owner Debbie Benedit walks through her damaged restaurant in the aftermath of a fire on Monday. The restaurant serves some of Atlanta's best Cuban food and is a gathering spot for many in the Cuban community.

1/10

The Havana Sandwich Shop, a DeKalb County restaurant that has served up Cuban sandwiches for more than 30 years, was heavily damaged Monday by an early-morning fire.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Jimmy Carter ‘forever’ stamp

PHOTOS: 2025 AJC Photos of the Year

Coca-Cola first ad

PHOTOS: Coca-Cola ads over time

Alonzo Herndon

PHOTOS: Philanthropists leave mark on Atlanta

gainesville, thomas county central

PHOTOS: Thomas County Central pummels Gainesville for 5A state title

More Galleries

People are silhouetted against a huge Pride flag before the start of the Atlanta Pride Parade on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Photos: Atlanta Pride Parade 2025

Splish Splash Doggie Bash at Piedmont Park

Photos: Splish Splash Doggie Bash at Piedmont Park

Fallen Dekalb County Firefighter Preston Fant arrives at West Cobb Funeral Home

PHOTOS: Fallen DeKalb firefighter honored with processional through metro Atlanta

Dragon Con Parade

PHOTOS: Dragon Con Parade 2025 brings out colorful characters