Felipe Valls Sr., founder of the emblematic Cuban restaurant Versailles in Miami, dies at 89

Cuban businessman Felipe Valls Sr., founder of the iconic Versailles restaurant in Miami, died on Saturday, his granddaughter, Nicole Valls, confirmed to CNN. He was 89.

Nicole Valls did not provide further details about her grandfather's death but said family spokespersons will provide more information at a later date.

After Valls opened his restaurant on Miami's iconic Calle Ocho 51 years ago, it became a vital gathering place for exiled Cubans who could gather for guava pastries and other familiar dishes.

The landmark in the city's Little Havana neighborhood remains a regular rallying point for activists and members of the Cuban community in South Florida. It also serves as a meeting point for demonstrations on political issues involving the island.

With heavy hearts, Versailles announces the passing of our beloved founder, Felipe Valls, Sr. 🇨🇺🇺🇸🤍

Con profundo dolor, Versailles anuncia el fallecimiento de nuestro querido fundador, Felipe Valls, Sr. 🇨🇺🇺🇸🤍 pic.twitter.com/thW2gokHAK

— Versailles Miami (@VersaillesMiami) November 27, 2022

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez mourned the loss of Valls on Saturday and described the businessman as "an extraordinary human being who served his family, his beloved Miami, and the freedom of Cuba with supreme devotion."

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a tweet that Valls was "the true embodiment of the American dream."

Rest in Peace, Felipe Valls. Cordial friend, patriot, exemplary entrepreneur, bastion of our community and the cause of freedom. Deepest condolences to his entire wonderful family.

— Lincoln Diaz-Balart (@LincolnDBalart) November 26, 2022

"As a leader, philanthropist, and brilliant businessman, he shaped (Versailles) on the pulse of our community for more than five decades," the mayor wrote.

Those same thoughts were echoed by Florida State Representative Daniel Perez, who tweeted his condolences for the loss of "an icon in our community."

Media outlets, including CNN, have visited Versailles over the years to gauge the Cuban community's opinions on various issues and major events, such as the death of Fidel Castro in 2016, when crowds filled the streets around the cafe, banging pots and pans and popping champagne, according to CNN affiliate WSVN.