Ray Rodriguez

Cuba 1918

Ray Rodriguez is a combat Veteran, musician, and community-driven entrepreneur who co-founded Cuba 1918, a Veteran-owned Cuban restaurant and live music venue in San Antonio’s historic Quintana neighborhood. Opened in October 2022, Cuba 1918 reflects Ray’s vision of preserving and sharing authentic Cuban culture through food, music, and community connection while helping revitalize a long-overlooked corridor of the city.

A talented vocalist and musician, Ray shaped the heart of Cuba 1918 by making live music central to its identity. The venue has since become a recognized hub for jazz, Latin, and Cuban music, hosting legendary performers, emerging artists, and regular events that foster artistic collaboration and neighborhood pride. What began as informal jam sessions grew into a vibrant cultural ecosystem that now plays a key role in San Antonio’s live music scene.

Located in a restored 1918 building, Cuba 1918 has become an anchor for neighborhood renewal, inspiring broader efforts to reimagine and reinvest in the Quintana area. Ray’s work reflects a deep belief that Veteran leadership, cultural pride, and local entrepreneurship can drive meaningful economic and social change.