VALDOSTA — The long-awaited Cuban restaurant on Bemiss Road is now open for business and certainly worth the wait. Owners Wilson and Sherry Gutierrez have put more than two years of work into Mambo Cuban Restaurant, and they have a lot to show for it — a beautiful restaurant with great food and a fun atmosphere.

Since childhood, it has been Wilson’s dream to own his own restaurant, one that would allow him to share his heritage with the community. He was raised in Miami, though his parents were from Cuba, and eventually moved up to the Valdosta area. He is a tile craftsman by trade and possesses a great deal of talent and creativity. However, he always longed for a business that would give him more time with his family.

Sherry, a native of the Gainesville, Fla. area, moved to Lowndes County with her mother about six years ago. They met when Wilson was laying tile at her mother’s home and instantly knew they were meant to be together. As they shared their dreams, Wilson’s restaurant became hers as well. The family worked for more than two years to completely remodel their chosen location.

“We had a very helpful landlord that was patient with us as we completely renovated the building,” Sherry said, also explaining that they chose their location because of its proximity to Moody Air Force base as well as their home.

Wilson himself created the exterior sign that proclaims the restaurant’s name and provides a glimpse of the interior ambiance. Named for Cuba’s upbeat, energizing dance, Mambo offers authentic cuisine in a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant has bright colors, gorgeous tile and a beautiful mural that really set the mood for a fun, authentic Cuban dining experience.

The extensive menu (breakfast, lunch and dinner) features a variety of dishes, all created fresh daily by Cuban chef Mayra C. Barroso from her own personal recipes. Served in enormous portions, the food is not hot at all, unless you request hot sauce, but zesty and full of flavor from onions, garlic, peppers and spices. Anyone looking for a Cuban meal that is not on the menu may request it; they will cook any request if they have the ingredients.

Never had Cuban food? Just ask for a sample.

Drinks are also available from many different countries, including Puerto Rico, Columbia and many others. Mambo’s coffee and smoothies are some of the best around.

The Gutierrez family is thrilled with the outcome of their restaurant and the number of customers they have already served.

“We wanted a place that was full of life — a place where people feel good,” Wilson said. He and his family have certainly accomplished what they set out to create.



What do customers have to say?

Jose Escobosa, airman first class, and his wife Andrea enjoyed their experience at Mambo’s. “We really like the atmosphere — it is inviting with the bright colors. The food is really good too. We are both very satisfied,” Andrea said.



Q: Prices?



A: Our prices are not comparable to fast food, but they are appropriate for the amount and quality off food you will receive. You may pay $6 for a meal but you will probably get two dinners out of it.



Q: What are your most popular dishes?



A: Ropa Vieja, shredded beef cooked with onions, tomatoes and bell peppers, and Cuban sandwiches. These are also our favorites. Oh, people love our coffee and pastries too.



Q: Specials?



A: We are starting Kids Night on Tuesday nights where kids eat free and families can enter into giveaways.



Q: Something interesting about restaurant:



A: Next door to the pizza chain Dominos, which is also popular game in Cuba, comparable to American card games.



Q: What are your expectations?



A: We hope to add delivery and catering, but don’t plan to expand into a large operation or chain. We love our location here and have put a lot of work into it. We are doing this to spend more time together as a family, not to make a lot of money, therefore making people happy is our main motivation.



Q: What should people know?



A: We want you to come have good food in an enjoyable atmosphere. We want you to feel like family.



Mambo Cuban Restaurant

Owners: Wilson and Sherry Gutierrez

Phone: (229) 249-0755

Location: 4644A Bemiss Road

Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday