Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Tampa's Oldest Restaurant
1890
Las Novedades was founded on this site when Ybor City was a tiny village. Its proprietor was Manuel (Canuto) Menendez. The coffee shop was a favorite rendezvous for the pioneer cigarmakers of Sanchez y Haya Cigar Factory located across the street. In November 1891 Las Novedades was destroyed by fire. It reopened in 1892.
During the Spanish-American War the Rough Riders gained local fame when they gayly galloped into the small restaurant, and the Latin inhabitants termed the escapade "The Charge Of The Yellow Rice Brigade."
Erected 1962 by The Civitan Club Of Ybor City.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce • War, Spanish-American. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1891.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 27° 57.617′ N, 82° 26.606′ W. Marker was in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. Marker was on E. 7th Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Located in Ybor City Historic District of Tampa, between N. 14th & N. 15th Streets. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Tampa FL 33605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Sweet Taste of Ybor City (here, next to this marker); Tampa's First Cigar Factory (within shouting distance of this marker); The Birth Of Ybor City (within shouting distance of this marker); Dueling in Ybor City (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel De La Havana (within shouting distance of this marker); Ybor City's First Fire Station (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); El Chino — Pajarito Restaurant (about 400 feet away); La Liga Patriotica de Instruccion (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,585 times since then and 97 times this year. Last updated on July 2, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.