Chef Helen Ortega says Chacabanas is “an ode to the Cuban and Dominican cultures we love.”

Earlier this month, Over-the-Rhine welcomed a new option to its extensive list of eateries.  

Located on Elm Street right across from Findlay Market, Chacabanas is a Cuban sandwich restaurant startup owned by Helen Ortega, the head chef, and Alex Peralta. Named for the traditionally light and comfortable Dominican Chacabana shirt, the restaurant offers a three-sandwich menu, including the El Cubano, the Ybor City Cubano and the Croqueta Preperarada. The sandwiches can be purchased with any of three side items, including croqueta, empanadas or yuca fries.  

Throughout the opening process, Ortega and Peralta worked closely with Findlay Launch, Findlay Market’s storefront accelerator program, designed to identify and assist in jumpstarting local restaurants. Restaurants begin in Findlay Launch’s Elm Street location, and branch out following their residency.  

“Helen and Alex exuded not only so much passion, but this understanding of what they wanted to do and what their concept was,” says Teri Heist, Findlay Launch’s food innovation program manager.  

Chacabanas is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The restaurant will remain in its Elm Street location until at least the end of February 2024, after which Heist will assist in moving Ortega and Peralta’s vision forward.  

“The plan is to continue with our support services,” Heist says. “If this is a concept they want to pursue, we will start working with Chacabanas to identify locations, work on their business plans and transition them positively to the next step.”