By Greta

October 6, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Can someone tell me if Kool Korners will ever open again? If so, where?

By Bootsy

October 6, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Havana was the best. The “hole in the wall” atmosphere provided the charm, and the food was always consistently good. Hope they can rebuild and come back soon!

By BKJ

October 6, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Is right down the street from my office. Love the place! Great food at a “hole in the wall” spot. One of the great lunch spots in Atlanta. Just real good food. Hope they can reopen! Anybody know their plans??

By Uncle Boris

October 6, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Every time I’ve been there, they’ve been packed (with good reason). I’m sure that I’m not alone in hoping that the can reopen soon.

By LR

October 6, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Kool Korners is sadly not re-opening, and I’ve heard the owners moved out of state. All the more reason why Havana needs to rebuild!

By Juan

October 6, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I am hoping they are rebuilding. I loved that places sandwich. I used to run across Buford Hiway with my families to get their foods every day. Please rebuilding.

By David

October 6, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Really bad news :( I was just there last Monday. Hope they are planning a comback!

By Patrick

October 6, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

I am so sad to hear that Kool Korners closed. They had great sandwiches and really cheap. I also love Havana Sandwich Shop. The rice with tomatoes is amazing! I hope they re-build.

By PMC

October 6, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

This place was great. I loved Havana Sandwich Shop. The food was authentic and delicious. It was one of my favorite places in the city, hopefully they can come back and hopefully we can start freaking trading with Cuba so I can enjoy a nice imported Cuban Cigar after I eat a delicious sandwich. Good Luck Benedits. I really enjoy the food you make.

By johnc22

October 6, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

That really sucks. I’ve eaten there for over a decade. I really hope they reopen, there or elsewhere.

By Amy

October 6, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

So bummed! It my boyfriend and my favorite weekend food! It’s a Sunday tradition! :( We’ll be back the minute it opens again!

By Former Sandwich Shop Owner

October 6, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

say it ain’t so, Joe. Is Kool Korner closed permanently? First the Kool Korner diner closed several years back, and they had the best lunch deal in Atlanta. Now, if the sandwich shop is closed, which had the best Cuban sandwich I ever had, I may have to go back into the sandwich business again. I bet the 14th St bridge closing has something to do with the closing. I can’t get there from here, on the east side of I 85.

By Know the facts

October 6, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

I’ve eaten at Havana Sandwich Shop & everything was always delicious & well-prepared. I heard about the fire on the news early this morning & was saddened. They said a homeless person started the fire. And people wonder why I hate the homeless so much

By Woody

October 6, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Havana was my personal reward for driving six hours to Atlanta from eastern North Carolina. Where will I get my Cuban “fix” now? A media noche and cup of Cuban coffee. Man, that’s great eating. I hope to see their reopening very soon!

By Greg

October 6, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Forget Cuban, go to EATS for some jerk chicken and black beans!

By Canton

October 6, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

The Havana Sandwich Shop recently opened a new restaurant in Canton. It is owned by the Benedits as well.

By Boricua

October 6, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

As a Puertorican who moved to Atlanta 25 years ago, this is big. Havana was THE only place to get an authentic Cuban Sandswich & a malta for many years. It was always worth the 30 minute drive. I’d always tell people, when you see the building, you won’t want to go in but it’s totally worth it. For those looking for a substitute, try Papi’s. They have an even better Cuban Sandwich and more updated feel. They’re in midtown, Eagle’s Landing, and Kennesaw.

By Jason

October 6, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Please Please Please REBUILD. Heck, I’ll come down and help. I need my Cuban comfort food!!!

By justin

October 6, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Had horrible ambiance, like most restaurants on Buford. But I absolutely loved that place. Very sad. Glad I ate there just last week. I really hope they rebuild.

By INDIA

October 6, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

OH MY GOD! I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO GO BACK FOR THOSE BLACK BEANS & YELLOW RICE WITH THAT CUBAN SANDWICH! I JUST PASSED IT SATURDAY EVENING AROUND 5PM! NOW ITS GONE! I’M SO BUMMED. IT WAS A HOLE IN THE WALL JOINT, BUT FOOD WAS AWESOME! PLEASE RE-BUILD PLEASSSSEEEEEEE!!!!

By INDIA

October 6, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

OH MY GOD! I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO GO BACK FOR THOSE BLACK BEANS & YELLOW RICE WITH THAT CUBAN SANDWICH! I JUST PASSED IT SATURDAY EVENING AROUND 5PM! NOW ITS GONE! I’M SO BUMMED. IT WAS A HOLE IN THE WALL JOINT, BUT FOOD WAS AWESOME! PLEASE RE-BUILD PLEASSSSEEEEEEE!!!!

By Michael

October 6, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

It was ok.

By Patrick

October 6, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Complete and utter devastation sums up the way I feel right now. We have a group planned to eat lunch there today. We have declared a day of mourning and we pray that they come back just the way they were: a little ole hole in the wall with great food and lots of Mojo!

By Mike

October 6, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

With all the improvement on other areas of Buford Highway, I was disappointed to hear the owner say how that area has degraded and gang activity has increased. Chalk another one up to illegal immigrant gangs.

By sally

October 6, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Not a Fan, Went a couple of times and the place was “Always” Dirty… I’m sure the fire was due to grease, The Place was NASTY!!!

By kip

October 6, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

This is worse news than the Dow dipping below 10K and Obama surging in the polls. I LOVE Havana and hope they plan to rebuild. I’d be very willing to donate…

By EB

October 6, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

this sucks! Havana’s awesome. Hope they rebuild.

By Brit

October 6, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Best cuban in town!!!! I’ll miss Havana - please rebuild!

By Sorka

October 6, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Very sad! I had many wonderful, memorable meals at Havana (as well as Kool Korners - and I do think the construction damaged their business as it cut them off from the Midtown office district). Both of those institutions also attracted a wide cross-section of Atlantans, offering an interesting perspective on our city’s economic and cultural diversity.

By David

October 6, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Wow. What a bummer. Delicious food. I’ll miss them if they don’t come back.

By L G

October 6, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

So sad to hear about Havana! I am sure they will rebuild , that place is a Atlanta landmark! The Kool Korner owner did help some people with a new sandwich shop before he moved out of state that will make the same sandwiches he made in Dunwoody. I know they are opening soon and it is located right in the Dunwoody Village, I think that name is going to be Caden’s Corner or something like that.

By NNB

October 6, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Mrs. Benedit, I hope you will decide to reopen the restaurant, my family has enjoyed your food for years.

By Sensible Party

October 6, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

I am sorry to hear for the loss, but I am SO happy that I will not have to hear Debbie’s ultra-ANNOYING radio and internet broadcast ads anymore!!!

By kip

October 6, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

This is worse news than the Dow dipping below 10K and Obama surging in the polls. I LOVE Havana and hope they plan to rebuild. I’d be very willing to donate…

By Tyler Thigpen

October 6, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I was (and am) a Fan. Debbie, I hope that you can keep it going! www.savehavanasandwichshop.com

By Tyler Thigpen

October 6, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I was (and am) a Fan. Debbie, I hope that you can keep it going! savehavanasandwichshop.com

By Josie

October 6, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Kool Korner will never open again. The owner had surgery and he is not recovering as well as expected. He moved (I think to Florida) to stay with a son. He sold the building, which includes the barber shop. I am sure that the new owner will tear both down. In any case, even if someone reopened the Cuban shop, it would never be the same. I have been mourning the loss all summer. I ate a vegetarian Cuban for less than 3 dollars about 2 times a week. The closing of Kool Korner has changed my life!

By kip

October 6, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Tyler, thanks for the website address, but my SPAM firewall hates it for some reason. Is this a place to donate to them?

By EMB

October 6, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Devastating news!! I hope they rebuild….this is like a Sunday Chick-Fil-A craving, but every day now that it’s gone!

By Buck

October 6, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

I grew up just around the corner from the Havana Sandwich Shop and have been enjoying their food since they opened the joint. I always laughed everytime I ate there as that picture of that stupid pig and those garlic gloves have been hanging on the wall in the same location since they built the place. Please rebuild Debbie, please!

By Dave

October 6, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

When I was a child, my mother would take me there all the time since we lived within walking distance. We continued going there throughout the years…every time we were in the area, we’d hit the sandwich shop, always greeted with a warm smile and an “hola!”

When I would come home from college, my mom would pick me up from the airport and it was one of the first places we would hit.

wow, that’s just really sad, I hope everything with the owners and employees turn out ok.

By SGN

October 6, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Havana has been one of my favorites. Great food - love the shakes and sandwiches. I hope it returns soon.

By Donald

October 6, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Cuban food is great, but it also makes me have a huge BM.

By jay

October 6, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Best cuban sandwich and cafe con leche in town. I had moved to Clarkston, so it was a little far away. Now I am really craving that sandwich. Rebuild and I promise to come by once a month.

By Scott

October 6, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

They were actually planning to close that location for good in November and open a new one in Canton. Devastating news when I heard it!

By Andrea Rivera

October 6, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

I moved to Atlanta from Miami in 1992 and you can bet I was on Cuban food withdrawl. I loved Havana Sandwich Shop and went there as often as I could. I hope they rebuild and buy new tables and chairs. The food is the best!

By Dolly

October 6, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

To “Know the facts” You may not want to start pointing fingers at homeless people until you KNOW THE FACTS. According to the DeKalb County Fire Department, the cause of the fire is under investigation. Hope Havana can reopen soon!!!

By mark

October 6, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

2 Words: The Best

Just got my cuban fix last week. The rest of the office was too busy to go and now they are without….i will miss it if they move and do not rebuild

By mark

October 6, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

2 Words: The Best

Just got my cuban fix last week. The rest of the office was too busy to go and now they are without….i will miss it if they move and do not rebuild

By Tonia

October 6, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Awe, the best food you ever had. Please set up shop in the parking lot I’ll be over Friday. Such a shame, I really hope they rebuild.

By Andrew

October 6, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

It is sad to see the sandwich shop go down in flames. I heard they were moving in November to Canton, GA. I was already bummed about that. Now the fire. I was hoping to visit the shop a couple more times before they moved.

By Greg

October 6, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Over a 8 year period i ate at this restaurant at least once a week. A number 17E was my order with white rice. I hope they rebuild, but i understand if they do not. One of my top 10 favorite places to eat.

By RPB

October 6, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

I just heard on radio (AM 750 WSB-ATLANTA) that they (Havana Restaurant) will not be re-building Buford Hwy Location. Have to go the family’s other location in Canton, GA. Very sad… I always enjoyed going to the place. Not very fancy decor, but good food and friendly workers !

By odd?

October 6, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

I heard it was going to be closed down…not burned down…hmmm

By odd?

October 6, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

I heard it was going to be closed down…not burned down…hmmm

By Loved It!

October 6, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

I loved the food there. When I’d pick up something to take home, I’d always get an extra order of yucca fritas for me to eat on the way.

I’m very sorry to hear about the fire.

By sharon

October 6, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

I first started eating at Havana Sandwich Shop as a first year student at Emory College (1976), and have always loved going back there through the years. Great cuban sandwich, fabulous rice and tomatoes, and terrific back beans. I hope it reopens, and will sorely miss it if doesn’t. Thanks for helping a homesick college student afford her favorite Cuban dishes from home, and for all the great food since.

By Jorge

October 6, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Que lastima! Era muy bueno y autentico! Abran otra vez, haganlo mas lindo, con fotos de Cuba Vieja, banderas y cigarros… Fuerza! Jorge.

By Rick Ricks

October 6, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

I moved away from Atlanta almost 10 years ago. But whenever I return, Havana sandwich shop is one of my first stops.

By DCB

October 6, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

I work just down the street and I’ve been eating lunch’s there for the last 5 years. I am soooo bummed. 1/2 Cuban, rice and beans, one of my favorites. I’m soooo goiong to miss the place. Whaaaa!

By David

October 6, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

I drove there for lunch this afternoon (having not heard about the fire) and saw Debbie standing in front with a Fox news crew. The Havana is/was one of my favorite restaurants in town and seeing it boarded up made me sick. I hope it reopens in its current location, and that Greg is severely burned for using this article to namedrop an inferior, school-cafeteria-style chicken/chili hut.

By Sherry

October 6, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

I started eating there the in 1978. Best cuban sandwiches i have ever eaten. Please rebuild…….. can’t find a cuban sandwich like that anywhere else…….

Please put out a new opening date.

Thanks for the memories.

By Mark

October 6, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Too bad the fire didn’t consume the whole street

By Meghan

October 6, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

This is such devastating news. I couldn’t believe it. I truly hope that the place reopens. I hated Cuban food until I came here. There was never a time a when there wasn’t a line inside. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Benedit.

By Anne

October 6, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable. Growing up in Atlanta (& with a Colombian mother) this was the only place to get authentic Cuban food. Now that I moved away to SC, this has always been the one place that I always looked forward to going back to. PLEASE REBUILD!!! I’ll even come down & help!

By Anne

October 6, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable. Growing up in Atlanta (& with a Colombian mother) this was the only place to get authentic Cuban food. Now that I moved away to SC, this has always been the one place that I always looked forward to going back to. PLEASE REBUILD!!! I’ll even come down & help!

By Jen K

October 6, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! I really hope you rebuild Havana. Best Cuban sandwiches north of FL.

By Havana Daydreamin'

October 6, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

This is no bueno!

There is a dearth of good eating in Sandy Springs. Come, rebuild - I’ll be there everyday!

By Dave

October 6, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

I hope Havana rebuilds, even if they have to move to another location! No matter where they go though the crowds will follow for the excellent food!

By a cuban

October 6, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

For the folks commenting on this being authentic cuban, it is not. Yellow rice is not served with black beans ever, yellow rice goes with chicken only in a dish called arroz con pollo. The havana sandwich shop was fine for what it is but there are better, more authentic places around now. One at peachtree corners and one at nesbit ferry and old alabama. The food was fine for what it was but doesn’t compare to Miami, my mother or grandmother.

By MJP

October 6, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Such sad news to hear of the fire. Been a customer since 1976 and the food has always been great. I wish Debbie and her family the best and will follow them where ever they reopen.

By MJP

October 6, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Such sad news to hear of the fire. Been a customer since 1976 and the food has always been great. I wish Debbie and her family the best and will follow them where ever they reopen.

By kelly

October 6, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

To a Cuban: Sounds like we need to go to your mama’s house!!!! I liked Havana, but a lot of restaurants change menus a lot or slighty to accommodate the market. Americans!

By NOOOoooooooo

October 6, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

I really hope they rebuild. It has been too long since I was last there, but when I lived in Lenox park in the 90’s I was a regular.

By Paula

October 6, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

The first time I had a Cuban sandwich was when I was a child living in Puerto Rico. I remember “Ramon” from Cuba used to make the best Cuban sandwiches at the golf course. I’ve been going to the Havana Sandwich Shop since I moved to Atlanta 16 years ago. Loved the sandwiches and the tostones! Last time I went was about a month ago after a year’s absence. The food was still as good but I was disappointed that they no longer served beer. Please open up soon! —Paula

By efairleigh@personalcare.net

October 6, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Two black beans and yellow rice, 1 no pan, 2 half and half teas send their love with hopes that you will be able to reopen soon. We already miss you.

By another cuban

October 6, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

To the person commenting on black beans and yellow rice. Who cares… it was good food… give me a number 18 any day of the week…

By another cuban

October 6, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

To the person commenting on black beans and yellow rice. Who cares… it was good food… give me a number 18 any day of the week…

By Jamie

October 6, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Ah man …that’s sad. I used to work there from 78 to81. I made and cooked those sandwiches. Worked with a man named Emilio who got so frustrated when I tried to talk Spanish to him.

By Jessica

October 7, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

My father introduced me to the Havana Sandwich shop 3 years ago when I first came out of surgery for a kidney transplant. Since then, it’s been our special “father-daughter” weekend lunch stop. About 2 months ago I moved to Texas to attend law school, and the first thing my father and I decided was that he would ship me a Cuban from the Havana Sandwich Shop this November; this morning when I read about the fire I nearly CRIED. It’s devastating to hear that they were also the target of an attempted break in!!

Please please please please PLEASE do not close!!!! I’ve lived near the HSS my entire life and never knew what a GEM Buford Highway held until that day 3 years ago! Please don’t close - please please please!

By Jessica

October 7, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

My father introduced me to the Havana Sandwich shop 3 years ago when I first came out of surgery for a kidney transplant. Since then, it’s been our special “father-daughter” weekend lunch stop. About 2 months ago I moved to Texas to attend law school, and the first thing my father and I decided was that he would ship me a Cuban from the Havana Sandwich Shop this November; this morning when I read about the fire I nearly CRIED. It’s devastating to hear that they were also the target of an attempted break in!!

Please please please please PLEASE do not close!!!! I’ve lived near the HSS my entire life and never knew what a GEM Buford Highway held until that day 3 years ago! Please don’t close - please please please!

By ihorizon

October 7, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this

ihorizon So sorry to hear about the fire!!!! I’m shocked. When we used to work at the BellSouth Lenox location, my coworker friends and I would drive over to the Havana Sandwich Shop and order up the yellow rice, black beans with ham sandwich. Unfortunately we were all relocated over to Midtown couple years ago so Papi would be the closest Cuban fare to our office. I’m drooling thinking about Havana’s food now!!!!

By David

October 7, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this

I love Havana Sandwich. #17 con maduros sin frijoles. I certainly hope they are able to re-open.

I wish Debbie and the crew all the best.

By Nate ArchiBALL

October 7, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this

Damn…….I’m going to miss the HSS.

By Ben

October 7, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this

How well I remember the GRAND OPENING—-I was their postman. The father and daughter enthusiasm level was unbeliveable. Still I thought that they would never make it. BOY WAS I WRONG! One bite of their Cuban sandwich and I was hooked, becoming a regular at the Havana Sandwich Shop. GOD BLESS!!

By gormandizer

October 7, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

I was listening to Neal Boortz this morning and apparently they are not going to reopen. It was referred to as “Mexican Lightening”. I’m guessing they weren’t well liked in the neighborhood. What a shame. I loved that place.

By Bob

October 7, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

I have been going to the sandwich shop for years. The half Cuban sand with yellow rice and black beans was THE BEST. Going to miss that wonderful little hole-in-the-wall place. I want to encourage Debbie rebuilds….

I too was listening to Neal this AM and heard the Mexican Lightning comment. Sure hope that is NOT true.

By Barbara

October 9, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Oh, man! So devastated to hear about this…..one of my favorite places in Atlanta for lunch, now gone! Here’s hoping for a rebuild. I don’t live here any more but this was one of the few remaining reasons I’d visit and then the Downwind for dinner… Debbie, I hope you do rebuild for those who have gone and those who remain…..

By John Ulzheimer

October 9, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Debbie - If you want to rebuild I’ll help fund it in exchange for partial ownership. Please don’t let this gem disappear. I’m quite certain I’m not the only one who feels this way. julzheimer@hotmail.com

By Rudy

October 10, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I’ve been coming to the Havana Sandwich Shop since it opened in the late 70’s. I was fortunate enough to have met Eddie in our younger days when were rode three-wheeler ATC’s with our friends and family. I watched Debbie interviewed on TV and it broke my heart, not only was this great food, these are great folks as well. I do hope they reopen, I’mm be the first person in line. God Bless you Benedit fammily.

By Rey's Cuban Grill

October 15, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Hi everyone, As a Cuban rstaurant owner I’m sad to hear that a Cuban Restaurant has been damaged or has moved out of town. Let me assure that if you’re looking for an authentic Cuban flavor go to Loganville GA on Hwy 78. We serve up the finest Cuban Dishes in Metro Atlanta. Call me for directions or information. Rey Martinez 770 554-4440 or 770 856-3601

By Crazy Mary

October 16, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

I lived across Buford Hwy when this sandwich shop first opened. Over the years I have moved a coupld of times, but I always dropped in for a sandwich and beans with rice whenever I was up and down I-85 and had time to stop. I mourn the lost and hope it reopens better than ever. There is NOT a comparable Cuban sandwich shop- they are all trying to be something else. This place was always just Great Food. I know the family has been through a lot with the loss of a grandfather and a husband, now the loss of their building. You have many friends in Duluth, Doraville, Lawrenceville- and when we discover each other we often say- “When was the last time you were over that way? Hmmmm, makes me hungry to think about it.”

You are in my prayers.

By Allison

December 10, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

I’ve been eating at Havana for all of their 32 years, and have never had a better Cuban sandwich. There is no substitute! Please re-open, Debbie! I’m too far from Canton!!!