Riverview's Box of Cubans Expands to New Tampa, Eyes National Franchise

A local culinary dream born in a gas station is officially brewing a much larger vision.

The family behind the beloved Riverview restaurant, Box of Cubans, has expanded with a new location in New Tampa.

This is more than just another restaurant opening; it's a calculated move.

Owner Marcos Silverio sees the new venue as the crucial next phase in transforming their cherished brand into a national franchise.

Their story is one of pure grit and community focus, starting from the most humble of beginnings.

"Failure was just not an option for us," Silverio recalled of their early days operating out of a BP station.

That determination, shared with his wife Onelia, was rooted in a simple but powerful strategy: listening to their customers.

It was this feedback that shaped their menu and built a loyal following, turning a small gas station counter into a local sensation known for its award-winning Cuban sandwich and flavorful steak sandwich.

The family's passion is a core ingredient in their success.

"That's that kind of love that we put into our kitchen, that we put into our food, into our employees," explained their son, Marcos Silverio Junior, known as "MJ," who now serves as the company's COO.

He believes that genuine care “trickles down to our customers,” creating an experience that goes beyond just the meal.

Even as they expand, the menu will continue to offer variety, catering to health-conscious patrons with flavorful rice bowls that don't compromise on taste.

The new New Tampa location is designed to be a flagship, a training ground for future franchise partners to learn the business inside and out.

It's a bold leap, turning a local favorite into a replicable national model.

The journey from their original spot on Gibsonton Drive in Riverview to this new stage required what Marcos Silverio calls "true, true, hard work, it's grit and determination."

For the Silverio family, what started in a gas station has become a powerful testament to the American dream, fueled by passion, family, and the perfect Cuban sandwich.

--

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Box of Cubans locations?

You can find Box of Cubans at 10451 Gibsonton Drive in Riverview and their new location at 17512 Dona Michelle Drive in New Tampa.

What is Box of Cubans known for?

They are celebrated for their authentic, fast-casual Cuban food, including an award-winning Cuban sandwich, steak sandwich, empanadas, and rice bowls.