Leyra Rolón López, a 30-year-old from Naranjito, Puerto Rico, has opened Flor Jíbara, a restaurant that serves a 'brunch' with a rural and Puerto Rican flavor. The menu is inspired by traditional dishes with an innovative twist, such as French toast with local papaya and a sandwich with roasted pork, ham, and Swiss cheese. Rolón López's journey to opening the restaurant began in 2017 when she was working as a dishwasher and later as a waitress, bartender, and manager.
She eventually pursued a degree in Culinary Arts and Gastronomic Sciences, graduating in 2020. The restaurant's name and menu are a tribute to her family and Puerto Rican culture. Rolón López's family has been supportive throughout the process, with her brother helping with the menu and her grandmother making papaya dessert.
Despite facing challenges, including recent power outages that damaged equipment and lost inventory, Rolón López is committed to sharing Puerto Rican culture and cuisine with her community. Flor Jíbara has been fully booked for weeks since its opening in October 2025.