Do you remember the first time you ate a sandwich from Meson Sandwiches?
For many people, that moment becomes a core memory, one of those memories etched in flavor and affection.
Since 1972, Meson Sandwiches (widely known as El Meson) has been more than a restaurant: it has been part of daily routine, ordinary days, rushed mornings, and celebrations alike.
In fact, for thousands of Puerto Ricans living off the Island, there is an unwritten tradition that repeats itself on every trip home.
✈️ Before getting on the plane back: You have to stop at Meson Sandwiches, to take those flavors that connect us to Puerto Rican identity, the freshly brewed coffee, the crispy toast, the golden sorullos with mayoketchup.
Because more than a fast-food chain, Meson Sandwiches represents something deeper: community, family effort, identity and criollo flavor.
With more than 50 years of history, this family business has not only fed generations but has been a constant presence in Puerto Rico's life, always with the same commitment to serving with quality, heart and flavor.
More than 50 years of flavor, hard work and Puerto Rican pride
The story of El Mesón is the story of a family dream that became part of the cultural heritage of an entire island. Decade after decade, each new location has added another chapter to this story of a business and its people.
1970s
The beginning of a dream
It all started in 1972, at the Marbella Shopping Center in Aguadilla, when Don Felipe Pérez Valentín opened the first Mesón Sandwiches. With a toaster, a griddle and a clear vision, he turned a small delicatessen into a place where flavor had an identity.
It was in that location, next to Crash Boat, where the famous pastrami sandwich was born, and, without anyone planning it, so was a tradition.
The original location where it all began: a vision made real in Aguadilla
The early years: building a tradition.
1980s
The flavor expands
In 1987, Mesón took its first major leap with an opening at the Mayagüez Mall. A year later, in 1988, it arrived at a landmark location: Plaza Las Américas, the largest shopping center in the Caribbean. For a Puerto Rican family business, it was a historic achievement: Mesón was no longer just a western Island conversation, it was an island-wide one.
Expansion of Meson Sandwiches (1987). Opening of the second Meson at the Mayagüez Mall.
Growth continues: bringing the flavor to more corners of the Island
1990s
A dream in San Juan
In 1992, one of Don Felipe's long-held goals was realized: opening a Mesón in Viejo San Juan. The location, in a beautiful colonial building, also marked the entry of his youngest son, Gil Pérez Grajales, into the business. A new generation of leadership was beginning, with the same mission: to serve with excellence and represent what is ours.
Among colonial cobblestones, a new generation takes the reins
2000s
An unforgettable milestone: 25 stores
On Aug. 10, 2004, the chain reached a new milestone: 25 stores open in Puerto Rico. What had started as a family dream was now part of the landscape and collective memory of the country.
Opening of Mesón Sandwiches in Santa Isabel, Aug. 10, 2004
2010s
Community, education and more
This decade brought new projects that reinforced Mesón Sandwiches' commitment to its community, from the Combos Universitarios to a collaboration with the Cruz Roja. June 1 marked another historic moment with the opening of the first international restaurant, located in the Dining Pavilion at the Florida Mall in Orlando.
2017-2024
Puerto Rican resilience
Neither Hurricane María, nor the earthquakes, nor the pandemic stopped Meson Sandwiches. During the hardest moments, the company served its community with relief brigades, food and solidarity.
Today, with more than 40 stores in Puerto Rico and 4 in Orlando, they continue to grow without losing what makes them unique.
📈 Today, with more than 40 stores in Puerto Rico and 4 in Orlando, they continue to grow without losing what makes them unique.
🇵🇷 Beyond the menu: El Mesón's connection to Puerto Rico
Combos Universitarios
Mesón Sandwiches has invested in Puerto Rico's future: its students. In 2016, the company donated 25 cents from every combo sold to the scholarship fund of the Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria (LAI), with the goal of supporting 20 university institutions and raising more than $200,000.
Cruz Roja mobile unit
As part of its community work, Mesón Sandwiches has partnered with the Cruz Roja to bring its services where they are most needed, especially during emergencies.
Hurricane María
After María, Mesón Sandwiches showed that its role on the Island is larger than that of a restaurant. From Oct. 2 through Oct. 27, 2017, groups of mesoneros from different restaurants got up at 2:00 a.m. to prepare 1,000 sandwiches a day, operating out of the Western Plaza location.
Over 25 days, they prepared and distributed more than 15,000 sandwiches to the hardest-hit towns in the western region. The food deliveries and logistical support were an example of genuine commitment to Puerto Rico.
Did you know…?
🏠 Today and always, the flavor of Puerto Rico
Meson Sandwiches is not just a place where good sandwiches are made. It is a space where memories are served, community is built, and the best of who we are as a people is celebrated.
Because more than a sandwich, it is home.
The Flavors of Puerto Rico
With some of the best sandwiches, breakfast served any time and Puerto Rican coffee, bringing the flavors of Puerto Rico for more than 50 years.
Order your favorite here!This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
