May 18 is Officially ‘Meson Sandwiches Day’ in Orlando, Mayoral Proclamation States
ORLANDO, Fla., May 18, 2018 – May 18 was declared “Meson Sandwiches Day” by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who honored the Puerto Rican restaurant chain with a proclamation this Friday during the grand opening of its third Central Florida store. The celebration was also attended by Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who awarded the Governor’s Business Ambassador medal to Meson president Felipe Pérez-Grajales. Scott also unveiled Florida’s latest employment number at the event.
The restaurant marked the opening of its third Central Florida location with a proclamation by Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer and received a medal from Florida Gov. Rick Scott for its job-creation role in the state
The new in-line restaurant, with a convenient drive-thru, is located at the Lee Vista Promenade, near Orlando International Airport.
“We are delighted to have Meson Sandwiches as part of Orlando’s business community,” Dyer said. “Our community continues to grow and thrive, and the Puerto Rican community is a big part of that. With their famous sandwiches and fresh coffee, Meson Sandwiches will strengthen cultural connections between Puerto Rico and Central Florida as it serves our diverse, inclusive community”.
The mayor’s sentiments were amplified in his proclamation, which reads in part: “Meson Sandwiches is helping build bridges and strengthen cultural connections between Puerto Rico and Central Florida as an ambassador of island flavors and goodwill at a time that the region is experiencing unprecedented growth of its Puerto Rican community. Meson has demonstrated its commitment to Central Florida by supporting local nonprofits, grassroot groups and education initiatives, becoming a trusted corporate citizen and neighbor.”
Each Meson store generates approximately 50 direct jobs, contributing to Central Florida’s strong job growth.
“It is great to be at Meson Sandwiches today, which has helped many Puerto Rican families find a job and feel at home in Florida,” Scott said. “It is an honor to present the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award to Mr. Pérez-Grajales for his efforts to create jobs and opportunities for Florida families. I was also proud to visit Meson earlier this month in Puerto Rico to congratulate them on their success. Since December 2010, more than 1.5 million jobs have been created across the state, because of businesses like Meson Sandwiches.”
The Orlando region has led the state in job creation for 37 straight months, creating 8,300 new jobs in the month of April alone, Scott added. The area’s unemployment rate is at 3.1 percent, .8 percent lower than the state’s 3.9 percent average.
Pérez-Grajales said the restaurant chain founded by his father more than 45 years ago, is committed to serving Central Florida.
“It is humbling for our family business to be recognized by both the governor and the mayor,” Pérez-Grajales said. “We are growing strong in Central Florida, where customers, government officials and community leaders have welcomed us with open arms. We feel compelled to pay this kindness forward, which is why we support initiatives and causes that strengthen us all.”
A fourth Meson Sandwiches restaurant is scheduled to open early 2019 at Gardens on Millenia. The other two locations currently in operation are in Osceola Parkway and The Florida Mall.
The new restaurant launches a new design concept for Meson Sandwiches in the mainland US. The inside walls will tell the company’s story through beautiful imagery to include murals and historic photographs. The artistic design will evoke the colors and warmth of the tropics for a laid-back, yet sophisticated feel. The pictorial representation will also pay homage to the diverse customer base Meson Sandwiches has had through the years, which includes American and European surfers at its original location in Aguadilla, as well as military families from nearby Ramey Air Force Base. The company currently boasts 37 stores throughout the island.
Each Central Florida Meson Sandwiches store represents millions of dollars in direct and indirect economic activity and generates about 50 jobs.
Meson Sandwiches is Puerto Rico’s largest restaurant chain. It offers all-day breakfast, 100 percent Arabica coffee, and an array of signature and specialty sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vegetarian options like salads, baked potatoes with multiple toppings and meat-free sandwiches are also available.
