Raul Porto Sr., the founder of the beloved Porto’s Bakery, died at 92 on Wednesday, the company announced on Instagram Friday.
“Raul Sr. was an extraordinary man who, alongside his wife Rosa, founded Porto’s Bakery from their home kitchen, selling cakes and pastries to friends and family. Raul Sr. would assist whenever he could, even while working at another local bakery. After several years, he was able to join Rosa full-time, dedicating himself to growing their business,” the caption said in part.
The first official Porto’s Bakery storefront opened in 1976 in Echo Park. The company has become one of L.A.’s most beloved bakery establishments, with six locations in Glendale, Burbank, Downey, Buena Park, West Covina and Northridge.
Rosa Porto passed away in 2019.
The bakery is known for selling Cuban delicacies such as potato balls, meat pies and sandwiches, along with baked goods such as the cinnamon coffee cake and strawberry shortcake loaf.