Manuel Beiro was born in La Coruna province in Spain. Like many others at the time, he immigrated to Cuba at the age of 15 to await permission to enter the United States. He worked cutting sugar cane until he gained passage to New York on the ship Alamo. While in the northern states, he worked a variety of jobs, gaining experience with the English language and teaching himself using an Edison phonograph after work hours. He soon left for Tampa where he worked in restaurants such as El Gran Oriente and The Alhambra.

In 1927 he opened Valencia Garden at 811 Grand Central Avenue, now Kennedy Boulevard. In 1940 Manuel Beiro was asked by the executive director of the Florida Exposition to manage the Florida Restaurant at the New York's World Fair. While there, President Franklin Roosevelt's mother asked for his recipe for her favorite, arroz con pollo.

Over the years, millions of people have dined at the Valencia Garden. It has earned its reputation for quality and service in large part due to the hard work and dedication of Manuel Beiro and his wife Rose.

Salud and Happy Days!