While much of Key West would be unrecognizable to someone who last visited in 1978, there’s one particular corner that remains remarkably — and reassuringly — unchanged.
For 46 years, at Southard and Grinnell streets, 5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop has nourished its Old Town neighborhood — with Cuban coffee, classic food, convenient groceries and Key West gossip.
That tradition continues today, as the family-owned 5 Brothers is now in the hands of a third generation.
Heriberto Paez and his four brothers opened the business in 1978, their faces still painted on the sign out front. The 1933 building had long been a corner store, but the brothers made it so much more.
The torch passed to the next generation in 1997, when Heriberto “Pepe” Paez Jr. and his wife, Maribel Paez, took over for Pepe’s father, and the Southard Street staple continued as a gathering place, welcoming longtime locals, new arrivals and week-long visitors.
And that’s not going to change any time soon.
After more than 25 years of early mornings and endless cups of con leche, Pepe and Maribel began contemplating retirement. There was talk of a sale, but the family rallied, determined to keep the island institution as a family affair.
In recent months, Maribel’s daughter (Pepe’s stepdaughter), Francheska Garcia took the helm with her husband, Daniel.
“5 Brothers is a testament to our island’s rich heritage, and I’m beyond excited to continue its legacy with the blessing of my family,” Francheska said. “I grew up in this shop and the building and its customers hold a special place in my heart. Creating a welcoming atmosphere with great service will stay at the center of everything we do.”
Francheska is determined to preserve her parents’ legacy, while utilizing her passion for food, and her and her husband’s proclivity to community service to build on the tradition.
“Our focus goes beyond running a successful business. It’s also about uplifting Key West in whatever ways we can, and that will always be a priority for 5 Brothers,” said Daniel Garcia. “We’re committed to engaging with local organizations to help keep our community thriving.”
The community has met the Garcias with an outpouring of love, with some even telling Francheska she makes a cup of coffee as good as her dad’s.
“That (compliment) means everything,” she said.
The transition has been personal as well as professional. The Garcias moved into her childhood home to be closer to the business, and she now watches her kids play in what was her childhood bedroom.
Francheska and Daniel are committed to continuing the traditions that have made 5 Brothers a community staple for three generations. One of the most defining parts of that tradition exists outside its four walls. Each morning, a group lovingly referred to as “The Bench Crew” gathers for coffee and conversation – sometimes even when the business is closed. An eclectic collection of snowbirds, tourists and long-time neighbors, the Bench Crew learned of the ownership shift from Francheska herself, who remembers “hugging it out” with a few bench veterans. The crew was relieved to learn that 5 Brothers’ annual holiday breakfast that the Paez family offers for regulars would continue this December.
Staying true to the shop’s roots is important to the Garcias – but so is the introduction of new options like delivery and online ordering. Francheska hopes the new features will make it easier for regulars to get their favorite food anytime, anywhere, while also attracting tourists who value convenience on a busy vacation.
Through new homes, holiday meal prep and new business advances, the Garcias are continuing their family’s legacy while building a business that feels like their own.
The store will maintain its regular hours Monday through Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Follow them on Instagram at @5BrothersKeyWest.
