Following the abrupt closure of the Lote 23 food park in Santurce, four businesses have resumed operations at the same location, hoping to attract both returning and new customers. The reopening comes after the popular culinary incubator announced its shutdown on February 4, 2026, bringing an end to a decade-long run as a key player in Puerto Rico’s gastronomic scene.
Lote 23, which opened in 2016, served as a “real-world learning laboratory” for over 90 modest food businesses, providing affordable space to develop menus and build their brands. Many of these concepts subsequently expanded into established restaurants and mobile businesses across the island. The closure was attributed to “structural changes and the current economic reality,” with rising operational costs and economic contraction cited as key factors, according to company statements.
The decision to close the physical location does not signify the end of the Lote 23 concept, however. Cristina Sumaza, executive director of Lote 23 LLC and co-creator of the project, stated, “This is not a goodbye; We see the culmination of a mission accomplished.” The legacy of Lote 23 will continue through the businesses that benefited from the space, contributing to Puerto Rico’s culinary and entrepreneurial landscape.
The return of four businesses to the site signals a continued demand for the incubator model, even as economic pressures mount for small businesses. The businesses are now focused on revitalizing the space and attracting a new wave of diners. The move, authorized by the DDEC, reflects a commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and maintaining a vibrant food scene in Santurce.
