Hector Santiago, the chef and owner of El Super Pan in Ponce City Market and The Battery Atlanta says the recent addition of a breakfast menu has been a hit — and the hits will keep coming.
A Talk With Hector Santiago, Atlanta Chef and Restaurateur
Santiago recently answered some questions for AtlantaFi.com’s CJ Johnson on the future of El Super Pan’s breakfast offerings and what Atlantans can expect from him soon.
Here’s what he had to say:
I’m loving the breakfast options. Can you tell us what inspired you to offer breakfast items?
Breakfast is such a huge part of life in Puerto Rico and across Latin America. The mornings are alive; the streets are buzzing with the same energy you feel at Ponce City Market. I wanted to bring that spirit here with quick, delicious options to fuel people for the day, whether they’re rushing off to work or hanging around the Market all day. Since we opened El Super Pan, we’ve offered pastelitos, and as guests started craving them in the morning, it just made sense to take our Cubano and give it a fried egg twist, and of course add the most iconic Puerto Rican breakfast sandwich: the Mallorca (fried eggs, bacon, butter, swiss & American cheeses on a sweet, fluffy Puerto Rican brioche bun & finished with powdered sugar).
We love the Fried Egg Cubano and Mallorca Sandwich. Are there any plans to grow the breakfast menu at this time?
Absolutely. At our Battery location, we already have some fun brunch dishes in our repertoire that I’d love to bring to PCM. We’ve been growing the menu organically with guest feedback as a guide. Coming soon, we’re excited to add our Cuban avocado toast with queso frito, tostada francesa (Cuban French toast), and a breakfast mofongo made with our classic mofongo, crispy pork belly, and poached eggs.
El Super Pan has become an integral part of Ponce City Market’s food landscape. What is it that you want people to know about Puerto Rican cuisine?
I want people to understand that Puerto Rican food isn’t just about food; it’s culture. It’s about gathering with loved ones, celebrating the small and big moments, and sharing love and care through flavor. That’s why aspects like our Placita events with music and dancing at PCM are such an important part of our concept for me. Every other Friday, we bring in a DJ and salsa dancing classes so guests can enjoy a part of the full sensory experience of Puerto Rico: bold flavorful food, fresh drinks, energetic music, and a dance party.
Do you have any plans to expand in the Atlanta area or other places? What’s next for the Conceptos Latinos?
Right now, we’re tending to our newest baby, La Metro, our recently opened Spanish tapas bar at Ponce City Market. But I’ve got dozens of concepts in my back pocket! I’d love to bring back El Burro Pollo if we find the right home. And if the right opportunity comes along, I’m always ready to share even more flavors with Atlanta, always honoring the diversity of Latino cuisine and culture. This city has embraced us so beautifully, and I’m excited to keep building Conceptos Latinos and celebrating our community.
Final Word
Santiago, a Puerto Rican-born chef renowned for blending Latin American, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, operates several restaurants in the Atlanta area. Here are his restaurants and their locations.
Restaurant Name Cuisine Style Location Address/Notes El Super Pan (Original Location) Latino sandwiches and Caribbean-inspired fare Ponce City Market, Old Fourth Ward 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE #C3, Atlanta, GA 30308. Opened in 2015 as a stall in the Central Food Hall. El Super Pan (Second Location) Latino sandwiches and Caribbean-inspired fare The Battery Atlanta, Cumberland 455 Legends Pl SE #862, Smyrna, GA 30080 (part of Cobb County metro area). Opened in 2018; offers dine-in, bar, and patio seating. El Burro Pollo Juárez-style Mexican burritos Midtown Atlanta Specific address not detailed in sources, but located in Midtown; originally a pop-up that became permanent around 2020. La Metro Spanish tapas bar Ponce City Market, Old Fourth Ward 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE (Central Food Hall, former Biltong Bar space). Opened in summer 2024; features paella, croquetas, and Spanish wines. These spots highlight Santiago’s diverse culinary background, from his James Beard semifinalist days to Top Chef appearances. For the latest hours or menus, check their official sites or visit in person.
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