Empty dining rooms and vacant seats are seen at La Guarida, one of Cuba's best-known restaurants internationally, located in the Havana building featured in the Cuban film "Strawberry and Chocolate" ("Fresa y Chocolate"), in Havana on August 21, 2026. Opening a restaurant in today's Cuba defies all logic. Amid power outages, shortages of supplies and a sharp decline in tourism, some Cubans keep their businesses open while others even take the risk of launching new establishments. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

A closed state-run store selling goods in Cuban pesos (CUP) is seen in Havana on August 21, 2026. Opening a restaurant in today's Cuba defies all logic. Amid power outages, shortages of supplies and a sharp decline in tourism, some Cubans keep their businesses open while others even take the risk of launching new establishments. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

A musician performs beside empty tables at El Balcon de los Hermanos restaurant in Havana on August 22, 2026. Opening a restaurant in today's Cuba defies all logic. Amid power outages, shortages of supplies and a sharp decline in tourism, some Cubans keep their businesses open while others even take the risk of launching new establishments. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

Tables and chairs from closed restaurants are seen on a deserted street in Havana on August 21, 2026. Opening a restaurant in today's Cuba defies all logic. Amid power outages, shortages of supplies and a sharp decline in tourism, some Cubans keep their businesses open while others even take the risk of launching new establishments. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

Empty tables are seen inside El Balcon de los Hermanos restaurant in Havana on August 22, 2026. Opening a restaurant in today's Cuba defies all logic. Amid power outages, shortages of supplies and a sharp decline in tourism, some Cubans keep their businesses open while others even take the risk of launching new establishments. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

A street musician who formerly performed in restaurants plays the cello for tips as a passerby drops money into a basket in Havana on August 21, 2026. Opening a restaurant in today's Cuba defies all logic. Amid power outages, shortages of supplies and a sharp decline in tourism, some Cubans keep their businesses open while others even take the risk of launching new establishments. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

Empty tables are seen at La Guarida, one of Cuba's best-known restaurants internationally, located in the Havana building featured in the Cuban film "Strawberry and Chocolate" ("Fresa y Chocolate"), on August 21, 2026. Opening a restaurant in today's Cuba defies all logic. Amid power outages, shortages of supplies and a sharp decline in tourism, some Cubans keep their businesses open while others even take the risk of launching new establishments. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)

People gather and walk along a street lined with closed restaurants in Havana on August 21, 2026. Opening a restaurant in today's Cuba defies all logic. Amid power outages, shortages of supplies and a sharp decline in tourism, some Cubans keep their businesses open while others even take the risk of launching new establishments. (Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE / AFP via Getty Images)