Lydia Puerto Badillo, owner and heart of the tavern Lo Güeno, passed away this Wednesday at the age of 74 after battling cancer. The hospitality sector in Málaga mourns the loss of a key figure in its gastronomy.
Lydia Puerto Badillo, owner and heart of the tavern Lo Güeno, has passed away this Wednesday at the age of 74 in Málaga after failing to overcome the cancer she was fighting, as confirmed by Diario Sur. The businesswoman was the daughter of José Puerto Galveño, one of the founders of the brand, and the wife of Mariano Reche, with whom she shared the management of the business located on Marín García street, in the heart of the Historic Centre.
The company has issued a message recalling that Lydia "was the historical heart of this house and the essential figure for the Reche Puerto family." In the same text, they ask "all who knew and loved her to say a prayer for the eternal rest of her soul." Mariano Reche has acknowledged that the whole family "is devastated."
The tavern was founded in February 1967 by entrepreneurs José Puerto and Francisco Ríos, although years later the Puerto family took over. Lydia and her husband took over management in 1988, after her father's passing. Since its inception, it became a benchmark for tapas, with a menu that still retains numerous classic dishes. Lo Güeno opened alongside other businesses such as La Hostería, El Boquerón de Plata, or La Tasca, and today is one of the oldest establishments in the city and a regular stop for tourist groups.
The quality leap came with Lydia and Mariano at the helm. In 2003, they expanded the original business with a new location across the street, and in 2013, they acquired a space on Strachan street.
Lydia's remains are being laid to rest at the Parque Cementerio de Málaga, where a mass in her memory will be held this afternoon at 17:30 hours. In mourning, restaurants will remain closed this Wednesday and Thursday.
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