A 20 Year Fabian Family Tradition
From Mami's Restaurant on Crane Street to a Caribbean destination on Broadway.
✨ The Story Begins with “Mami”
Over 20 years ago, the journey began when Altagracia “Mami” Sanchez Fabian’s youngest son, Junior, first opened the family’s original restaurant, known as Junnaylee Restaurant, at 385 South Pearl Street in Albany, NY. About a year later, Altagracia and her husband, Benedicto “Pure” Fabian, took it over—building it into something rooted in tradition, love, and community.
After relocating due to building structure issues, they moved to 911 Crane Street in Schenectady, where their food—and Mami herself—quickly became embraced by the community she has been serving since 2009. What started as a small kitchen grew into a neighborhood institution, known for its authentic Dominican and Puerto Rican home cooking.
The name “Mami” wasn’t just a nickname—it was earned. Known for her warmth, generosity, and the way she cared for those around her, she became a true motherly figure in the community, especially to the families and kids who grew up around the restaurant.
Over the years, that same community has remained loyal, turning first-time customers into extended family—and helping shape Caribe into what it is today.
The Secret is in the Family Recipes
Every single dish served at Caribe is built on Mami's original recipes. From the famous roast pork that slow cooks for six hours in her signature garlic sauce, to the traditional rice and beans. Mami personally taught her nieces and the kitchen staff how to prepare every meal with the same love and care as if they were cooking for family.
Even today, you will occasionally find Mami visiting the restaurants during the week to ensure the food and service meet her legendary standards.
A Lifelong Dream Realized
For 16 years on Crane Street, the community kept asking for a place where they could sit down, celebrate birthdays, and enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine. Mami's lifelong dream was to open exactly that type of destination.
That dream was brought to life by her son, Fermin Fabian, and his wife, Maggie. Today, Caribe is a true family endeavor. Almost all of Fermin and Maggie's children work in the business, making Mami incredibly proud of the legacy they have built together.
Building a Tropical Vacation in Schenectady
After years of dreaming bigger, Maggie and Fermin embarked on a 2 year passion project to create something truly special. The community was extremely happy when they found out Caribe was the second, more upscale location for Mami's.
The vibrant tropical decor, the sounds of live sports on the big screens, and the aroma of slow roasted pernil filling the air are all designed to create an escape from the everyday life right here in the Electric City. The Capital Region Chamber and the Mayor of Schenectady have recognized the Fabian family for their decades of dedicated service to the community.
Watch: From Crane Street to Broadway
Meet the Family
Fermin and Maggie Fabian carry forward a legacy rooted in family, culture, and community. What began as Mami's dream of creating a welcoming sit down destination has grown into something much bigger, a place where people gather, celebrate, and feel at home. Raised watching his mother build a loyal following on Crane Street, Fermin and Maggie bring that same passion and dedication into every detail of the restaurant today. Today, alongside their children, the Fabian family run Caribe Spanish Restaurant & Sports Bar with one goal in mind: to deliver genuine Caribbean hospitality and make every guest feel like family.
Connect With Our Family
Whether you want to book a table, plan a catered event, or just ask about today's specials, we'd love to hear from you.