Our Story

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The Edenton Family

For over 68 years, the Edenton family has been a cornerstone of the Puerto Rican community, blending business acumen with a deep commitment to philanthropy. Through "The Edenton Family Foundation," they have supported local organizations with annual donations, reflecting their dedication to giving back to the island they call home.

In 1956, Bruce Edenton Jr., a successful wholesale merchant from Jackson, Tennessee, and president of the U.S. Wholesale Grocers Association, moved to Puerto Rico with his wife Jane and their three young children—Jane, Topley, and Bruce—who were just five, four, and three years old at the time. Amid the transformative era of Puerto Rico’s first elected governor, Don Luis Muñoz Marín, the Edenton family established their roots, marking the beginning of a legacy that would span three generations.

The Edenton family’s first major venture in Puerto Rico was the Holiday Inn Isla Verde Beach Front Resort, which made history as the island’s first Holiday Inn. This landmark property later transitioned into the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Isla Verde Resort, symbolizing the Edenton family's pivotal role in shaping the hospitality landscape of Puerto Rico.

Continuing their legacy, Bruce Edenton Jr., in collaboration with his close friend Rafael Durand Manzanal, embarked on their second hospitality project: the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, inaugurated in 1997 as the first and only Hampton Inn & Suites in Puerto Rico. This establishment further cemented the Edenton family's impact on the island's tourism industry, blending innovative hospitality with a heartfelt connection to the community.

With a legacy spanning over six decades, the Edenton family’s influence extends beyond business to include a profound commitment to Puerto Rico’s social fabric, ensuring that their contributions continue to benefit the island for generations to come.