{Photo courtesy of Vicky Bakery}
By: David Russell
Crispy ham croquettes, delectable Cuban sandwiches, and life-changing guava pastelitos can soon be found in Coral Springs at the new Vicky Bakery location opening in October 2022.
With 19 South Florida locations and counting, the new bakery will be number 20, and the northernmost Vicky franchise located at 2528 N University Dr, Coral Springs, FL 33065, in the Royal University Plaza next to The Walk.
The restaurant is fast casual with a family atmosphere. Their simple formula: create high-quality, handcrafted, traditional Cuban cuisine prepared fresh daily.
Their story began over 50 years ago in Cuba, where Antonio and Gelasia Cao met while working at a bakery called La Vencedora. Once married, the couple migrated to Miami as political exiles and, like many immigrants, were forced to hustle, working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
A few years later, Antonio and Gelasia had saved up some money to purchase their own bakery in Miami. Customers instantly loved the food. However, unforeseen hardship struck when their first location burned down. No strangers to adversity, the family hustled to put together the money to open a new store which, in a twist of fate, also tragically burned down.
“My family are bootstrapped entrepreneurs; we thrive in adversity,” said Alex Santiago, CEO of Vicky Bakery.
In 1972 the stars would finally align where co-founders Antonio and Gelasia opened the first Vicky Bakery location in Hialeah, realizing the American dream and having exploded in success ever since.
{Photo courtesy of Vicky Bakery}
In 1992, the family’s youngest daughter, who was managing the shop’s front end, would run into Alex Santiago, fresh out of the military, who would join the family and eventually take the CEO role.
“I am inspired every day by the story of my parents; we love what we do and run this business as a family,” said Santiago.
With franchises in FAU, UM, FIU, Fort Lauderdale, soon-to-be Coral Springs, and possibly Orlando, Vicky Bakery now employs over 500 people.
“They have delicious Cuban sandwiches, and their croquettes are top-notch. I mean, I’m Cuban; of course, this is what I love to have for breakfast. I come here at least twice a week, and I’ve never had a problem with any of my orders. Keep it up, Vicky!” said Yunis C. in a 5-star customer review on Yelp.
{Photo courtesy of Vicky Bakery}
Most dishes are made with five or fewer ingredients, made simple yet elegant, mirroring how traditional Cuban food has been made for centuries.
The bakery is open to pre-orders and catering and also runs Vicky Cares, where the restaurant donates food and money to local charities and organizations in need.
The future looks bright for Vicky Bakery, which is excellent news for Coral Springs and pastry lovers.
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Author Profile
- A Coral Springs native, Florida State University graduate, and eternal optimist, David strives to find the local hidden gems in South Florida. He has a strong interest in technology, finance, and comedy.
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1 comment
Let me guess… $6 coffee and $8 pastries….