Vicky Bakery, a beloved brand among the Cuban diaspora in South Florida, has opened its first store in the Florida Keys, selecting Key Largo for this milestone launch. The new location—marking the chain's 30th store—can be found at 97630 Overseas Highway, just a short distance from the well-known Shell World gift shop, a landmark for those traveling south on the US-1. This expansion represents a significant achievement for a brand that originated in Hialeah in 1972 and has grown across Florida, celebrated for its pastelitos, croquetas, and strong Cuban coffee.
“Our dream has always been to share the flavors of our culture with as many communities as possible,” expressed Amy Cao, managing partner. “Now, being able to serve the people of Key Largo and welcome visitors from around the globe is a milestone we are incredibly proud of.”
From La Vencedora to Key Largo: A Half-Century Legacy
The roots of Vicky Bakery stretch back to Havana, where founders Antonio and Gelasia Cao met while working at the esteemed bakery La Vencedora. After relocating to Miami as political exiles, they pooled their savings to purchase a small bakery in Hialeah, opening the first Vicky Bakery in 1972 with a promise to bake “like in Cuba.” Their family recipe, unchanged for over fifty years, remains the centerpiece of the brand.
What to Expect at the Key Largo Store
The new Key Largo outlet offers the classic array that has made the brand famous: pastelitos (guava, cheese, meat), empanadas, croquetas, sandwiches, breads, and cakes, along with an essential coffee bar. With dine-in, takeout, and catering options, the store operates Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For those familiar with Key Largo, the location is convenient: positioned “just after” Shell World heading south, a notable souvenir spot alongside the US-1 marking the entrance to the rest of the Keys.
Introducing a “First-Ever Bar” Experience
As a novel addition, the company revealed that next month, this Vicky Bakery will debut the chain's first full-service bar, designed to pair tropical cocktails with its most iconic sweets. “Stay tuned for an exciting announcement […] Vicky Bakery will introduce its first full-service bar, where guests can enjoy piña coladas with their favorite pastelitos,” the chain announced in their launch communication.
Expanding with Cuban Flair
With the Key Largo opening, Vicky Bakery now boasts 30 locations, solidifying its expansion throughout Florida. This growth, a mix of franchises and company-owned stores, holds fast to the identity that made it famous among Cuban families and new audiences alike: fresh daily baked goods, cherished recipes, and a hospitality culture that mirrors the community window service. “Our dream has always been to share the flavors of our culture…,” Cao reiterated, emphasizing the significance of this opening for locals and travelers arriving from around the world to the Keys.
Key Aspects of Vicky Bakery's Expansion
What makes Vicky Bakery's expansion to Key Largo significant?
The expansion to Key Largo is significant as it marks the 30th location for Vicky Bakery and represents the brand's growth and ability to share Cuban cultural flavors with new communities and international visitors.
What unique feature is being introduced at the Key Largo location?
The Key Largo location will introduce Vicky Bakery's first full-service bar, offering tropical cocktails paired with the bakery's iconic sweets like pastelitos.
How does Vicky Bakery maintain its cultural identity?
Vicky Bakery maintains its cultural identity by using cherished family recipes unchanged for over fifty years and fostering a hospitality culture that reflects the Cuban community.