A recent ribbon-cutting at Vicky Bakery’s newest location in Key Largo marked a celebration of various sorts.
Last summer, Vicky Bakery managing partners Pedro and Amy Cao opened the 30th Florida location — the first in the Keys at the former Denny’s at MM 97.6 in the median. But by the time the ribbon was cut on April 9, Vicky Bakery embarked on a new endeavor with the opening of the cocktail lounge, Bar Victor. Named after Antonio Victor Cao, who founded Vicky Bakery with his wife, Gelasia, in Hialeah in 1972, it’s the first full-service bar for the family-owned Cuban bakery.
More than 50 years ago, the founders fell in love during their time spent working at the bakery in Cuba, La Vencedora. The couple ended up marrying and migrated to Miami as political exiles. Not long after their arrival, they started a small bakery.
“This is a humble story of a family that came to this country because of these two people right here (Antonio and Gelasia),” said Alejandro Santiago, Vicky Bakery managing partner, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Family and friends gathered in front of the bakery and bar, as the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce staff and members joined in the ribbon cutting.
Amy Cao acknowledged that every Vicky Bakery team is special.
“We have people from all over the world, all over the country who come and join and become a mini-family, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” she said.
The bakery is known for its wide array of fresh-baked breads, pastelitos, croquettes, empanadas, cafecitos, cakes, sandwiches and more — all made daily using the family’s original recipes. Next to the bakery, Bar Victor is where the Cuban flavors meet creative flair in every glass. The cocktails honor tradition while keeping things fresh.
Additional managing partners include Elizabeth Santiago, Fernando and Carmen Oramas.
