On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce hosted its latest luncheon, which featured a special guest speaker, Amy Cao, Managing Partner of Vicky Enterprises. Amy, the powerhouse behind one of South Florida’s most beloved Cuban bakeries, captivated a sold-out crowd with her inspiring journey and the exciting future of Vicky Bakery.
Vicky Bakery, founded in 1972, has become a household name in South Florida, known for its authentic Cuban pastries, including their signature pastelitos. The bakery’s humble beginnings began when Amy’s in-laws purchased a small cafeteria and transformed it into the thriving business it is today. Amy’s husband and she own three Vicky Bakery locations in Hialeah, Miami Lakes, and Hollywood, Florida, where they oversee the daily operations, ensuring that each store upholds the quality and tradition of the original bakery.
Amy’s deep connection to the bakery runs beyond business—it’s a family legacy. Her in-laws’ journey began in Cuba, where they met while working in a bakery, and it was in Miami that they began to build their dream. Amy, who joined the Vicky family in 1995, continues that dream with passion and dedication.
During her speech, Amy took the audience through the rich history of Vicky Bakery, explaining how the business has flourished over the years thanks to a commitment to authenticity and quality. She highlighted the pivotal role that their signature pastries have played in the bakery’s success, noting that their pastelitos remain a staple of the community’s culinary culture.
“The story of Vicky Bakery is one of perseverance, family, and dedication to quality. My in-laws’ vision was to create a bakery where the flavors of Cuba could be shared with the people of Miami,” Amy shared. “Today, I’m honored to continue that vision and excited for the next chapter in our journey.”
Vicky Bakery’s growth has been impressive, with 25 locations now open and 10 more slated to open by the end of 2025. Amy’s leadership and strategic approach have been essential to this expansion, especially as the company explores new avenues like franchise opportunities. Her commitment to upholding the family tradition while embracing new business models has allowed Vicky Bakery to flourish in a competitive market.
“Being able to share Vicky Bakery with new communities has been incredibly fulfilling,” Amy said. “It’s exciting to see how much our customers love our pastries and cakes. We want to make sure that wherever we go, people can taste a little piece of Cuba, and that’s what drives us every day.”
In addition to overseeing the bakery’s operations, Amy excels in communication and team leadership, skills that have been integral to Vicky Bakery’s success. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she connects with customers and staff, ensuring that everyone feels like part of the Vicky Bakery family. Amy’s passion for people shines through in every aspect of her work, from managing daily operations to engaging with customers both in-store and at events.
“Working with people is the heart of what we do,” Amy said. “I love engaging with our customers and our staff. It’s the relationships we build that make our work so meaningful.”
The luncheon also highlighted Amy’s forward-thinking approach to the bakery’s growth. With the franchise model now offering new opportunities for entrepreneurs, Vicky Bakery is poised for continued success in the years to come. Amy’s leadership and dedication to excellence make her an inspiring figure for other business owners and entrepreneurs.
As the event wrapped up, attendees left feeling inspired by Amy’s words and the bright future ahead for Vicky Bakery. The bakery’s commitment to its roots, its community, and its customers continues to set it apart as a pillar of South Florida’s food scene. With the expansion plans in place, it’s clear that Vicky Bakery will continue to be a beloved destination for many years to come.