Amy Cao described how her in-laws who are Cuban immigrants, and their descendants, grew their 52-year-old Vicky Bakery chain to 26 locations when she spoke before the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce at its November luncheon.
“What started Vicky Bakery here in Miami was the decision my in-laws made was to come to this country fleeing communism and looking for an opportnity for their family, for their kids to have a better life,” Cao said. “I think they made the right choice. If it wasn’t for that courageous move, many of us would not be here today. They came with two young children in hand, worked endless hours, worked two to three jobs each. My mother-in-law worked from home producing things and selling just to make ends meet.”
In 1972, founders Antonio and Gelasia Cao bought the first location in southeast Hialeah.
“From that day forward we are here,” Cao said. “We have been honored as the second generation to be able to continue that legacy.”
Cao, co-chief executive officer and operating partner for Vicky Enterprises and her husband Pedro Cao opened a bakery in 1995 in the Lake Patricia Shopping Center in Miami Lakes.
“You are not only our customers, you are our family,” she said. “Everyone that walks in our doors, every single day. Vicky Bakery has a very special place in my heart, as I’m sure it does for many of you.”
Cao described bumping into customers who share how the bakery helped their families celebrate birthdays, First Holy Communions and weddings.
“And we do that for generation after generation,” she said. “Sincerely, we’re humbled.”
The company was about to open its latest bakery in Fort Myers, she said.
Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce President Fred Senra said that from its single store in southeast Hialeah to today, the bakeries have supported churches and community events by donating pastries.
“It’s incredible to us that so many people have Vicky in their lives,” Cao said. “Our goal is to continue to serve our communities and make Vicky a staple everywhere that we can, to unite friends, families and bring everyone together.”
The next chamber lunch will be held Dec. 11 at Miami Lakes Hotel on Main. The guest speaker will be the Mayor-elect of Miami Lakes, Josh Dieguez.
For more information go to MiamiLakesChamber.com.