As we wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month and reflect on over 100 years of serving our community, we are filled with gratitude and nostalgia as we look back at how it all began. In the early 20th century, Ybor City was a vibrant melting pot of cultures, and it was here that Juan Moré, a passionate Spaniard from Catalonia, laid the groundwork for the La Segunda legacy. His journey to Florida began during the Spanish-American War, where he first encountered the enchanting flavors of authentic Cuban bread. Captivated by its unique texture and taste, he carried the recipe, along with his love for it, to the bustling streets of Tampa.
In those early days, our bakers developed a technique that was as innovative as it was practical. By stretching the dough thin, they not only made the bread last longer but also created the distinctive air pockets that define Cuban bread. This technique gives the bread its long, slender shape, a hallmark that customers have come to recognize and love. Originally, our bakery sold loaves for a mere 3 to 5 cents each. Many of these freshly baked loaves were delivered straight to customers' doors every morning. In Ybor City, residents left nails by their front doors for bread deliveries to be hung. It was a common sight to see a delivery man leave a fresh loaf of bread on the nail before dawn, ensuring that each household awoke to the smell of warm, crusty bread. Over time, La Segunda’s bread became more than just a staple, it became a symbol of the community, marking the start of each day with a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Fast forward over a century, and La Segunda continues to uphold these cherished traditions. With our team of master bakers, we produce over 20,000 loaves daily, staying true to our roots and maintaining our dedication to fresh, authentic Cuban bread. We even still employ that clever technique of dough stretching. Each loaf that leaves our ovens today carries with it a piece of this century-old journey, a testament to our commitment to quality and authenticity. An enduring aspect of our baking process is the practice of placing a palmetto frond on top of the loaves before baking. This not only creates a subtle trench in the upper crust but also pays homage to the heritage and history woven into every loaf. This technique is reminiscent of the scoring seen on European-style breads, yet it gives Cuban bread its own unique flair.
Cuban bread is much more than just a loaf, it is the foundation of the renowned Cuban sandwich. This iconic creation layers succulent pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard between slices of our delicious bread, then presses it to perfection. However, the versatility of Cuban bread extends beyond just sandwiches. Toast it up, slather on some butter, and dip it in a hot mug of café con leche for a simple yet delightful breakfast. This satisfying pairing embodies the spirit of comfort that our bread has provided to generations of families.
As we reflect on our rich history, we recognize that our journey is not just about baking bread, it’s about community, tradition, and love. Today, La Segunda continues this incredible legacy, delivering our iconic Cuban bread not only in Tampa but also to far corners of the country. Each loaf is crafted with the same passion and dedication that Juan Moré instilled in his work over a century ago.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this legacy. Taste the love and history baked into every loaf, and become part of our story. Whether you’re a longtime customer or trying us for the first time, your support helps keep the tradition alive. Order a piece of La Segunda's legacy today and experience the rich flavors and deep connections that our bread brings to the table. Thank you for being a part of our journey as we honor the past and look forward to the future!
Order La Segunda bread here.