La Segunda Central Bakery, founded in 1915 in the heart of Ybor City, is a century-old establishment that encompasses tradition, resilience, and passion for authentic Cuban flavors. Juan Moré, an immigrant who fought in the Spanish-American War in Cuba, discovered the secret to authentic Cuban bread—a recipe that would soon shape his destiny. Armed with this newfound knowledge, Juan co-founded three bakeries: La Primera, La Segunda, and La Tercera. When the other two folded, he took the opportunity and bought La Segunda Central Bakery, which is now a historic landmark in Ybor.
The signature Cuban bread, crafted with care, carries the hallmark of tradition: a freshly cut palmetto leaf placed across the top, creating the iconic split down the middle. Only authentic Cuban bread has this distinctive mark, and La Segunda remains one of the last bakeries to uphold this practice. Beyond the bread, La Segunda offers an assortment of many other treats, including café con leche and guava cheese turnovers.
So next time you savor a warm, golden slice of Cuban bread, remember the journey that began with a soldier’s curiosity and culminated in a bakery cherished by generations. To learn more about the early stages of La Segunda, click the link below!
La Segunda Central Bakery - Gastro Obscura (atlasobscura.com)