The iconic Tampa bakery La Segunda celebrated its 109th birthday on Thursday, marking over a century of serving the community with its beloved Cuban bread and pastries. La Segunda, a cherished institution in Tampa's culinary landscape, commemorated this milestone with a day of festivities, special promotions, and reflections on its rich history.

La Segunda was founded in 1915 by Juan Moré, a Spanish immigrant who brought his passion for baking to Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter. The bakery's name, which means "The Second" in Spanish, pays homage to Moré’s heritage and the traditional recipes passed down through generations. The bakery has remained a family-owned and operated business, preserving its legacy while adapting to the changing tastes and needs of its customers.

The anniversary celebration kicked off early in the morning at the original La Segunda location on North 15th Street in Ybor City. Loyal customers and first-time visitors alike lined up to partake in the festivities. The bakery offered special discounts on its famous Cuban bread, pastries, and café con leche, attracting a large crowd eager to indulge in the bakery’s time-honored delicacies. The scent of freshly baked bread and pastries filled the air, creating an inviting and nostalgic atmosphere. Employees wore commemorative aprons and served guests with warm smiles, reflecting the bakery’s commitment to hospitality.

Lois Moré, a third-generation member of the Moré family and current owner, expressed her gratitude to the community for its unwavering support over the years. She shared stories about her grandfather's journey and how his dedication to quality and tradition has been the cornerstone of La Segunda’s enduring success. Lois emphasized the importance of maintaining the bakery's authenticity while embracing innovation to meet modern demands. She noted that the bakery's longevity is a testament to the hard work and passion of the family and its employees. Lois also highlighted the bakery’s role in the community, serving as a gathering place for generations of Tampa residents.

In addition to special promotions, La Segunda hosted a series of events throughout the day. Local musicians performed live, adding to the festive ambiance and paying tribute to Tampa’s rich cultural heritage. A historical exhibit displayed vintage photographs, original baking tools, and memorabilia, offering a glimpse into the bakery’s storied past. The exhibit highlighted the bakery's evolution, from its humble beginnings to becoming a beloved Tampa landmark. Guided tours of the bakery were also offered, allowing visitors to see the traditional baking process up close and learn about the history and significance of Cuban bread in Tampa's culinary scene. The tours included demonstrations of how the bread is shaped and baked, with bakers explaining the significance of using palmetto leaves to achieve the perfect crust.

Customers, some of whom have been visiting La Segunda for decades, shared their fond memories and personal connections to the bakery. Maria Gomez, a lifelong Tampa resident, recounted how her family has celebrated countless special occasions with La Segunda’s pastries and bread. She praised the bakery for its consistent quality and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Another long-time customer, Robert Hernandez, spoke about the importance of La Segunda in preserving Tampa’s cultural heritage and its role as a community gathering place. Hernandez recalled childhood visits with his grandparents and noted how the bakery has remained a constant in his life through changing times.

La Segunda’s signature Cuban bread, characterized by its crisp crust and soft, airy interior, remains a staple in Tampa households and restaurants. The bread, baked in brick ovens and brushed with palmetto leaves for an authentic touch, has garnered a loyal following far beyond the city’s borders. The bakery’s pastries, including guava turnovers, cheese rolls, and empanadas, are also highly sought after, each bite offering a taste of Tampa’s diverse culinary influences. The meticulous baking process, which has been passed down through generations, ensures that every loaf and pastry meets the high standards set by Juan Moré.

The celebration was not only a tribute to La Segunda’s past but also a look toward its future. The bakery has expanded to multiple locations in Tampa, each one maintaining the high standards and traditional recipes that have defined La Segunda for over a century. Plans for future growth include exploring new product lines and expanding distribution to reach even more customers while staying true to the bakery’s roots. Lois Moré mentioned that the bakery is exploring partnerships with local schools and community organizations to promote culinary education and support local food initiatives. The bakery is also considering opening new locations in other cities to bring their unique offerings to a broader audience.

As the day drew to a close, the Moré family and their staff expressed their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of La Segunda’s journey. The 109th anniversary of La Segunda is a celebration of community, tradition, and the enduring love for good food. The bakery’s story is a reminder of the power of perseverance, passion, and the deep connections that food can create. The celebration ended with a toast to the next 109 years, as customers and staff shared a sense of pride and optimism for the future.

For those who missed the festivities, La Segunda continues to welcome everyone to experience the flavors and history that have made it a Tampa treasure. Visitors are encouraged to stop by any of their locations to enjoy the bakery’s famous offerings and become part of its rich legacy. To stay updated on future events and promotions, customers can follow La Segunda on social media or visit their official website. The bakery also plans to launch a series of commemorative products and events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone anniversary.