Few places in Tampa Bay can claim a legacy as rich—or as delicious—as La Segunda Bakery & Café. This summer, the family-owned institution celebrated its 110th anniversary, marking more than a century of hand-rolled Cuban bread, rich Cafecito’s, and a deep connection to the community that has grown up around it.
Founded in Ybor City, in 1915, by Juan Moré, La Segunda began as a neighborhood bakery rooted in tradition. Today, it remains firmly in the hands of the Moré family, with fourth-generation owner Copeland Moré carrying the torch with both reverence and innovation. “We’re one of the few bakeries in the country still making Cuban bread the old-fashioned way, just as my great-grandfather did in 1915,” Copeland reflects. “That legacy is what sets our bread, and our story, apart.”
Under Copeland’s stewardship, alongside his father Tony, La Segunda has evolved far beyond its single Ybor storefront while honoring its roots. Wholesale operations now deliver more than 20,000 loaves of Cuban bread daily, across the nation, while the retail side has thoughtfully expanded to three Tampa Bay locations—South Tampa, St. Petersburg and Seminole Heights, each offering their own neighborhood charm.
The growth has been impressive, but what’s more remarkable is what hasn’t changed. Every morning, bakers still arrive before dawn to hand-roll dough, using techniques passed down through generations. The aroma of fresh bread still draws neighbors who remember when La Segunda was just a single storefront. The café con leche is still served with the kind of warmth that makes strangers feel like family.
This commitment to authenticity resonates throughout every aspect of the business. Each loaf of bread, every perfectly pulled espresso, every golden pastelito tells the story of a family that has masterfully woven Cuban, Italian and Spanish culinary traditions into the very fabric of Tampa Bay’s identity.
As La Segunda steps confidently into its second century, it stands as more than just a bakery—it’s a living piece of Tampa Bay history, a cherished gathering place and a testament to the enduring power of family tradition. In an era of rapid change and corporate consolidation, La Segunda proves that some legacies only grow more meaningful with time.
