Cake Boss: The History of a Bakery

Hi, I’m Buddy Valastro, TLC’s Cake Boss and owner of Carlo’s Bakery.

[PIANO MUSIC]

Carlo’s Bakery was opened in 1910 at 412 Adams Street, and Carlo Gustavaro opened it. He owned it until 1963, where my dad bought it, and it’s been in the Valastro family since then.

Me and my family work together, we own and operate it. In 1994, my dad passed away and I was 17 years old. Me and family pulled together to keep Carlo’s Bakery running. And I promised him I’d make it into a household name. And I think we did it.

Growing up in Carlo’s Bakery, I have so many fond memories because it was all about family. The way you see my kids running around in here, that’s the way I was running around in here. And it’s kind of in your blood, it’s part of your life. It’s about family, it’s about hard work, it’s about making the business run. That’s what Carlo’s Bakery’s about. And knowing that my kids love it and seeing the whole family here is really special to me.

My dad was really, really a great baker. And having to grow up and step into his shoes, do what he did was pretty hard, but we did it. And I’m proud of it, and I wish he could see the success that we grew with him.

My dad was such a good dad to me, it makes me want to be such a good dad to my children. And I try to share those moments and times. My fondest memories of my dad were in this bakery. Working beside him, talking about life, teaching me responsibility, teaching me how to be a man.

Now I want to share those moments with my son and daughters.

[PIANO MUSIC]