We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, what do you attribute your success to?
There are three generations of perfecting in our Cuban pastries (pastelitos), signature coffees and sandwiches. We have had a long family history of unwavering dedication to capturing the complex, full bodied and exotic flavors of Cuba. We believe these flavors should be shared in a space that embodies the vibrance of our community and it’s rich heritage — capturing not only what’s behind us…but in this moment.

As a growing brand, we are constantly challenging ourselves to enhance our customer experience while honoring our unique heritage and recipes. Our newest store will be opening soon in Doral, and will capture an all new Karla Cuban Bakery experience. Our hope is that our customers will enjoy an ‘all new’, warm expression of our beloved Havana and it’s flavors.

Recently, we have also launched our own line of premium, organic Cuban coffees. Exclusive to Karla Cuban Bakery, this rich blend was painstakingly crafted to create a distinctive taste that embodies the rich heritage of our beloved Cuba.

We have many new and exciting things on the horizon for Karla Cuban Bakery, and are excited to share them with our cherished customers as well as opening our doors to a whole new audience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Our growing brand is dedicated to enhancing how our audience experiences the flavors and culture of Cuba — and we’d like to share it with everyone by growing and elevating our brand and adding new stores and experiences.

Covid has brought unique challenges to everyone in the restaurant industry, including shortages, increased costs and other challenges. We’ve met this head-on by making sure that both our long-standing and new employees are valued and feel a part of the Karla family. We’ve used this time to enhance our processes, customer experiences and products in order to retain our valued customers and capture a whole new audience. We are a family bakery and continue to believe in small business growth.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We love Miami and our unique Cuban heritage, so you can’t miss a trip to Little Havana and The Cloisters of the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach. Recently, we invited a guest to share a meal at CVI.CHE 105 and it was spectacular — then to our home to share lots of laughter, pastelitos and of course, cafecito!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We’d like to give our shout out to Karla…our namesake, madre, and inspiration! Her love, support and inspiration has been foundational to our colorful journey. We love you Karla!

Website: https://karlabakery.com/

Instagram: @karlacubanbakery

Facebook: @KarlaBakery

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/karla-bakery-miami-2

Other: https://karlabakery.com/blog/

Image Credits
Lunabrand Rick Gayle Photograhy

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