La Segunda Central Bakery is a slice of Tampa’s history that started with a soldier’s dream. In the late 1800s, Juan Moré, a Spanish soldier in the Spanish-American War, fell in love with the taste of authentic Cuban bread while in Cuba. Armed with a traditional recipe and a vision for a new life, he set out to create a bakery in Ybor City, a bustling Cuban district in Florida.

By the time World War I rolled around, Juan and a co-op of bakers opened three bakeries: La Primera, La Segunda, and La Tercera. While the others eventually closed, La Segunda Central thrived and became a local favorite. Today, this iconic spot still serves up its famous crusty Cuban bread, café con leche, and Cuban toast. Trucks packed with fresh bread head out every morning, delivering that classic taste to restaurants and markets across the country.

Now four generations strong, La Segunda is still family-owned, carrying on the tradition of quality and heart that Juan Moré started over a century ago. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to taste a piece of Tampa’s rich Cuban-American heritage.

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