Carlo’s Bakery Open at Florida Mall to Huge Crowds

“Cake Boss” Bakery Orlando Now Open

Celebrity baker Buddy Valastro appeared in front of thousands of screaming fans today, December 5, 2015, at the Grand Opening of Carlo’s Bakery the new Dining Pavilion at Florida Mall.

Patrons started lining up as early as 4 a.m. at the Florida Mall in hopes of seeing Buddy and members of his famiglia who join him on the popular TLC series “Cake Boss.” They were also eager to taste Carlo’s Bakery’s famous Italian pastries and order gorgeous holiday cakes. Cupcakes, Lobster Tails, cannolis, banana cream pies and more filled Florida Mall’s new Dining Pavilion with a sweet and delicious scent today and will likely continue to do so on a daily basis as the Carlo’s team creates hundreds of delightful treats.

With the crowd chanting “Buddy…Buddy…” the Cake Boss took the stage and gave an emotional and heartfelt thank you to his fans as well as his family. Buddy said his family and team had been in Orlando all week working to get everything ready for the grand opening. Also appearing were Buddy’s right-hand man and brother-in-law, Mauro Castano and front counter manager and the eldest sibling in the Valastro clan, Grace Faugno.

Though the lines were unbelievably long (wrapping through two sets of roped off queues, extending around the perimeter of Florida Mall’s Dining Pavilion and continuing outside and around the building), the crowd’s energy was incredible and contagious! It was really fun to attend the big event. Even Buddy himself was moved by the size and excitement of the crowd. He even took his own video of the cheering him on while he was on stage!

Watch Buddy’s speech and the ribbon cutting and get a glimpse of the excitement here:

Carlo’s Bakery’s newest and only southeast location is a state-of-the-art facility; it is modeled after the flagship Hoboken, N.J., bakery with it’s signature striped awning, exposed brick inside and out and family photos adorning the walls.

With an open kitchen area, you can watch the Carlo’s Bakery staff icing cakes, filling cannolis and more. With Buddy and his family in town, you never know who you might see in action.

Buddy, Mauro, Grace and other members of the Carlo’s Bakery family spent time meeting fans and taking selfies much to the delight of their fans! I was fortunate enough to step inside the kitchen for a photo with Buddy! This Jersey Girl was very excited to meet this Jersey Boy! 

Here’s my friend Jason with Mauro.

I’d also like to offer huge thanks to Jason for giving me the opportunity to attend this event! If you haven’t checked out his site OrlandoFunAndFood.com, please do! He covers all the best Orlando has to offer including the theme parks, attractions, restaurants and more!

Florida Mall is located at 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809.

Will you be visiting Buddy and his famiglia at Carlo’s Bakery Orlando soon?