CAO Bakery & Café
Food & Beverage
CAO Bakery & Café is named after the Cao family whose baking traditions spans three generations. The word, CAO, is also an acronym for Cuban American Original, which is reflected in the brand’s mission to provide the best of Cuban baking in a warm and inviting café atmosphere. CAO is famous for their Pastelitos, traditional Cuban pastries, and for their variety of desserts that are made with the same recipes passed down from generation to generation.
Availability
CAO Bakery & Café is currently accepting inquiries from the following states:
AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN
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Requirements
Financial requirements for this franchise: Minimum Cash Required $300,000 Net Worth $300,000 Franchise Fee $40,000 Royalty Fee 5% as well as 2% for marketing Total Investment $300,000 - $600,000 -
Options
Options available to franchisees: Home Based No Mobile Franchise No Military Discount Not Available Financing Not Available Training Available -
Franchisor Details
Facts about this franchise: Headquarters Miami Springs, FL Total Units 23 Year Founded 2018 Franchising Since 2020
What does a CAO Bakery & Café Franchise Cost?
The cost to own your own CAO Bakery & Café franchise requires you to make an initial total investment of approximately $300,000 - $600,000. Additionally, you will need to have at least $300,000 in liquid capital.
Leadership and Brand Story
CAO is led by South Florida residents and childhood friends Antonio (Tony) Cao and Carlos De Varona. Tony, a third-generation baker with over 20 years of baking experience, leads the team with a passion for baking and a vision for expansion. Carlos brings an extensive background in business and real estate.
Tony and Carlos grew up in Hialeah, Florida. They met in grade school, remained friends, and later pursued different paths—Carlos studied business and graduated with a finance degree, while Tony followed his family legacy and pursued baking. Their paths crossed again in 2014 when Carlos expressed interest in opening a bakery. At the time, Tony owned two bakeries and was ready to expand with a partner.
In 2015, they opened their first stand-alone, 24-hour location, which became the brand’s most successful location and flagship store. It quickly became a well-known Miami landmark for pastelitos and cafecitos. As demand for Cuban food and fast-casual eateries grew, the brand expanded rapidly. Today, CAO has 20 locations throughout South Florida, with a vision to introduce CAO across Florida.
More Than a Bakery: A Full Café Experience
CAO Bakery & Cafe offers more than freshly baked pastries and desserts. Each location operates as a welcoming neighborhood café where guests can enjoy a wide selection of savory menu items throughout the day. In addition to traditional Cuban baked goods, the concept features a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, making it a popular destination for breakfast, lunch, and casual dining.
The café-style menu includes classic Cuban sandwiches and other freshly prepared options served on house-made bread. Guests can also enjoy satisfying meal platters that highlight authentic Cuban flavors, offering hearty choices for those looking for a complete meal rather than just a quick snack.
Combined with specialty coffee beverages and a comfortable café atmosphere, these savory offerings help position CAO Bakery & Cafe as a versatile dining destination where customers can gather for a quick bite, a relaxed meal, or their daily coffee and pastry.
A Family Tradition in Baking
At CAO, baking is a family tradition. Tony learned to bake from his grandfather and learned how to run the business from his father, watching closely as the Cao name became known in Miami for pastries and desserts. CAO bakeries are known for pastelitos, traditional Cuban pastries.
As a third-generation baker, Tony’s vision has been to evolve the brand while staying true to Cuban roots. CAO built on classic recipes and introduced signature items like the “Medio Dia,” an award-winning sandwich made from a pastelito. Today, CAO bakeries welcome over 1.5 million visitors a year, featuring modern store design and menu additions while maintaining the same recipes and culture.
