By Sharon Still
Chocolate-dipped cannolis, gooey guava buttercake, apple turnovers, eclairs and a variety of rugelach are just some of the decadent pastries available at Moreno Bakery in Brandon. The menu also consists of sandwiches, salads, soup, coffee, pies, cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more.
Opened in 2008, Moreno Bakery is locally owned and operated by Susan and Jose Moreno who are celebrating six years of business. The bakery recently relocated one block west of its original location. It is currently at 737 W. Brandon Blvd. with the entrance off Robertson, just west of Kings Ave.
“My husband and I opened the bakery to fulfill his dream of owning one rather than just being a baker in someone else’s bakery,” said Susan. “He’s been a baker since he first started working in Cuba, almost 30 years ago now.”
Business dictated the move to the larger location which now features a kitchen, more ovens, storage space and tables for customers to come in and enjoy their sandwiches and treats. Everything sold at Moreno Bakery is homemade in its kitchen.
“We sell lots and lots of sandwiches,” said Susan. She added that turnovers, cannolis and cupcakes are also hot sellers. “I’ve been told by countless customers that we remind them either of the older bakeries that used to be in Tampa, or of the bakeries they used to go to up North.”
Custom platters for any size event also are specialties. Sandwich trays include roast beef, Cubans, deviled crab croissants, meat pies, cookies, brownies, cakes and cupcakes. Scachatta is a favorite food for parties and events in Tampa. It is a Sicilian pizza bread that can be eaten hot or at room temperature. Vegetarian options and salads are also available.
“We are so grateful at the way the community has embraced us. There is no better ‘pick me up’ when you’re tired than a customer that tell us how much they like coming to the bakery,” said Susan.
Moreno Bakery is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. To place an order, call 689-0320 or visit www.morenobakery.com.
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