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Tampa Bakery Celebrates 112 Years Of Sweet Success And Legacy

Tampa’s renowned Alessi Bakery marked its 112th anniversary this past weekend. The bakery invited the community to take advantage of rollback prices on some of their most popular offerings, such…

Kneading dough. Male chef in kitchen chef's apron spraying flour over dough
Larisa Stefanuyk/ Getty Images

Tampa’s renowned Alessi Bakery marked its 112th anniversary this past weekend. The bakery invited the community to take advantage of rollback prices on some of their most popular offerings, such as Cuban sandwiches, Boston Cream Cake, and Scachatta. Pastries were priced as low as $.69, while the Cuban sandwich was available for just $7.99. To express their gratitude to loyal customers, everyone who visited was entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $150 gift basket filled with Alessi goodies.

According to News Channel 8 (WFLA), Alessi Bakery at 2909 W Cypress St. will soon move 500 feet away to the former Tampa Letter Carriers' building at 3003 W Cypress St. Renovations at the new site are expected to be completed by year-end, allowing guests to enjoy the bakery’s upcoming offerings, including wood-fired pizzas, a variety of coffee options, and cocktails, alongside Alessi Bakery's classic menu.

Plans from Tampa-based JVP Architect illustrate a wood-fired oven and pizza-making area, a coffee bar adjacent to a spacious dining area, preparation areas for catering orders and cake decoration, a deli, a full-service bar, several walk-in coolers, and ample space for Alessi's various bakery displays.

Records from the Hillsborough Property Appraiser reveal that the 11,988 square-foot building at 3003 W Cypress St. was acquired for $3.5 million in late 2022. Alessi will continue operating at its current location during this transition period.

Founded by Nicolo Alessi in 1912, this family-owned establishment began its journey on Cherry Street after Nicolo immigrated from Italy. He brought with him a rich knowledge of European baking traditions, laying the groundwork for a bakery that would become a beloved Tampa institution.

Over four generations, the Alessi family has refined their recipe for success through an unwavering commitment to quality, consistency, and outstanding customer service. This dedication has solidified Alessi Bakery's reputation as a household name throughout the Tampa Bay area, celebrated for its exquisite wedding cakes, catering, and signature baked goods.

To commemorate 112 years, many took to the bakery’s Facebook page to share in the festivities and reminisce. “The Very Best. Congratulations, Alessi,” one individual commented. Another shared a cherished memory, writing, “My uncle worked for you when you had your hundredth anniversary. Years ago, Phil Sr. hired him to work with Lawrence on the bread crew.” One person not only extended heartfelt congratulations but also suggested, “I love you guys....but you really need to do out of state deliveries!!!!!!”

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.