How Cake Boss Buddy Valastro Saved His Father’s Bakery | Legendary Eats

Buddy Valastro is known from the TLC show "Cake Boss," but his small-town bakery, Carlo’s Bakery, has been a staple in Hoboken, New Jersey, since 1910. The bakery is loved for more than its extraordinary cakes, wowing customers with its signature Italian pastries. Insider’s Taryn Varricchio met up with the Cake Boss to find out what makes this historic bake shop iconic beyond its cakes.
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How Cake Boss Buddy Valastro Saved His Father’s Bakery | Legendary Eats

[@James.055]

I wish his dad could see the success of his son and his business aswell

[@oliae2898]

Agree.

[@ridashakoor9056]

Maybe he is watching from above

[@finnheisenheim8274]

Plot twist: The dad thinks his son uses too little *rice crispies and fondant*

[@lauradavis1755]

His mother Mary died a couple of years ago too but from ALS 😣

[@xlixsiax]

he is..from above

[@Cobrakailives]

Besides being the cake boss, he's also the Rice Crispie king as well.

[@hannahcarmelarojo6013]

Word Life oooof 😆😆😆

[@Myworld-jx9zo]

U sound dumb

[@TheJay109]

lolll

[@SusanMinhTrangNguyen]

Word Life 😂😂😂

[@Loochaa]

And fondant 😌

[@ichigopockychan]

Whenever he would talk about his dad on Cake boss, Buddy would always burst into tears. I guess the more he talks about him, the lesser the pain becomes.

[@jmjfanss]

I know, he lost his dad and his mom.

[@ichigopockychan]

Poor Buddy...he can’t catch a break can he? First Sal then his mom...

[@thankyounext365]

His father must of been a great man. His family all speak so highly of him .

[@tess4691]

His mom’s gone?...

[@vive335]

苔 他 Tess yes 😔

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

I've been there many times. When they're filming there's a line but when they aren't you can just walk right in. Good pastries

[@gthebron1]

I guess things have changed from a couple of years ago. My friend and I decided to make an impromptu trip out there, to our surprise there was a 3 hour wait to get in. We didn't feel like it was worth it, so we headed into the city instead.

[@vaidehi_n]

You lucky :')

[@shogun2215]

It's nice to see him acting genuine for once, instead of acting for the camera.

[@ForevaMaeva]

? He's genuine even on camera, Whatchyou talking bout? 🤣

[@butterflynebula]

@@ForevaMaeva nah think on the show he is more tense to make it dramatic but here he just has pride in his work its refreshing and happy!

[@ForevaMaeva]

@@butterflynebula mmm wait yes true dat, makes sense

[@AngeloR674]

Shogun its all a act for the camera!.. I met the sister in real life! And have to say was a snob!.. Her head really blown up!

[@ForevaMaeva]

@@AngeloR674 really? That's really sad:( I was a fan

[@FingeringThings]

My diet: *exists* Food Insider: im about to end this whole mans career

[@ipraku]

U mean FAT MANS?

[@lilahirst9290]

Lmao 😂

[@QuietStormX]

Why you eat in moderation and not overboard .

[@user15881]

This is sooo relatable!!!!

[@shrektacular3878]

Fingering Things **mans whole**

[@arpinazari9329]

“tHiS is CaRLos BAkE shOp” believe me we know

[@diyjanet]

🤗

[@Totaa28]

@@diyjanet lmao😂😂😂

[@georginashanti4605]

Was your capslock broken??

[@mallorysale5694]

Georgina Shanti no that’s a way to emphasize writing

[@yellingateveryone2520]

Smack cam

[@theresaneaglenearby6771]

I really miss this show, it hasn’t come in tv for ages. Hope a new season comes out soon.

[@mckenna7523]

Faaizah Ahmad sorry I don’t know his name but you can google it

[@z3ro7o]

McKenna 7 wow really loves the show

[@halimatalib04]

@@mckenna7523 "remy"

[@jmjfanss]

@@mckenna7523 and buddy throw his ass out.

[@samoleulmi990]

@@mckenna7523 Remy Gonzalez.

[@yellowflower2067]

Buddy is a nice guy, even though he acts all tough. He has a good heart. 😄

[@blueberrys7165]

😁😁😁😁😁

[@theBigA1992]

He's father would be so proud, for what he has done for both the bakery and the family.

[@niamhmcleod6396]

And also for the community

[@bnhyg150]

He's horrible I know a guy who's a baker who dealt with him and he's a horrible person.

[@rommellthompson3150]

I gotta give credit where Credit is due BUDDY can bake his Ass off Definitely a great talent Brooklyn is watching and appreciating

[@orangesoda2221]

Not only that Buddy is a cake boss, but a rice kristpy boss

[@reelwater7983]

Rice krispy boss

[@Danny-pb5kh]

Also a Wood structure Boss.

[@bnhyg150]

Anyone can do the cakes he does no talent in it just sponge and fondant and rice krispies.

[@nurulsyakirahyusof9132]

i grew up watching cake boss, i was so so so excited when this pop up on my notification 😆✨

[@blueberrys7165]

😁😁😁😁😁

[@321stfulbyisilb6]

“YOU CANT ARREST ME!! IM THE CAKE BOSS!!”

[@reelwater7983]

More like the rice krispy boss

[@courtney2590]

His dad has to be so proud ❤️😭

[@lilbrokegirl]

everybody gangster until they realize that half of the cakes on cake boss are basically just decorated rice crispy treats with very little cake

[@MikuHatsune12]

And various construction materials

[@francie862]

????

[@victoriamadriaga6421]

Not really it is mostly to mold something since a cake isn't really steady enough to stay on a shape

[@pearlyseine8957]

Eh. Not really. Unless it's the show stopper kind they make. They use it to hold structure.

[@mynameisjeff5597]

Broke Girl but you gotta admit like the amount of skill in it is ridiculous

[@MoxieBeast]

i LOVE going to this place-- it's an adventure every single time.

[@yellingateveryone2520]

Smack cam

[@_____7512]

Let’s be honest, Ralph did all the sculpting and hard work..

[@zamankwalinkomo5734]

Buddy is the reason why I started baking , I never missed an episode of Cake boss and I must say despite everything HE IS MY INSPIRATION ESPECIALLY FOR ALL THE CAKES THAT I HAVE BAKED FOR MY FAMILY AND MY LOYAL CUSTOMERS,

[@birbl8156]

You can’t deny the fact that he made cakes an art form, no one else before him had made cakes like him

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

Many have and better. He was just popularized

[@francesleones4973]

Love watching Cake Boss. My dream is to head to Hoboken and try their famous pastries.

[@tiara1ize]

I watched this when I was younger. I would call the shop and start freaking out when one of his sisters answered

[@BMarie774]

Every time I see pictures of young Buddy, I can’t help but realize that Buddy Jr. is literally his twin. Also, I used to say how Marco looked like his mother. But now, damn that boy is a spitting image of his father as well. Hopefully Lisa will at least get Carlo as her twin lol. Because all three other kids are little all Buddy Jr’s.

[@AFF_NYC]

I live 3 minute away from Hoboken so I grew up having my family members bring some deserts from Carlos. They always tasted amazing

[@sofiyajain5505]

Hard work pays good every time and it did to u sir. Ur dad will be a proud dad

[@vgxr29]

I tried their cannoli in New York: Unbelievable

[@hannahcatesilver2154]

they opened up a store in atl and from what i’ve heard it’s extremely over hyped and not that good

[@lousy5149]

Hannah Cate Silver yep, went to the one in Orlando, Florida. Bought two cannolis and it wasn’t that good. Thought it would taste better.

[@nevaehelise6426]

His dad would be so proud of him!!💞

[@Layla.63]

I wanna go to Carlos Bake Shop sooooooo badly!!! I’ve watched and loved cake boss for years

[@amaandahf5047]

Buddy is just a phenomenal man behind the cake boss career. A great man to be a father.

[@yummyland]

I think baking is art! really beautiful! 😍

[@blueberrys7165]

😍😍😍😍😍

[@barbarasnetiker3452]

I think he's grooming his son, Buddy, to take over eventually. The other day, I saw a clip with the two of them, where he's showing his son how to do something, and I immediately said, "Why does this remind me of when Buddy was 17 years old?"

[@Ariel_dorsey]

“I’m the Cake Boss you can’t arrest me” is my twitter bio

[@delilah943]

I’ve been watching cake boss since I was 6, it was MY CHILDHOOD!!

[@ellifunk]

Her reaction when they said incredible at the same time lol that would be me

[@aphiwemdluli4414]

Whenever I see Buddy’s face I immediately feel home. I grew up watching this man

[@georginashanti4605]

Your dad must be so proud of your achievements! Your creativity is inspiring for all artists, not only bakers. 💛

[@HowToMolly]

I don't think I missed a single episode when this was on Discovery Channel. It's been so many years but it's good to see my man Buddy once again. It's crazy how he almost hasn't changed one bit.

[@RockstarEater]

4:32 I now feel obligated to buy the lobster rolls after seeing this.

[@angeltomlinson2635]

I had them at the Carlos Bakery in Florida Mall!!!!! SO GOOD

[@mango5551]

Angel Tomlinson OH WHAT THEY TASTE LIKE U-U

[@angeltomlinson2635]

Dessert the cream tastes like ice cream but it so light and not heavy at all😍 and the outside is soft and crunchy at the same time and sweet

[@mango5551]

Angel Tomlinson oh U lucky

[@Fazilatunnessa_Poly]

Lobster TAILS

[@tiggerlady2352]

I’m proud of you Buddy! I’m glad you took your dad’s step and move on! I wish you own your business in Denver Colorado.

[@ladyyuna2000]

I love watching Cake Boss and Buddy Valastro thank you for saving your Father's Bakery and I'm so sorry to hear that about your dad. I bet he's looking down from heaven and telling everyone that's my son and I'm so proud of him.

[@kenqays]

I' ve been watching it for 6 years. And still loving it

[@londonwells4023]

Happy early 43rd birthday to the talented and successful Buddy Valastro!

[@AnnaItem]

i always tear up when they talk about buddy valastro sr :’)

[@jmjfanss]

Several famous episodes, hurricane sandy, jersey shore crossover ( jersey shore was really hot at the time) , lowrider cake, impratical jokers episode was hilarious and one of the saddest ones was mary diagnosed with als ( a truly horribly devastating disease, she died in 2017) and of course other cool stuff.

[@anahi1710]

I’m 14 and I’ve been watching Cake Boss my entire lifeee, I still wanna meet him 🤚🏼😤🥺

[@hadjielim124]

wow i like him here more than the show

[@cprivera1]

One day it is my goal to try it all!!

[@wynemacantrell145]

~I love it when Buddy goes over the top with cakes.~

[@cutieluvxio9275]

I’ve been watching cake boss since I was 9! I still want to go here!

[@fabulouspixies241]

When I went to New York I loved the rainbow cake that buddy made

[@Mr.RenTD-]

Plot twist: They are actually part of an Italian mafia and the bakery is their cover up😂

[@blueberrys7165]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@julia-nc1ll]

LMAOOOO NOOO

[@sriwidiani5068]

I remember reading somewhere that there's a Italian mafia gang in a city who makes pizza shop as a cover up, and the shop got so successful they stopped being a mafia and start selling their pizza seriously lol

[@leowzhilin]

@@sriwidiani5068 legit? Where did u hear this fr? That's awesome! No way that's true?

[@millie8888]

‘never duplicate it baby’ 😼

[@user-fx2hg7jl5h]

Buddy is a good son & boss & he made his dad dream come true...such an inspiration tho hehe

[@Maob08]

I was reading comments and everyone can hate him all they want but one thing no one can deny: he worked his ass off to get where he is now and that's something to be respected.

[@bushgirl3174]

Awww this is so wholesome ❤ I smiled throughout the whole thing

[@Emily-zk8ec]

Aww that is such a nice story!

[@oliae2898]

I love his passion. Good for him!

[@jasevelyn4864]

I went to Carlos Bakery before, delicious cannolis,but be prepared to wait hours just to get inside the bakery

[@AndySaenz]

They need to open up one of their bakeries here in Albuquerque, NM! I’ve been watching Cake Boss for years, admiring their work. Now I want to TASTE it!

[@tiaraclyde8498]

The lobster tails are soooo good

[@carmelcapricorn7701]

These shows are 👍 icing on the 🎂. He's one of my favorites. 👞💼👔👓 Thanks 4 the 📫.

[@hakima3]

Um...

[@alishajadyntengbejosano8175]

My Condolences for your mom’s passing!…I’m sure your parents are looking down at you so happy…I watched your show and hope it would be back

[@anniepainter6879]

My family and I went to Carlo's Bakery in Santa Monica and we all loved baked goods! My top two were their cupcakes and canollis.

[@Diana45251]

Glad he’s still on top 😊 and awe need to go visit one day and maybe meet him

[@rolledicecream6777]

Such talent! I wish i could make cake like this. love food insider!

[@laloh504]

After they took Cake Boss down from Netflix, I still never want to go back to Netflix till they bring this gem of a show back

[@asmajabeensayed1614]

I see him everyday on TLC😘 he's great 😄

[@swatisolanke6808]

It's my favorite show....their team is awesome

[@mohitgupta7145]

I have never been outside India but if I ever go to America , will definitely taste the canollies of Carlos Bakery plus other products too.. big fan of this man.. he has helped many other bakeries which were on verge of closing.. financial help I'm not sure but the courage and moral support and guidance which he has given is truly appreciable.. he is a living legend..

[@russell4892]

OMG I USED TO LOVE THIS SHOW

[@harshas7265]

A beautiful inspiring story!

[@xavichandie9628]

I am from Trinidad and Tobago, visited there in 2013. Awesome place.

[@VibewithGigi21]

I watched lotsss of cake boss's episode and they are really awesome.. boss of art , boss of cake. Yeah its Cake Boss👌❤

[@TheBMSpro]

I’m from Canada! I’ve been there, best desserts ever.

[@blueberrys7165]

S a m e

[@AndySaenz]

It’s been in business since 1910, and it will still be here 100 years from today.

[@calleighmonton8464]

I grew up watching Cake Boss every night, so when I got New Jersey (the home state of the bake shop)for my state fair I was really happy. We had do write a speech as if we where a famous person from that state...my choice Bartolo Valastro Junior. I memorized that page like my life depended on it...I still remember the first few sentences: Hi Im Bartolo Valastro Junior, you may know me as Buddy from my TV show cake boss. I was born March 3, 1997 in Hoboken New Jersey ,where I run my family’s cake business ,Carlos Bake Shop.

[@daniandaya7339]

So inspiring!

[@brittneyihrig4270]

What a beautiful and delicious story.

[@breejessen8144]

your vidos are amazing keep up the great cakes they look just so good and i love how you put your hart and soul into it like it just came from your hart you are awsome and dont, ever forget that

[@nathaliecabral2145]

Loooooove Carlos Bakery! And the tv show as well

[@jadecummings8093]

Hey, I love that guy....he's awesome! I'm his biggest fan of him. 😊

[@nigletjuice]

Incredible

[@cubanito288]

I was in the Shop in Venetians Las Vegas, the Loster Tail, fantastic.

[@Oyinmamacita]

Love his show.

[@ma.christina]

i been watching cake boss my kids still in elementary,and my ultimate wish is to eat all kinds of yummy cakes i will travel to look buddy valastro bakery.

[@lenzo1428]

I’ve been watching a lot of cake boss lately and I looked at the thumbnail and said “oh another cake boss” and clicked it, only to realise that it was food insider, I’m not disappointed tho

[@MetaIIlc]

When he said his dad was grooming him I was like what! Then he finished

[@heididavison816]

Homophones are tricky...

[@jeannettethorsby7085]

Buddy please open a bakery in Phoenix, Arizona! I'm Italian and from New York. I'd love to be able to buy good Italian bread and pastries. I know many people here would flock to your store! 😍

[@mindriot91_96]

How long have you lived in Phoenix, if you don't mind me asking? Can you get decent Italian food out there?

[@maddieevans2529]

the big cakes he makes for people r 75% Rice crispy treats but he makes another small regular cake to make sure there is enough pieces for everyone

[@amaandahf5047]

I think most have caught on, Nobody needs a 3ft tall air balloon cake because it’s a Tuesday afternoon.

[@niiix757]

Maddie Evans If he’s making a cake, in the past they used rice crispy treats as a support so the overall weight on the top of the cake doesn’t crumble down and break. - forgot to mention even tho I’m saying in the past, they still do that today, I’m just referring to the methods that people used before. Now people use other things.

[@randomrollercoaster4763]

I mean isn’t that the point? To have enough cake for everyone

[@888IT8]

When I was a kid I used to look TLC channel just for his show I.e cake boss ❤❤

[@wynemacantrell145]

~Buddy even made my favorite cake red velvet looking so good to me.~

[@nandia4434]

Cake boss! I love that show ❤

[@mbaum1951]

Miss his show

[@neptunes_oeuvre]

I remember watching his show as a kid

[@soumyasen1936]

Wow I love buddy and his team

[@godstootise5855]

Love you Buddy... you rock!!!!

[@carriea.2467]

Alot if hard work put here into this cakes.🐘

[@joycealdrich]

Amazing!

[@aroundtheworldinaprildays]

If I were ever to go to the US, one of the places I'd love to go to is the original Carlo's Bakery. I loved watching Cake Boss when I was in college!

[@maryreddy5290]

God richly bless Buddy and your family 🤗🤗😍😍😗

[@salvadorr4727]

Modeling chocolate and fondant saved his family business

[@lizslp86]

When you can bake everything is delicious 🤷🏻‍♀️😋

[@michaelvonhaven105]

Buddy was something else in his heyday.