Among the chain of businesses stationed across Coral Way, the aroma of freshly-baked croissants and a variety of French delicacies draws strollers to Baker305. Chef Yusel Montelongo, the mastermind behind the counter, hosted the bakery’s grand opening this past Sunday after spreading his agenda through delivery. Behind every golden-brown croissant served to customers, a gratifying story packed with tradition and humility influences the deep-rooted passion of Montelongo’s work. Understanding what makes Baker305 such a unique take on French baking begins at its origin and extends to the Miamians with a lingering sweet tooth.
Baker305 is fueled by a deep love for cuisine, a passion that has shaped Chef Montelongo’s since his time in Cuba. During his youth, he was desperately seeking an occupation that supports his family in an area where work was scarce. When he went into the baking field, it went beyond being a supplier for his family and ushered him into a new path for his future. In the United States, his experience as an apprentice introduced him to a world of Pain au Chocolat and niche tarts. When his profession led him to become a Master Chef, he indulged in French classics to create his own menu.
In order to grasp the feeling of success in the field of business, one must overcome the endeavors they face as the Grand Opening approaches. Chef Montelongo has felt firsthand what it is like to find himself back at square one, where the decision to try again or steer towards the safer option could alter his career.
“The process of opening a new bakery takes a lot of hard work and is very difficult. There is a lot of fear of it not working out…I decided to start something of my own with my wife and we started selling wholesale. We have had a lot of challenges to find our customers and get the place running properly. [There are] many sleepless night[s] until it slowly grows. A lot of discipline and perseverance is needed,” Chef Montelongo said.
Embedded in the heart of the establishment, a constant theme of family and hospitality distinguish it as a unique entity. The inspiration for Baker305 stemmed from Montelongo’s will to support his kin and he hopes to broaden his horizons through his care towards his customers, rather than solely the quality of his food. Each delicacy is designed with diligence in order to properly create a modernized version of French sweets. The variety of flavors provided for each item ensures that people with different palates and preferences can find a treat to appreciate.
“I want people to think of my bakery and see the bakery as a place with good attention[,] and that we show how much we care about them. I also want them to love our product and pretty place[,] but the most important thing is how connected we want to feel with our customers.” Chef Montelongo said.
The chef’s daughters, senior Irela Montelongo and freshman Isabela Montelongo, attend Coral Gables Senior High School and have played an avid role in the business’s development. When their parents needed to have their undivided attention towards Baker305, the girls turned their attention towards the responsibilities of the house. By maintaining cleanliness and preparing dinner on long nights, the Montelongo sisters got the opportunity to indirectly contribute to their family’s efforts as they took one stressor off their backs. After the bakery’s opening on Sept. 14, Isabela has been able to recount on her favorite aspects of the business, including its logo, which derived from a cartoon character of her father that the family fell in love with.
“If I were to describe Baker305 in three words, it would be perseverance, discipline and love, all things that my dad has always lived by and shown me…In the future I hope the business grows, as well as my dad as a chef and person and that he [continues] to make us proud,” freshman Isabela Montelongo said.
On opening day, senior Irela Montelongo had the opportunity to combine her love for photography and Baker305 by capturing the moment through her lens. As the eldest daughter, her part in the business’s development is fueled by her admiration for her family’s perseverance. As she watched her parents create something out of nothing, she and her sister have been inspired as they grow into themselves and pave their respective futures.
Heavily inspired by the skills he learned as a mentee, Montelongo’s opening menu at Baker305 comprises varying forms of tarts and bread compositions, accompanied by the bakery’s specialties. However, the staple of the location is notably their croissants, coming in a plentiful amount of flavors and configurations. Ranging from cheesy mixtures that produce savory aftertastes to dough stuffed with sugary fillings, the majority of the menu revolves around the dish most loved by their customers. Additionally, Baker305 exemplifies quality catering with their innovative “Mini’s Croissant”, which replicates their menu into a fun-sized alternative that can be utilized for specified occasions.
Baker305 made its official debut this past weekend and the journey leading up to this era of the business was a lengthy one, but it made all the difference. This experience has altered the lives of the Montelongo family on a personal and professional level, encouraging them to work together as they reentered the baking field. Their morals extend to their customers, as they prioritize a high caliber through their service. Exploring a refashioned form of French baking skills, the company’s desserts come straight from their heart and delight consumers with every bite.
