Cuban Bakery in Miami Faces Backlash Over Political Visit

A bakery in Miami, CAO Bakery, found itself in a tough spot after a visit from Democrat House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Eliott Rodriguez, a congressional candidate for Florida’s 27th District. This visit has stirred quite the controversy.

The issue began when Rodriguez shared a video on October 16 featuring Jeffries and Yvette Cao, the bakery owner, as they sampled and discussed treats from the bakery. Rodriguez expressed his gratitude towards Cao for the “goodies,” and she described the offering as a “Cuban perfect little sampler.”

During the visit, Jeffries praised Rodriguez’s commitment to improving the community and highlighted the importance of making life more affordable. “It’s a pleasure to be here with Eliott Rodriguez,” he said, before promoting the bakery and its offerings.

Rodriguez chimed in, looking forward to taking some treats back to Washington with him. He later took to social media, thanking Jeffries for backing his campaign and acknowledging Cao for her hospitality.

However, the bakery quickly faced a backlash on social media, with numerous users expressing their discontent. Some accused them of aligning with “Democrat idiots,” while others pointed out that many Cuban Americans oppose communism and, therefore, felt uncomfortable with the association to Jeffries and the Democrats.

Feeling the heat, CAO Bakery issued a statement on Monday. “I’ve read your messages, and I understand your concerns,” Cao began, clarifying that hosting political figures did not equate to an endorsement of their ideologies.

Cao emphasized that CAO Bakery stands with the Cuban American community in its fight for freedom in Cuba and firmly rejects socialism. She explained that they only agreed to the meeting after being contacted about a “cafecito” gathering with a Cuban American candidate.

She mentioned not anticipating the event would turn into a political press conference. “Our family acknowledges the sacrifices made by our parents and grandparents to be here. We value the freedom this country has provided us,” her statement continued, highlighting the bakery’s role as a community gathering place.

The bakery’s statement drew support from many Cuban Americans who shared similar sentiments. In response, Rodriguez’s opponent, Rep. María Elvira Salazar, criticized him for bringing Jeffries to the bakery, suggesting it demonstrated a disconnect with the community’s values.

She remarked, “He used a Cuban small business as a political prop. It’s insulting to parade this ideology here when so many have fled from it.”

In light of these events, another Cuban bakery, Vicky Bakery, felt compelled to clarify that they are distinct from CAO Bakery and also denounced socialism. Their statement reiterated their commitment to freedom, democracy, and opportunity, and distanced themselves from the backlash aimed at CAO Bakery.

The incident unfolds against the backdrop of the Democratic Party’s increasing ties to socialist candidates, even as some, like Jeffries, attempt to distance themselves from that label. Jeffries previously refrained from supporting a House resolution aimed at condemning socialism, expressing that it served to cover extreme Republican agendas rather than genuinely address concerns.”