Founded in 1985, Buenos Aires Bakery has become one of South Florida’s most recognizable Argentine bakeries, known for bringing authentic flavors and community spirit to Miami and Pembroke Pines. The story behind the business is deeply rooted in the journey of the Costanzo family, who brought their Argentine traditions to the United States more than five decades ago.
“It all started with my father, Aníbal Costanzo,” explained Gabriela Costanzo Pasquariello, who now helps run the bakery. “He came to the U.S. in 1969, brought over by a boss from Argentina who had moved to New York. My dad worked hard, got noticed by a big company, and after six months he brought my mom, my sister, and me over. I was three years old.”
After a few years in New York, the family opened their first bakery, El Molino Argentino, in 1972. “We had El Molino Argentino for several years, and then, when my sister and I got older, we decided to return to Argentina,” Gabriela recalled. “But we couldn’t get used to it, so after 11 months I came back to New York and started college.”
Photo courtesy of Buenos Aires Bakery
The family soon reunited in the U.S. and launched a new business — Buenos Aires Bakery — in 1985 in New York. “Later, my parents moved to Florida after everyone kept telling them they needed to come to Miami,” she said. “They opened the first Buenos Aires Bakery on Flagler Street. From there, we expanded to Miami Beach, Pembroke Pines, and opened a warehouse for wholesale distribution.”
Over the years, Buenos Aires Bakery has become a gathering place not only for Argentines but for people from across Latin America and beyond. “Our most popular products are the facturas, empanadas, and milanesas,” Gabriela noted. “We have customers from everywhere — Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, the U.S. Everyone loves the empanadas and the pastries. They always ask, ‘What do you put in these? They’re delicious!’”
Gabriela said the bakery has also seen growing interest in Argentine culture in recent years. “I’ve never seen so much enthusiasm for Argentina since Messi appeared,” she said. “Now everyone knows our country, our food, our colors. People talk about Argentina with excitement. It makes us proud, and honestly, we owe a lot of that to Messi for putting our flag on the map.”
Photo courtesy of Buenos Aires Bakery
For the Costanzo family, Buenos Aires Bakery is more than a business — it’s a piece of home. “Argentina is always in my heart,” Gabriela said. “My parents raised us that way. Our house was always very Argentine — always football, always music, always open to people from back home. Even now, my children and grandchildren carry that same love for our roots.”
The bakery also serves as a community hub for major sporting events. “During Copa América, the World Cup, or big matches, everyone comes to watch the games here,” Gabriela said. “It’s always full. My dad even traveled to Qatar for the World Cup final but decided to come back early so he could celebrate with everyone here. He said, ‘I want to be with you all for this moment.’”
Looking ahead, Gabriela confirmed that the next generation is ready to continue the legacy. “Now the third generation — my daughter and nephew — are getting involved. There are plans to keep expanding Buenos Aires Bakery. There’s a lot of energy to grow.”
Photo courtesy of Buenos Aires Bakery
From a small family venture in New York to two thriving locations in South Florida, Buenos Aires Bakery continues to represent the flavors, warmth, and traditions of Argentina for everyone who walks through its doors.
You can visit Buenos Aires Bakery at their two locations in Miami and Pembroke Pines, and follow them on Instagram at @buenosairesbakery to stay updated on their latest news and products.
