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The Humble Beginnings of Melao Bakery
In 2008, Edward Colón and his family embarked on a challenging journey, opening Melao Bakery shortly after relocating from Puerto Rico to Kissimmee, Florida. The early days were tough, with Colón and his family often sleeping in the store on foldable beds to ensure they could keep the bakery running smoothly.
“The first years, we slept inside the store,” Colón recalls. “We had those foldable beds. We folded the beds, we put them in storage and we opened up.” Balancing school and bakery work was no easy feat for Colón, who was in his teens at the time and working hard to help his family while also finishing his education.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The family started out renting a small building on a quiet road in Kissimmee. “We struggled,” Colón said. “There were no Spanish places around at that point — not like now, obviously. We knew we had a great product at that point, so, we took the risk.”
Despite the initial hardships, the Colón family’s gamble paid off. Today, Melao Bakery not only owns the original building but has also expanded to a second location just outside of Orlando. The bakery now employs over 150 people, a testament to its growth and success.
Commitment to Excellence
Even with their success, the Colón family remains deeply committed to their business, putting in long hours to ensure its continued operation. “I work basically seven days a week,” Colón shared. “We work around the clock. It’s an everyday thing. I’ve got employees that come in at three in the morning. And I have employees that get out at midnight.”
This dedication has transformed Melao Bakery into a beloved destination within the Kissimmee community. “Most people come straight from the airport,” Colón said. “People get there and get to eat every type of food that you find in Puerto Rico.” The bakery’s goal has always been to offer a true taste of Puerto Rico, making it accessible to everyone in the area.
A Diverse Clientele and Strategic Location
Melao Bakery attracts a wide range of customers, not just Puerto Ricans. “We don’t just have Puerto Rican clients, obviously, we have all kinds of clients — specifically in the Kissimmee store,” Colón explained. Located just outside of Heritage Park, the bakery sees many visitors who stop by after events at the park or the Silver Spurs Arena.
Plans for Expansion
Looking ahead, the Colón family is focused on expanding their business even further. “We’re working on mass production,” Colón said. “We’re growing our kitchen area, and our bakery area — everything’s gonna be double of what it was.” Despite the expansion, maintaining the quality of their products remains a top priority. “We want to ensure we can maintain the same quality as we increase the quantity of our product,” Colón emphasized.
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