Ave Maria Restaurateur Expands Local Dining Options with Vicky Bakery Franchise
Phong Ho's strategic expansion of dining franchises in Ave Maria addresses community needs and demonstrates the growing economic development in master-planned communities.
Phong Ho, a longtime Ave Maria resident and restaurateur, has expanded his business portfolio with the opening of Vicky Bakery, marking the first location of the popular Cuban pastry franchise on Florida's west coast. This strategic move addresses the breakfast segment gap in the growing Collier County community and reflects the increasing demand for diverse dining options in master-planned developments.
Ho's journey into the restaurant business began in 2009 when, at age 25 and working in Pulte Homes' purchasing department, he followed his father's suggestion to open a Tropical Smoothie Café in the Ave Maria Town Center. Despite having no prior experience with smoothies, this venture proved successful and laid the foundation for his subsequent expansions. Thirteen years later, recognizing the community's need for sit-down dining, Ho opened OASIS The Kitchen Lounge, which quickly gained popularity and was named among the "New and Best Restaurants in Southwest Florida" by the Naples Daily News.
The addition of Vicky Bakery in May 2024 represents Ho's continued commitment to meeting resident demands. The choice of this particular franchise followed extensive community feedback and research. Vicky Bakery, a family-owned Cuban pastry shop founded in Miami in 1972, maintains authentic recipes unchanged since its establishment. The company's story began when founders Antonio and Gelasia Cao, who met while working at Cuba's renowned La Vencedora bakery, migrated to Miami as political exiles and built their business from a small Hialeah bakery to more than 30 locations throughout Florida.
Ho's expansion strategy demonstrates the importance of understanding local market needs in community development. His businesses have become essential components of the Ave Maria experience, providing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and casual treat options that enhance the quality of life for residents. The success of these ventures underscores the economic potential in well-planned community development and the value of franchise models that bring proven concepts to new markets.
Looking forward, Ho expresses ongoing commitment to Ave Maria's growth, indicating plans for additional spectacular developments that will further enhance the community's offerings and economic vitality.