It’s with a full heart (and maybe a few misty eyes) that we share the news: Happy Vegan Bakers has officially closed their doors. For years, they served up comfort, culture, and community—one pastelito at a time.
For those of us in South Florida’s Vegan scene, this business was so much more than a bakery. It was a cultural bridge—a place where Cuban traditions met compassionate living. From guava and cheese pastelitos to croqueta preparada sandwiches, Happy Vegan Bakers redefined what it meant to enjoy Latin comfort food without compromise.
I’ll never forget how they showed up for us—literally. In 2017, when Vegans Explore was still just an idea and a gathering of passionate folks, Happy Vegan Bakers became the first Vegan business to sponsor one of our events. They didn’t wait for us to be big. They didn’t need a polished pitch deck. They saw the mission, they believed in the community, and they delivered trays of love in the form of flaky pastries and savory treats.
That kind of support stays with you.
Over the years, they built a reputation not just for their unforgettable Cuban bites, but for warm service and a deep-rooted love for the people they fed. Whether you were a homesick Cuban Vegan craving a taste of home or a curious foodie exploring Latin flavors for the first time, you found a seat at their table.
Their menu was bold, nostalgic, and proudly local. Favorites included:
- Guava & cheese pastelitos that hit the sweet-savory balance perfectly
- Croqueta preparada—a flaky pressed sandwich layered with Vegan ham, cheese, and signature croquetas
- Papitas rellenas (stuffed potato balls) and yuca frita
- Classic desserts like tres leches cake and Vegan flan that reminded you why food is love
Their pop-up tents at Vegan markets were always buzzing. You’d spot the line from across the field. Their booth wasn’t just a stop—it was a destination.
But beyond the food, what made Happy Vegan Bakers special was how deeply they understood the soul of the culture—and how they translated it into Vegan form without losing flavor, texture, or authenticity. In a space where representation matters, they made sure our culture was on the plate and in the spotlight.
While we’re sad to see them go, this isn’t a story of loss—it’s a story of deep gratitude.
To the Happy Vegan Bakers family: thank you. Thank you for nourishing our bodies and spirits. Thank you for giving us a place to reconnect with heritage and community. Thank you for being a foundational part of South Florida’s Vegan story.
Your legacy lives on in every pastelito-inspired recipe, every market memory, and every person you inspired to believe that Vegan food can be both familiar and revolutionary.
And to our community: let’s carry their energy forward. Let’s continue to support the small businesses that feed us with heart and soul. Because in this movement, it’s never just about food—it’s about who we become when we break bread together.
With so much love and appreciation,
Sean A. Russell
Founder, Vegans Explore 🌱
🌀 Got a favorite Happy Vegan Bakers memory or dish? Share it with us on Instagram @VegansExplore or tag #HappyVeganLegacy so we can celebrate them together.
Vegan Showcase
Be Part of the Movement with Vegans Explore
For the Community. For the Planet. For the Future. 🌱✨
Whether you’re curious about plant-based living, already deep into your Vegan journey, or simply looking to support a more compassionate lifestyle—Vegans Explore is for you.
We’re a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and communities by offering powerful resources, immersive events, and uplifting connections. From delicious food festivals to intimate community circles, everything we do is rooted in the belief that a kinder, healthier, more sustainable world is possible—and together, we can create it.
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As part of our mission, we donate 10% of everything we raise each month to select nonprofit organizations that align with our values: animal welfare, environmental justice, and community empowerment.
So when you attend an event, secure your Passport, or simply spread the word—you’re directly supporting the movement.
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