Rapper Bad Bunny generates excitement for a bakery in the Bronx with his latest summer hit song
Valencia Bakery in the Bronx Gains Renewed Fame Through Bad Bunny's Music Video
Valencia Bakery, a beloved institution in the Latin community of New York City, has recently experienced a surge in popularity thanks to a feature in Bad Bunny's music video for "NUEVAYoL."
Founded in 1948 by Jose Ripoll, a WWII veteran from Valencia, Spain, Valencia Bakery began its journey in Spanish Harlem before expanding to multiple locations, including several in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. The bakery has a long-standing reputation, known for its traditional cakes that have become a cultural staple.
After about six decades in business, the original family operation struggled and was close to closing until longtime employee Valera purchased and revitalized it. The bakery gained renewed recognition when its signature cake, called the "Benito cake," was featured prominently in Bad Bunny’s music video.
The "Benito cake" is a sponge cake that the bakery has been making for many years and has become closely associated with this recent pop culture spotlight. The order for the cake featured in the video was originally made at the Brooklyn location but was then supplied from the bakery’s Hunts Point headquarters in the Bronx, where customers frequently come for their traditional cakes.
Since the release of Bad Bunny's music video featuring the Valencia bakery, bloggers, influencers, news outlets, and celebrities have visited and posted about the bakery on social media. The popularity of the Valencia bakery has increased, with many customers sharing lifelong memories connected to its cakes.
Nadine Torres, a regular customer, was in the bakery on a recent Friday buying a cake for her mother's 73rd birthday. She expressed her excitement about the bakery being in a Bad Bunny video, stating, "It's an honor to be a part of something so iconic in the Latin community."
The "Benito cake" can be purchased by the slice for $7, the mini cake for $35, the medium for $49, or the large for $57. The bakery continues to operate and is celebrated as a beloved fixture for the Latinx community in New York City.
Interestingly, a scene in the "NUEVAYoL" music video was shot on the campus of Bronx Community College. The video also features an old boombox radio playing a Donald Trump impersonator announcing the importance of immigrants in the United States.
Bad Bunny's version of the song reached number eight on the Hot 100 Billboard charts this year. The original song, "Un Verano En Nueva York/A Summer In New York," was a 1975 anthem by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.
Valencia Bakery, with its rich history and cultural significance, continues to honor its founder, Jose Ripoll, with awards and plaques. The bakery's moist and well-balanced cakes, unlike most angel food cakes which can be dry and cloyingly sweet, have been the centerpiece of Bronxites' birthday parties for many years. Despite its increased fame, Valencia Bakery remains a staple in the community, celebrating over 70 years in business.
The surge in Valencia Bakery's popularity has extended beyond the music industry, with food enthusiasts and home gardeners showcasing the bakery's signature "Benito cake" in their lifestyle blogs. Furthermore, local entertainment platforms have featured Valencia Bakery in their food-and-drink segments, highlighting its traditional cakes as a must-try for visitors. Additionally, the bakery's moist cakes have even been played in the background of various music tracks, expanding its reach to the music world.
