Chef and the Baker’s Cinnamon Bun Sundays are turning into one of the most talked-about food experiences in South Tampa. The bakery and café, founded by award-winning chefs Rosana Rivera and Ricardo Castro, launched this weekly event to showcase their creativity with indulgent new cinnamon bun flavors. Each Sunday, the pastry lineup draws long lines around the building, proving that Hillsborough County’s food lovers can’t resist these sugary delights. Follow on Instagram for more updates.
A Legacy of Flavor and Fame
Chef Rosana Rivera is no stranger to recognition. She claimed victory on the Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, winning with her celebrated empanadas. With Cinnamon Bun Sunday, Rivera and Castro are expanding their reputation for bold flavors and inventive baking. Their mastery ensures each bite feels like both a culinary adventure and a comforting indulgence.
Weekly Flavors That Keep Fans Coming Back
Recent flavors include blueberry cream cheese, Bananas Foster, and strawberry cheesecake, each carefully crafted in small batches. Because quantities are limited, these treats often sell out before midday. Locals now know that arriving early is the only way to guarantee their share of these fresh pastries.

Beyond Cinnamon Buns
While Cinnamon Bun Sundays are the spotlight, Chef and the Baker’s menu has plenty more to offer. Their selection includes donuts, scones, and a rotating lineup of cronuts, with August’s featured flavor being s’mores. Their savory menu is equally impressive with items like the chicken salad croissant, quiche Lorraine, and breakfast sandwiches—all balanced perfectly by Rivera’s famous empanadas.
From Pinellas Park to Nationwide
Behind the scenes, the bakery’s factory hub in Pinellas Park produces and ships pastries across the country. This facility also manages large-scale catering orders and ensures that the South Tampa café is always stocked with freshly made delights. Their reach even extends to Tampa International Airport, where travelers can find their creations in Newslink stores throughout the terminal.
A Community Café Worth Visiting
The South Tampa café is more than just a bakery—it’s a welcoming space with full coffee service and complimentary Wi-Fi. It’s ideal for a casual work session, a quick breakfast stop, or a sweet afternoon treat. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, the experience is designed to make everyone feel like part of the Chef and the Baker family.

Join the Cinnamon Craze
If you want to keep up with the latest flavors and see irresistible pastry creations, follow @chef_andthebaker on Instagram. To taste them in person, visit their South Tampa café at 3413 S Manhattan Ave. But don’t wait too long on Sundays—these buns disappear fast!
The next Sunday could be the one where Chef and the Baker unveil their most daring flavor yet—will you be there to taste it first?
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