CAKE. Not just any cake but cake delivered in an unusual way. Enter the “Cake Boss” – the internationally renowned chef and owner of the now world-famous Carlo’s Bake Shop in Hoboken, NJ. Areas is proudly rolling out Carlo’s Bake Shop Express cake-dispensing machines – revolutionary upscale vending “dressed” to replicate the iconic Carlo’s Bake Shop. The ultimate guest food experience provided by cutting-edge technology.
Plans are underway to install this system in three Florida Turnpike service plazas by year-end: West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, and Turkey Lake. Filinto Galban, Regional Director of Operations, explained, “It was our desire to give guests a unique experience, especially in the turnpike service plazas. Carlo’s Bake Shop Express is a destination that gives Florida Turnpike travelers added reason to stop at one of our plazas. They’ll experience a social media-worthy moment with the added bonus of a truly fantastic treat to enjoy right then or save for later.”
Filinto, who has been creating praise-worthy experiences for Areas guests for more than 12 years, is excited about the installation of these elegant vending machines. He’s especially excited at the prospect that Buddy Valastro, the Cake Boss himself, might make a personal appearance at the Turkey Lake Plaza for the grand unveiling of Carlo’s Bake Shop Express late this year. If this happens, it will truly be an elevated experience for Areas guests.
Areas is also working with airport partner Miami International to install a unit in the Terminal J Food Court. The approval process is well underway, and MIA guests should be enjoying this exciting new retail vending experience sometime before mid-2023. “It was a strategic decision to look at MIA for a Bake Shop Express unit due to the rapid growth in popularity of Carlo’s Bakery in South America. We know this will be well received by MIA airport travelers,” said Filinto.
Whether on the Turnpike or in the Airport, guests will have a choice of popular Carlo’s Bake Shop flavors including Rainbow, Red Velvet, Chocolate Fudge, Carrot, Chocolate Fudge Rainbow, Cookies & Cream, Confetti, and Strawberry Rainbow. Cake servings will retail for around $8.99 per slice. Guests simply swipe a credit or debit card, make their selection, and just like that, instant sweet gratification is delivered. Product will be supplied through the Florida-based Carlos’ Bakery warehouse where the cakes are baked, sliced, individually sealed and packed, then flash frozen for freshness. Machines will be restocked multiple times weekly to ensure maximum freshness and product quality, all coordinated by Carlo’s Bakery.
This exciting new concept gives everyone on the Areas team, along with millions of travelers, good reason to visit a Florida Turnpike service plaza soon!