Born in the heart of Arecibo in 1978, Cidrines began as the dream of two brothers, Manuel and Guillermo Cidre, who opened their first bakery specializing in breads, pastries, sandwiches, and hors d’oeuvres. Their now-famous “Quesitos” and “Sobao” bread quickly became island-wide favorites, drawing people from all over Puerto Rico to Arecibo for a taste. Thanks to their commitment to quality and service, Cidrines earned the loyalty not only of Arecibo but of the entire Island. By 1982, a second store opened in San Juan, making Cidrines the first bakery to expand into Puerto Rico’s capital. Three years later, they became the Island’s first and only chain of bread stores and bakeries under the same name.

To ensure every product remained consistently delicious, Cidrines established its own manufacturing facility at the Zeno Gandia Industrial Park in Arecibo, expanding from a modest 4,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet. With the installation of advanced machinery and equipment like the first blast freezer outside North America, Cidrines launched its innovative “1-800-DAMEPAN” concept. This allowed grocery stores, supermarkets, and eventually large chain stores and fast-food restaurants to carry Cidrines products without needing specialized staff or expensive equipment.

By 2000, Cidrines had invested in the Rademaker dough rolling system with a cold integrated finishing line, cementing its place as the Caribbean’s leader in sheet and puff pastries. In 2013, co-founder Manuel Cidre passed the torch to his sister, President and CEO María Cidre, who strategically expanded the brand to the U.S. market, beginning in Florida and growing nationwide under the guidance of nephew Guillermo Cidre and niece Christine Sepulveda.

In 2022, with an $8.1 million investment, Cidrines unveiled a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lakeland, Florida. This reflects the company’s dedication to innovation, product freshness, and quality. Powered by a dynamic workforce, this new facility embodies Cidrines’ vision: to deliver exceptional bakery products to more people than ever while honoring its proud Puerto Rican heritage.