If you find yourself wandering through Southwest Houston with a craving for something delicious, look no further than Lecaroz Bakery. Lecaroz is a vibrant piece of the Gulfton community—a testament to family, tradition, and the resilience of the human spirit. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the inspiring story of the Guerrero family and the legacy they’ve built.
A Humble Beginning
Meet Gerardo “Jerry” Guerrero, a passionate baker whose journey embodies the essence of perseverance. Born in the bustling heart of Mexico City to parents Rosa Guerreo and Fernando Guerrero, Jerry moved to the United States at just four years old in 1988. His family sought a new beginning, filled with hope and the promise of opportunity. But like many immigrant families, their path was lined with challenges.
“I remember my mom used to cry because she couldn’t afford certain things,” Jerry recalls. Determined to help, a young Jerry would wake up at 5 a.m. to dive into dumpsters, collecting cans to sell. “I didn’t like it because I was embarrassed my friends would see me, but it gave me strength and taught me the value of hard work,” he shares. On weekends, he worked at the flea market, shining shoes and selling wallets, stereos, and alarms. These experiences taught him invaluable life lessons beyond the classroom. “It taught me how to communicate with people, how to sell, and how to understand different characters,” Jerry says.
The Birth of Lecaroz Bakery
In 1994, Jerry’s mother, Rosa Guerreo, fueled by determination and dreams for her family, opened the first Lecaroz Bakery in a modest space in Gulfton. Named after a small town in Spain where their great-grandfather hailed from, the bakery was a symbol of their rich heritage and a beacon of hope for a better future.
The entire family pitched in. Jerry started by washing dishes, and his siblings soon joined the effort. Together, they navigated the challenges of running a business, learning everything from baking to customer service. “We didn’t know about the basics—nothing,” Jerry admits. “But my mom taught us, and we learned by doing.”
A Community Cornerstone
For nearly three decades, Lecaroz Bakery has been more than a business; it’s a gathering place where diverse cultures converge. Located at 5990 Renwick Dr., Houston, Texas, it’s the heart of Gulfton. Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, it’s a welcoming spot for everyone.
“This community is made up of different types of people, different cultures, different characters, different colors,” Jerry notes. “I’m grateful for all these people that come to the bakery.”
What makes Lecaroz truly special is its commitment to freshness and quality. Specializing in traditional Mexican sweet breads and desserts, the bakery bakes daily, monitoring sales to minimize waste and ensure that every customer gets the freshest products. Unsold items are distributed to local stores, embodying their ethos of sustainability and community support.
Giving Back to Gulfton
Jerry and his family are deeply involved in the community that embraced them. They maintain a close relationship with the Houston Police Department, participating in local events, parades, and back-to-school drives. “We try to reach out,” Jerry says. “We send them bread sometimes when they need something. We try to give back.”
Their involvement doesn’t stop there. Lecaroz Bakery supports local events and organizations, embodying the spirit of resilience and hard work that defines Gulfton. “This is the place I learned,” Jerry reflects. “There’s no better school than this. The street was my school.”
A Legacy of Success
From those humble beginnings, the Guerrero family’s hard work has paid off. Lecaroz Bakery has expanded to multiple locations, and they now own real estate throughout the city. “Now we own different shopping centers,” Jerry says with pride. “That’s being grateful because everything comes from here, from the streets, from Southwest.”
Yet, despite their success, they remain grounded and connected to their roots. “We want to keep growing, but we’ll always prioritize our connection with the community,” Jerry affirms.
A Tribute During Hispanic Heritage Month
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Guerrero family’s story resonates deeply. Their journey from Mexico City to becoming influential entrepreneurs in Houston embodies the American dream. They are not just business owners; they are pillars of the Gulfton community. People like the Guerrero family make up the heart of Gulfton, and we want to recognize them for their contributions.
Visit Lecaroz Bakery Today
So, what are you waiting for? If your taste buds are tingling and your heart is longing for a slice of community spirit, head over to Lecaroz Bakery. Indulge in a variety of freshly baked delights, from traditional Mexican sweet breads to delicious desserts—all made with love and tradition.
Location: 5990 Renwick Dr., Houston, Texas
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Connect with Them:
- Facebook: Facebook.com/LecarozBakery1
- Instagram: @lecarozbakery1
Don’t forget to check them out on social media for daily specials and behind-the-scenes peeks at the magic happening in the kitchen. Trust us; once you taste their treats and feel the warm atmosphere, you’ll understand why Lecaroz Bakery has become a beloved part of Southwest Houston.
Come for the pastries, stay for the love—visit Lecaroz Bakery today, and be a part of this sweet, heartwarming legacy!