Fans Travel Miles, Wait Hours To Visit Carlo's Bakery
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
DALLAS (CBS11) - Weeks after Carlo's Bakery first opened its doors in Dallas, fans still wait for hours to get their slice of cake - with a side of reality show fame.
They're sweet treats with a cult following - cannoli and cakes apparently worth camping out for overnight.
"This has been the biggest opening we've ever had. Ever. Like ever, ever, ever," says Chad Durkin, Research and Development Chef for Carlo's Bakery.
He says the bakery sold 16,000 cannoli its first week.
Carlo's Bakery, a family-owned business made famous by the TLC show, Cake Boss, opened its doors March 19.
Fans waited in line 15 hours that weekend. Even now, a three to four hour wait is not uncommon.
"I got really excited, and I've always wanted to try it. I've seen it on TV," says customer Monique Forero of Arlington.
For some, this is a pilgrimage. Liset Vasquez drove 90 miles from Teague, Texas just to go Carlo's.
"Because we're big fans, and we're excited about the opportunity that we have Carlo's here closer to us," she says.
But not everyone is excited.
Around the corner, cafe and bakery The Hospitality Sweet opened the same days as Carlo's.
"I just had no idea the magnitude it was going to be," says owner Meghan Adams. "When we got here, there were people camped in our doors, using our bathrooms and stuff."
She and other business owners says parking - already at a premium in Preston Center - has become nearly impossible here. And then there's the trash.
"All the parking spots being taken. Lots of people everywhere," says David Lee, owner of pottery store Purple Glaze. "It's a nightmare."
So the congestion is here to stay - at least until the fad fades. But for now, Durkin says Carlo's quenches a thirst here unlike any other Italian bakery.
"I believe you. I believe you, Dallas. You like sweets. Sold!"
This is Carlo's 13th store in seven states. But so far, it is the only one in Texas.
(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)