Buddy Valastro is the renowned baker, television personality, and entrepreneur behind the iconic Carlo’s Bakery. Born in Hoboken and raised in Little Ferry, New Jersey, Buddy began working in his family’s bakery at just 11 years old, learning the traditions of Italian baking from his parents. After the passing of his father in 1994, Buddy took over the business at age 17, transforming the beloved neighborhood bakery into an internationally recognized brand.
Buddy rose to global fame with the debut of Cake Boss in 2009, where audiences fell in love with his elaborate cake creations, big personality, and close-knit family dynamic. The success of the series led to numerous television projects, including Next Great Baker, Kitchen Boss, Buddy’s Bakery Rescue, and Buddy Valastro’s Cake Dynasty.
Today, Buddy oversees a growing culinary and hospitality portfolio that includes Carlo’s Bakery locations nationwide, as well as restaurant and entertainment concepts including Buddy V’s Ristorante, Pizza Cake, and The Boss Cafe. Known for his larger-than-life creativity and dedication to family tradition, Buddy remains one of the most recognizable figures in modern baking and food television.