The Birthday Baker: A Story of Kindness and Empathy

Manolo Betancur, the owner of Manolo’s Bakery in Charlotte, North Carolina, continues to do a very special task for the community. For the past twelve years, Manolo has donated cakes for the birthdays of various homeless citizens in Charlotte. In an interview with the Today Show, he even tells them,“‘We don’t call them ‘homeless[...]They’re our neighbors.’” However, Manolo’s contributions to the Charlotte community do not end with the birthday cakes. 

Coincidentally, Manolo actually did not begin as an entrepreneur and businessman; he was initially an officer in the Colombian navy. Manolo immigrated to the United States twenty-five years ago to pursue his collegiate education at King University in Tennessee. When he arrived, he spoke little English and barely had enough money to get by. He worked hard during his college years in Tennessee and, over time, molded into American society. Years later, he met his wife, and in 2005, he bought his first investment: Manolo Bakery. 

Since he transitioned into the world of business, Manolo has become a voice for multiple small business owners and immigrant entrepreneurs. He is also a social advocate for immigrant rights and the economic inclusion of small businesses. This overall mentality to give back translates directly into the foundation of Manolo Bakery: a mission that extends beyond baking. The bakery regularly contributes to more than twenty-six Charlotte non-profits and supports many community-driven initiatives. The donation of birthday cakes, in particular, began with a simple approach to Raise You Up Ministries, a non-profit; their relationship has now flourished for over a decade.

Unlike many others, Manolo did not stop with this one enterprise. He easily ventured into becoming the founder of five other businesses: Artisen Vegelato, Tita’s Cake House, Higher Grounds Café, By Immigrant Hands, and We Care 4. Even more impressively, Manolo has won seven separate awards for his contributions in the baking and business worlds. He was recognized for his unique perspective on entrepreneurship: constantly providing for the community. In the eyes of Manolo, a united community for the common purpose of good is better than a divided one.

Manolo’s journey through business and enterprise was not linear. Challenges swept his path, and many times, it was tough to persevere. However, Manolo did not let those discrepancies tear him down; he only built upward from them. Stories like Manolo’s inspire the generations to come, showing that this busy world has moments of altruism and warmth.