By John Lynds
Cucchiello’s Bakery in Day Square. The Cucchiello Family has confirmed reports that owners of the building want to replace Cucchiello’s with a Dunkin Donuts.
Rumors have been spreading that Cucchiello’s Bakery, a neighborhood institution for nearly three quarters of a century, may soon become a Dunkin Donuts.
This week, Cucchiello’s owner, Michael Cucchiello, addressed the rumors in an online statement that seems to confirm rumors that the Cucchiello family will be evicted from the building and replaced by a Dunkin Donuts franchise.
“We do not own our building and it was a huge mistake by us,” said Cucchiello. “I feel that it’s a disgrace that people are that money driven because we aren’t. We provide a service to East Boston and the community. We are not trying to become millionaires; we just want to make sure that Eastie is taken care off. We help everyone we can and never ever turn anyone away. I’m super curious how many items Dunkin Donuts will donate or how many free BBQ’s they will have for the community, or how many free donuts they will give to a person that is down and out?”
Cucchiello added that he is prepared to “fight the good fight” but will need the community’s help to stay in Eastie for another 70 years.
According to the Boston Assessing Office’s website, the Cucchiello Bakery building at 356 Bennington St. in Day Square is owned by Modern Lunch Inc. and the property was assessed $327,500.
Modern Lunch Inc. also owns another commercial/residential property at 401 Chelsea St. that houses the Global clothing store around the block from Cucchiello’s.
The family does plan to try and find another location in Eastie to set up shop but with the current hot real estate market, finding an affordable location may prove to be challenging.
“(The Cucchiello Family) have made their living here in Eastie and they now have to be concerned for their future, this is not right on any level,” said Mark Buttiglieri, a friend of the family. “Cucchiello’s Bakery has been one of the most important local businesses in this area for as long as I can remember. Rep. Adrian Madaro, City Councilor Salvatore LaMattina and Sen. Joe Boncore this needs to be prevented from happening.”