News Release: Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant & Bar Named Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year

Release Date: April 14, 202

Release Number: 26-4

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BOSTON – The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant & Bar of Middleboro, Massachusetts, the 2026 Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year for the Commonwealth.

Founded in 1950 by Lorenzo Grosso as a small 20-seat Italian eatery in Taunton, Lorenzo’s has become a cornerstone of the South Shore dining community. The restaurant celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2025, marking the historic transition of ownership from Angela Maffeo to her son, Peter Maffeo, now the third-generation owner. Angela continues to own the restaurant’s real estate and remains closely involved in the family business.

“This award is an honor and one I share with my mother, our family, and our entire staff,” said Peter Maffeo. “Our team has carried forward my grandfather’s vision while continuing to evolve and serve our community.”

Over more than seven decades, Lorenzo’s has transformed from a small clam shack into a full-service dining destination. The restaurant has expanded through multiple renovations, including the addition of two dining rooms, a function space, “Lorenzo’s Italian Kitchen” Grab & Go brand, and its popular “Lorenzo’s al Fresco” outdoor dining area—all while maintaining its family-oriented character and dedication to authentic Italian cuisine.

Lorenzo’s has also demonstrated unwavering community service, hosting an annual Veterans Day Remembrance that offers complimentary meals to veterans and active service members and supporting numerous local organizations, including Middleboro Little League and Mary K. Goode School’s Thanksgiving program. The restaurant regularly contributes to charitable fundraisers, community events, and local benefits throughout the region.

In recognition of his leadership, Peter Maffeo joined the Board of Directors for the Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce in 2023 — a distinction especially meaningful given Lorenzo’s role as one of the Chamber’s founding members in 1979.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lorenzo’s benefited from SBA assistance, including a Paycheck Protection Program loan in 2020 and a 504 loan closed by South Eastern Economic Development Corporation and Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank in 2021 to refinance existing debt and provide working capital for eligible business expenses, which allowed them to complete renovations of their commercial property on West Grove Street, where it has operated since 1958.

Angela and Peter Maffeo will be honored at the annual National Small Business Week Massachusetts Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 8th, 2026.

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The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.