Boiano Bakery Expands, Adding Café

When Pat Colalillo was 9 years old, he moved to Mamaroneck from Boiano, Italy, and since before he can remember, he has loved food.

"I'm surprised I'm not 600 pounds," he said during a recent interview.

Colalillo is the owner of both Boiano Bakery and Cosmo & Alex Pisano, a delicatessen. Both eateries are located on Mamaroneck Avenue, and Colalillo believes he is situated in a prime location for business. 

Cosmo & Alex Pisano opened 20 years ago. Seven years later, Colalillo bought the bakery two doors down. He named it Boiano, in honor of his hometown in Italy.

"But the bakery was too tight and there was little seating," he said. "There was not enough space for customers to order and to look at our products."

So, the Italian baker and his five-person staff, which includes several of his cousins, decided to expand. When the jewelry store next to the bakery closed, Colalillo began planning.

A month ago, a café area was attached to Boiano. The wall that once stood between the bakery and the jewelry store is no longer. The space now holds several tables, and there is ample room for all customers to mill around before purchasing a treat. Colalillo is pleased with the renovation, as there is now a relaxed and spacious atmosphere to the bakery. 

Yet, he still has plans.

"My next project is to create a menu," said the baker.

Boiano sells an array of homemade goods, and offers a wide selection of coffee, as well. While Italian favorites like cannoli are sold, Colalillo says the bakery caters to all of its customers' needs. People crave the cheesecake and specialty gelato cakes, but the most popular treat is the biscotti, according to Colalillo. There are countless flavors, like cappuccino, Napolitano, raspberry filling and chocolate with sprinkles, to choose from.

"My favorite sweet is the pinoli cookie," said Colalillo.

Freshly baked rolls, challah bread, rugelach, danishes and croissants are stacked high on the shelves.

"Ironically, I was pushed into opening the bakery because everyone knows I have always been into food," said Colalillo.

The baker hopes customers will welcome the bakery's new addition, and he is excited to watch the café blossom as people continue to visit and can "finally" sit down to enjoy a homemade treat.                 

Boiano Bakery, 258 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck | 914-698-2070