This 1931 photo shows the new building for Attilo Patrone’s Bakery that had just moved from the east side of Howard Avenue The facade of the building fronting Chestnut St shows the Patrone and Alessi Bakery, a partnership likely formed with the move. Nicolo Alessi had been working at the former store for Patrone since the mid-1920s. The two remained in business for two years. A legal notice posted in 1933 shows the dissolution of the partnership with A. Patrone surrendering his shares. A month later, Patrone transferred half his undivided interest to Rosalia Alessi, Nicolo’s wife.

Alessi had Patrone’s name removed from the building at 1820 Howard Avenue, and it still reads Alessi and Alessi today. He brought his children into the business, and by 1937 it was advertised as Alessi Brothers Bakery with John (the eldest and manager), Joe (Pito), and Carmello. The business was well connected and promoted itself by doing publicity stunts such as making a 900-pound cake replica of a Sears store for their anniversary in 1959, containing 1800 eggs and 170 pounds of sugar. John’s son, Phil, would eventually follow in his father’s footsteps in the business. In the mid-1970s, he expanded the bakery to four locations, including 2909 Cypress Street, where they continue operations today.