Attilio Patrone opened his bakery in the mid-1920s, moving into the former location of the Jose Perez grocery. In Spanish, it was known as a panederia y dulceria, bakery and candy store. Records indicate that Nicolo Alessi, a name still linked to quality bakery goods in Tampa, began working for Patrone in the late 1920s. Tragically, a newspaper report indicates Michele Alessi (relationship unknown) lost several fingers of each hand in an accident at the bakery in 1928. This 1931 photo shows Patrone’s shop at 1815 on the east side of Howard Ave. That same year, he purchased a two-story building directly across the street on the west side at Chestnut St, so it can be assumed it was this same building even though the current address is 1820 Howard Ave.

Following Patrone’s move, the building returned to a grocery outlet when Frank Maurici’s market moved in 1933. There are records of several businesses at the address after that, with Angie’s Grocery being the final one closing in 1988. The lot is now vacant.  

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved