50 Factories In The U.S. That Still Make Cigars
January 31, 2019: Cigar Aficionado
America’s Gilded Age saw around 42,000 cigar factories throughout the country. Today, however, it is quite rare to find people still sourcing tobacco and rolling smokes by hand. Gregory Mottola shows us 50 cigar factories he’s found in operation throughout the US today. One of these is La Casa Grande located in our very own Belmont neighborhood in the Bronx. Read more, here.
Little Italy in the Bronx?!?! On The Bus Does Arthur Ave.
January 22, 2019: On The Bus Podcast
On The Bus Podcast with Brandon Reese visits the Bronx’s Little Italy. Stops include Addeo and Sons Bakery, Enzo’s, Gino’s Pastry, Casa Della Mozzarella, and Calabria Pork Store. Here Brandon has the full Italian experience, even filling his first cannoli, and calls Arthur Avenue “the real Little Italy of New York.” Check out the video, here.
Belmont BID pushes for more parking lots on Arthur Avenue
January 16, 2019: News 12 The Bronx
The Belmont Business Improvement District is petitioning for the DOT to allow them to purchase and assume ownership of the municipal parking lot on Hoffman. With this acquisition, the BID hopes to expand the lot in response to the growing traffic in the neighborhood and daily commutes of neighborhood workers. Although the DOT claims they have no plans to sell the lot, the BID is pushing forward with collecting signatures (at a goal of 5,000) online and around the neighborhood. Read more and watch the video, here.
Small Business Spotlight: Arthur Avenue Staple Stays Ahead Of Amazon With Quality, Consistency And Community
January 16, 2019: WCBS NewsRadio 880
Peter Madonia of the 100 year old Madonia Bakery of Arthur Avenue speaks to Joe Connolly about running the family business. Madonia says the key to success is ensuring their products are excellent and consistent…and hand made, keeping with quality and tradition. However, the business does continue to evolve. While still offering their authentic breads, the bakery continues to grow by introducing new products which are not Italian. Watch the video, here.
Belmont BID looks to buy Arthur Ave parking lot from NYC
January 12, 2019: Bronx Times
The Belmont Business Improvement District collects signatures from distressed drivers in hopes of buying the municipal parking lot off Arthur Avenue in order to expand the lot’s capacity. Hundreds of customers and neighborhood workers struggle to find parking on a daily basis with the weekends being especially busy as customers come by car from the suburbs. The mere 47 parking spaces are simply not enough to accommodate the bustling Little Italy. Read more, here.