Atticus Bookstore, a New Haven business that employs both father and son, celebrated on Friday after it was named the state’s Family-Owned Small Business of the Year by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Atticus, which has expanded into East Rock with the Atticus Market on Orange Street, was set to mark the occasion with a visit by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Friday afternoon.
Waterbury native Charlie J. Negaro opened the first Atticus Bookstore Café on Chapel Street in 1975. He launched Chabaso Bakery in 1995 and Atticus Market early last year. Son Charlie Negaro, Jr. became CEO of the company in 2019.
“My father did not live to see my business grow. I am now observing my son as he manages and grows Atticus Bookstore Café to new and greater dimensions,” Negaro senior. said in a company statement. “It is with great satisfaction that I see him build a business and reputation.”
Atticus and Chabaso Bakery have organized several CT Food Launchpad events in recent months to promote local food startups.
Others honored by the SBA this year include Viron Rondos of Viron Rondo Osteria in Cheshire, who was named Small Business Person of the Year, and Lisa Chatman’s Kiddie Tech University in West Haven, named Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year.
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
