Wooster Square’s iconic Libby’s Italian Pastry Shop celebrated a makeover and the start of its second century in business on Wednesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting.
“We’re really excited with keeping the tradition going for the fourth generation,” said manager Marc D’Angelo, adding that the renovation was part of the family’s commitment to quality. “We’re just looking forward to continuing the tradition for many years to come,” he said.
Located at 135 Wooster St., Libby’s opened its doors in 1922 and is now being run by the fourth generation of the founding family.
Liberato and Giuseppina Dell’Amura established the business, which is now run by Marc, P.J. and Salvatore D’Angelo. Nineteen people are employed by the shop, which offers Italian baked goods and sweets including a range of traditional cookies, cannolis, cakes, ice cream and ices. The shop also retails cookies, biscotti and candy online at libbyscookies.com.
Longtime Wooster Square resident U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro said that Libby’s represents a living link to the neighborhood’s past as a place where dozens of Italian immigrants launched businesses soon after arriving in America.
“This is home,” DeLauro said, reciting a list of Italian-American businesses that have come and gone in the neighborhood. “I grew up here and Libby’s, much like the various Italian societies, continues to be anchored in this community, the gathering place for neighborhood families, and beloved local business that helps to keep the Italian-American tradition and culture of the community alive.”
Wednesday’s event also celebrated the completion of a long-term renovation of the shop, funded in part by New Haven’s Facade Improvement Grant Program. Libby’s was awarded $41,951 to upgrade its facade, build a new entrance and upper patio, and refurbish its signage.
Renovations at the shop, which has been at its current location since 1967, started last January. The facade is now open to the street from the front, and the interior features historic photos of the founding family. Apartments upstairs and a neighboring facade were also revamped.
Mayor Justin Elicker said, “To have the opportunity to acknowledge one of the businesses that has been here for 100 years – it just underscores in particular the Italian heritage that our community has and how New Haven is a place that people can be successful after so many years. This is a staple for so many people in our community.”
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
