Merchant Milestone
by Renee Leininger

The Florentine Pastry Shop
since 1928

The evolution of the Florentine Pastry Shop began in 1928 when Joseph Borgovini and Vincent Gennaro (from Italy) formed a partnership to open the Florentine Pastry Shop at 605 Bleecker Street, Utica.  When the partnership ended, Gennaro continued to run the business until his death.  In 1942, Gennaro's wife Louise relocated the business to its current location at 667 Bleecker Street.  She continued to manage the shop into the early 1960's until Gabriele Alessandroni purchased it.

Gabe was born in Bomba, Italy and went to school to be a teacher.  Seeking opportunity Gabe and his sister, Iole, left their homeland in 1956 and came to America.  It was through relatives that Gabe met Mrs. Gennaro and eventually went to work for her at the Florentine.  After Gabe purchased the Florentine, his sister Iole managed it until 1993 when it was then acquired by Gabe's nephew Andrew Alesia and his wife Debby.

Today the Alesias and their two sons Jared, (a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America) and Martin (baker and decorator) along with nephew Cliff (a baker) and daughter-in-law Carolyn (sales clerk) continue tradition passed down from grandmother to mother to daughter.  The Alesias bake from scratch so that the Florentine loyal patrons can enjoy the infamous rum cake, wedding cakes, pastries and cookies all made from the original 75 year-old recipes.  So many of their customers have conveyed how the Florentine has become part of their own traditional food faire, especially during the holidays.

Andrew and Debby remark "Gabe was an invaluable mentor and teacher to us until his death in 2000.  He is sorely missed but we hope that he would be proud of the Florentine's continued success."

Courtesy of
Debby Alesia, Owner/Operator
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