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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Mayor Michelle Wu announced the winners of the 2024 Legacy Business Awards on Wednesday.
The group of 30 businesses are longstanding, independent enterprises that have made significant contributions to communities in Boston.
This is the second year of the Legacy Business Program, which aims to ensure legacy businesses can avoid displacement, grow their influence, keep residents employed, and enrich the cultural vibrancy of the City of Boston.
After a business is awarded the Legacy Business designation, they have access to grant support and targeted technical assistance that focuses on succession planning and employee ownership.
Businesses are also able to receive free legal consultation, among other benefits.
Eligible businesses must be based in Boston and in operation for at least 10 years.
The review committee received 1,561 nominations for 276 qualified businesses in 2024.
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Here are the 30 awardees:
- Akiki Auto Repair, Hyde Park
- Alex's Chimis, Jamaica Plain
- Anshur Restaurant, Roxbury
- Brendan Behan Pub, Jamaica Plain
- Broadway Lock Company, Inc., South Boston
- Charles Street Supply, Beacon Hill
- Cornwall’s, Fenway
- Daniel’s Bakery, Brighton
- Dorchester Reporter, Dorchester
- El Mundo Boston, East Boston
- Family Hardware Corp., Dorchester
- Flint Cleaners, Allston
- Frugal Bookstore, Roxbury
- Gloria's Beauty Center, Allston
- House of Culture, South End
- Kids R Kids, West Roxbury
- Lawson's Barber Shop, Roxbury
- Mei Sum Bakery, Chinatown
- Mike's Donuts, Mission Hill
- Parziale's Bakery, North End
- Restaurante Cesaria, Dorchester
- Rosa’s Liquors, Dorchester
- Sanchez Market, Charlestown
- Sophia's Grotto, Roslindale
- Tony’s Market, Roslindale
- Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Back Bay
- Vaughn Fish & Chips, Dorchester
- Walnut Deluxe Cleaners and Tailors, Dorchester
- West Roxbury Framing, West Roxbury
- William Browne & Sons, Mattapan
“Our legacy businesses are anchors in our communities. They connect residents with resources, and expand access to opportunity for families across Boston,” said Mayor Wu.
“I’m thrilled to announce the second class of Legacy Business awardees who uplift communities across our city. Congratulations to our 30 newly selected legacy businesses and we look forward to supporting you all in the years ahead!”
Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, explained that the program "continues to ensure the stability of these community bedrocks for generations to come."
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Owners of the winning businesses expressed their excitement for the award.
“It is beautiful to be recognized by the City of Boston, where we grew up. And to have the Legacy Business Award given to us is a further indication of our community's commitment to our longevity. We are deeply honored," said Leonard and Clarissa Egerton, owners of Frugal Bookstore.
The owners of Tony's Market, Deb and Tony DeBenedictis, said, “After celebrating our 60th anniversary in business this year, we are so hopeful about the continued growth of our community and look forward to the support and visibility that comes with this award.”
Wu said that when her administration launched the program, their goal was to create "the strongest business legacy program in the country."
"Our legacy businesses are more than just the places we go when we need to look our best or need service that we can trust. They're the places that we count on to make birthdays and anniversaries and weddings really special. They're gathering places and support networks and spaces that... are filled with shared moments and memories that span generations."
On June 4, there will be an awards ceremony honoring this year's Legacy Business winners at the Calderwood Pavilion.
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