Madonia

Mario Madonia founded the bakery in 1918 after arriving in New York City from Monreale, Sicily. Starting with a bread push-cart in Belmont, he eventually saved enough to open his storefront at 2348 Arthur Avenue, working alongside his wife Rose to build the business and raise their family.

Their son Peter grew up in the bakery and took over with his brother Frank when Mario retired. Peter’s son Mario became the third generation owner in the 1980s, but was tragically killed in a car crash. The family rallied to keep the bakery open—Peter Jr. stepped in to run operations and brought on managing partner Charles LaLima, who has been running day-to-day operations for nearly three decades alongside his sons Adam and Jason.

In 2020, Peter’s nephew Daniel took over as the fourth generation. Today, Daniel, Charlie, and Jason keep the traditions of fresh daily bread alive in The Real Little Italy in The Bronx—over 100 years since Mario first opened the doors.