There are several Block Island businesses celebrating their 50th year in 2020. This is the first article in the series.
The co-owners of Aldo’s Bakery, Aldo Leone and Stevie Papa, continue their family’s tradition of serving residents and visitors alike a rich diversity of delicious pastries and baked goods. The Block Island Times talked to Aldo and Stevie about how the business got started.
“My mother and father [Aldo and Maria Leone] started to go to Block Island in 1955. He worked for Brown University in the wintertime as the head baker, and he worked for the Spring House Hotel in the summertime for 15 years. In 1969, he purchased the property on Weldon’s Way, the old fire barn. In 1970, that was the first year the bakery opened,” said Leone.
Leone noted that just because the bakery is turning 50, it doesn’t mean they are slowing down. Now there is homemade ice cream, breakfast menus, smoothies, fresh juice, and so much more, and also something new this year.
“This year for our 50th, we will be adding a coffee roaster to roast our own island blends of coffee, plus adding an automated donut machine so people can
