Iconic Petonito’s Pastry & Cupcake Shoppe Celebrates Its 70th Year

EAST HAVEN, CT —In 1954, Salvatore and Dolores Petonito started their bakery, Petonito’s Pastry Shop, and with their son Mark, made it an iconic East Haven landmark.

Regina Criscuolo began working for the Petonitos and, she said, "Having worked for Mr. Petonito as a young girl, he taught me a lot about the business."

Read more about the origins of the shop here.

"I always looked up to him and admired his work ethic. We continue to instill that same work ethic into all that we do," she said.

In 2019, the Criscuolo family took it over.

"My husband Michael, our children Amanda and Michael and I have put our heart sand souls into our bakery," she said. "Our moms also help out, and my aunt has worked here over 30 years. I feel the success of all these years has been baking great, consistent and delicious items that families have come to know and love."

What's been most important has been maintaining its roots, its heritage.

"Keeping the Italian traditions and recipes alive has been the key to our success," Criscuolo said. "We have continued with our own family to continue in their footsteps."

The Criscuolo family, she said, have given the business their all.

"Hours and hours of dedication and hard work have also played a pivotal role in the 70 years in business," she explained. "Having a family run business has been extremely important over the years. Our staff is also like family, and we all work cohesively to make Petonito’s Pastry and Cupcake Shoppe loved by so many."

Customers have been coming to the East Haven pastry shop for as long as it's been around —70 years.

"So many customers will come in with so many fond memories, and we are now making new memories with our current customers," she said. "We would like to personally thank the Petonitos for making this bakery so special."

And, to "thank everyone for their loyalty and support," on Sunday, April 21, Petonito’s Pastry and Cupcake Shoppe will celebrate those 70 years.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., folks are invited to "stroll down memory lane," enjoy complimentary desserts while the Valente Brothers perform.

"We look forward to serving customers and baking all their favorite desserts for the next 70 years," Criscuolo said.

Petonito’s Pastry and Cupcake Shoppe is located at 190 Main St., in East Haven.