Famed Downtown Landmark, Founded In 1975, Atticus Bookstore Café Celebrates Half-Century

NEW HAVEN, CT — Described as a beloved New Haven institution, the iconic Atticus Bookstore Café marks its 50th year with a celebratory gathering Monday, The Yale University Properties event includes distinguished guests at the Chapel Street location. And Atticus is sharing $1 cookies, as a "thank you to the community that supported us."

The celebration will "honor owner Charles Negaro Jr., the Negaro family, and staff for 50 years of fostering community, promoting a love for literature, and serving great food," according to a news release.

"Whether it’s buying a new book or gift, enjoying a cup of coffee and a pastry, or having a great meal and conversation with a friend, Atticus Bookstore Café has been a destination of choice for New Haveners for a half a century," said Mayor Justin Elicker. "Atticus has been and continues to be a beloved family-owned business and community gathering space that has served as an anchor institution in the Chapel Street Historic District. Cheers to another 50 years."

Atticus was established as a "simple bookstore" half a century ago by Negaro Sr., who "pioneered a breakthrough in local retail innovation in 1981 by adding the bookstore’s cafe-style coffee shop, which met with instant success and became a social hub."

Negaro's Story

In 1995, based on the cafe’s popular in-house artisan breads, Negaro launched Chabaso Bakery on James Street in New Haven. With the growing support of his children Charlie, Abigail, and Sophia, the artisan bakery became a New England regional brand even as Atticus continued to innovate and inspire customer loyalty.

When Negaro Sr. retired in 2019, the leadership torch was passed to Charles Negaro Jr. Under his leadership, the company expanded in 2021 to open Atticus Market on Orange Street, offering groceries, baked goods, and local treats.

In 2022, the Connecticut district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration named Atticus Bookstore Café 'Family-Owned Small Business of the Year,' honoring the Negaro family for two generations of small business innovation and leadership.

"For 50 years, Atticus Bookstore Café has stayed a beloved New Haven gathering place by staying true to the cozy, creative atmosphere that made it a destination in 1975, while also evolving in thoughtful ways by refreshing its menu and bookstore offerings, expanding community programming, and growing into a second location with Atticus Market," Negaro said. "This commitment to meaningful, values-driven growth has allowed Atticus to honor its heritage while continuing to inspire new generations of readers, neighbors, and guests."

Alexandra Daum, associate vice president for New Haven Affairs and University Properties, said the success and longevity of Atticus Bookstore Cafe in the heart of downtown New Haven is an inspiring example of sustained retail success built on genuine relationships.

"For five decades, Atticus Bookstore Cafe has served as a vital anchor for both the university and the New Haven community, and we are delighted to help celebrate its Golden Anniversary," Daum was quoted as saying.