Last year, The Dorchester Reporter — founded in 1983— was honored alongside 29 other longtime Boston organizations with a Legacy Business Award from the City of Boston. This year, The Reporter will once again be part of the celebration, but this time as the media sponsor of the 2025 Legacy Business Awards, which will be presented during a ceremony and reception at the Calderwood Pavilion in the South End on June 3.
The Reporter’s co-publisher, Linda Dorcena Forry, will serve as the master of ceremonies and introduce the Class of ’25 award winners alongside Mayor Wu and her team, who selected the 30 inductees.
And what a class it is.
This year’s list includes three of Dorchester’s most beloved eateries and stores: Greenhills Irish Bakery in Adams Village, Ba Le on Dorchester Avenue, and the Ice Creamsmith in Lower Mills.
Ali’s Roti Shop and Boulevard Cleaners in Mattapan are also part of this year’s crew along with iconic names from across the city, such as Pizzeria Regina in the North End, Jacques’ Cabaret, Bay Village, JJ Foley’s in the South End, Merengue Restaurant on Blue Hill Ave., Warren Tavern in Charlestown, Drydock Café in South Boston, and the Corrib Pub in West Roxbury.
It’s no small task picking the “winners.”
The Mayor’s Office of Small Business received 1,450 nominations on behalf of 320 eligible businesses. To qualify, businesses must have been operating for at least ten years, but many of this year’s winners have been around for many more decades. Altogether, this year’s cohort represents some 1,200 years of Boston history. All of them — in their own ways — add a special flavor and service to the neighborhoods they serve.
The program brings more than just recognition of longevity. It includes a one-time grant to help with operations, along with “wrap-around technical assistance” from city-curated services, like marketing and website improvements.
Above: Reporter co-publishers Bill Forry and Linda Dorcena Forry at last year’s Business Legacy Award event. Photo by Mike Mejia/City of Boston Mayor’s Office photo
As a 2024 winner, The Reporter can attest to the exceptional resources that come with this award— and we’re thrilled for our friends and neighbors who’ll be part of this new round.
The full list of awardees also includes: Yoma, Allston; Gary Drug Co., Beacon Hill; Melvin Pharmacy, Brighton; May’s Cake House and Peach Farm Restaurant in Chinatown; Black Seed Cafe & Grill, Downtown; Angela’s Cafe, Italian Express, La Hacienda Restaurant, and Rino’s Place, all in East Boston; Dance Academy, Hyde Park; Gondres Bakery, Jamaica Plain; Penguin Pizza, Mission Hill; Rialto Barber Shop, Roslindale; Bay State Banner, Cruz Companies, and Davis Funeral Home, all in Roxbury; and American Provisions, South Boston.
As Cathy Spiropoulas— the owner of Drydock Café, one of our favorite spots outside of Dot—puts it: “To be able to remain a staple restaurant in Boston for 46 years is a privilege.”
This year, it’s our privilege to help salute Cathy and the many families who put their all into keeping these neighborhood institutions alive and well. We’re thrilled to be a part of the celebration on June 3.
For more information on the event (it’s free, but you must register to attend) and the benefits of the award program, go to this page.
