After 50 years, Maria Merola has decided to retire and close Maria’s Pastry Shop at 46 Cross Street in Boston’s North End. The last day of business will be September 15, 2019. Tucked away on Cross Street, Maria’s was a local favorite with authentic, homemade offerings and a sanctuary from the Mike’s vs. Modern cannoli wars on Hanover Street. The 66 year-old Fleet Street resident said, “I’ll stay in the North End but take more time to travel like my friends and visit family in Italy.”

Known for some of the best Italian dolce in Boston, Merola started working at the location back in 1970 when it was still owned by Modern Pastry (which continues to operate around the corner on Hanover Street). In the early 1980’s, she took over ownership and ran the small, but popular, Maria’s Pastry Shop, through the long days of the Central Artery Project.