Longtime owner of Alessi Bakery passes away

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Phil Alessi, owner of Alessi Bakery, passed away Sunday afternoon, according to his son. 

Alessi Bakery has been a Tampa mainstay since Nicolo Alessi first opened the doors in 1912. He arrived in Tampa from Italy, bringing his knowledge of baking in addition to his proud European heritage, according to Alessi’s website. 

Phil Alessi took over the business from his father, John Alessi. Phil was instrumental with the business expanding, opening a 100,000 square-foot facility in Northwest Tampa to sell their products nationally. 

Phil continued the Alessi family tradition, bringing his son, Phil Jr., in to help run the business at 2909 W. Cypress Street.