Mike’s Pastry Takes Next Step Toward Opening Harvard Square Location

Mike’s Pastry secured the support of the Harvard Square Advisory Committee on Monday to open up at 11 Dunster St. Originally located in the North End, Mike’s Pastry is known for their cannoli and cookies. By Connie Yan

UPDATED: January 29, 2013, at 10:13 p.m.

Students may no longer have to trek to the North End for hand-made cannoli from Mike’s Pastry, as the bakery is one step closer to opening at 11 Dunster St. after securing the support of the Harvard Square Advisory Committee Monday.

“They seemed very enthusiastic about having us there,” said Mike’s Pastry general manager Angelo Papa about the Monday night meeting with the Advisory Committee, which recommended that the Board of Zoning Appeal grant the pastry shop a fast-order food permit. Papa is the stepson of Mike’s Pastry founder Michael Mercogliano.

On Thursday evening, the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal will assemble to review Mike’s Pastry's request for a license and fast-order food permit. If the Board approves the request, construction of the new location at 11 Dunster St. can begin.

Everything in their space will be rebuilt, Papa said. The pastry shop will primarily serve takeout orders, but it will also have standing room and will house six counter seats for customers. Under current plans, the new location will open in late May or early June.

The menu will be similar to that of the North End location, featuring classics like cannoli and Italian pastries as well as other menu items such as croissants, muffins, turnovers, cappuccinos, and coffee.

Excitement about this addition to the Square is already brewing. Denise A. Jillson, Harvard Square Business Association executive director, said she has received numerous phone calls and emails about Mike’s Pastry.

“I think it’s lovely, really wonderful,” Jillson said. “We look forward to welcoming them to the Square.”

The family-run operation has done business on Hanover St. in Boston for more than 60 years, and the existing Mike’s Pastry shop will continue to remain open and serve cannoli in their signature blue-and-white pastry boxes.

Although Mike’s Pastry is expanding, Papa said that they will aim to stay true to their family-style business values and their mission of providing a quality experience.

“This is a new adventure. It’s the first time we’ve ever left the North End,” Papa said. “We’re a small business, we’re proud of what we do, and we love our customers.”

—Staff writer Celeste M. Mendoza can be reached at celestemendoza@college.harvard.edu.