Staten Islanders Boycott Bakery After Veteran Fundraiser Criticism

Staten Island’s Dominick’s Bakery & Cafe is being boycotted after owner Dominick DeLillo complained on Facebook about a nearby veteran benefit event. Sunday was the the SSG Michael Ollis Memorial 5K Run/Walk, a benefit for veterans in honor of a fallen soldier, which caused several streets to shut down for part of the day, including Dominick’s.

Faced with almost no business, DeLillo took to Facebook. “Guess there are no businesses in new dorp that prepares all week for Sunday! What a fucking joke,” he wrote on the business’ social media page, which has since been taken down. “Isn’t there another way to show appreciation without adversely effecting a neighborhood filled with small mom & pop businesses?”

In response, people have flooded the unaffiliated Facebook page and Yelp page with angry comments, Grub Street reports. Many say they will be boycotting the business. The backlash caused Di Lillo to apologize to the Ollis family and pledge free food to the event in future years. He also told Staten Island Live that he initially thought the streets were shut down for film crews, though screenshots show that he doubled down on the judgment even once knowing it was for a charity event.

• Everyone Is Mad at Staten Island Baker Who Complained About Charity Event for a Fallen Soldier [ENY]
• The owner of Dominick's Bakery goes on angry tirade against charity event for fallen Solider [After Action Reporting]
• Dominick's Bakery owner apologizes to Ollis family for 'horrendous' Facebook post [SI Live]