Mafia + bagels in the 1960s-'70s

[jturbow]

Hi – posting here for the first time regarding a book I’m writing about Union Local 338, the old bagel bakers union in NYC. My particular focus is on Mafia and Mafia-adjacent infiltration of the industry in the 1960s and 1970s, partly as a continuation of Johnny Dio’s takeover of various kosher meat producers in the 1950s, and partly as a standalone source of revenue that may have lent itself particularly well to money laundering. On the Mafia end, prominent participants include Thomas Eboli, Jerry Catena, Dominick Alongi and Sal Passalacqua. On the bagel union end … I’m still figuring that part out. There’s little question that the mob ran some legit bakeries in and around New York (at least inasmuch as they put out a reasonable product at a competitive price), but who they partnered with within the industry remains a bit unclear. If anyone here has information on this subject, I’d sure appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

[sdeitche]

I have a brief mention in my upcoming book on Jerry Catena about his alleged involvement in some bagel companies in NYC but I didnt dig too deeply as it wasnt germane to my central narrative:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) was investigating ties between organized crime and a burgeoning bagel shop in North Miami, the Bagel Nosh. They noted that the restaurant was becoming a frequent hangout for Miami-based organized crime figures. The FDLE noted that the two franchise owners, Leo Vittorio and Thomas F. Quinn, were organized crime associates and each had arrest records. They also indicated that infiltration of the bagel industry was a common target for organized crime, specifically citing reports that Jerry Catena had interests in bagel businesses back in New York.

[jturbow]

Thanks, Scott. Oh yeah, I know all about your upcoming book. I was going to reach out to you directly, but I guess you beat me to the punch. Thanks so much for your input. If you don't mind sharing, what was your source for the item you relayed?

[sdeitche]

Thanks, Scott. Oh yeah, I know all about your upcoming book. I was going to reach out to you directly, but I guess you beat me to the punch. Thanks so much for your input. If you don't mind sharing, what was your source for the item you relayed?

Both of these are essentially similar articles. Savage was a Miami Herald staff writer. His story got picked up on the wire. I couldn't find the FDLE report, but I didn't do any FOIA requests.

Savage, James. “Probes Link Crime Figures to Bagel Nosh Restaurants.” The Miami Herald, June 15, 1977.
Savage, James . “Bagel Nosh Chain Linked to Organized Crime Investigation.” Independent, July 8, 1977.