[December 23, 2021]  SEED Corporation has selected Baldies Pizzeria of Lakeville, MA as the 2021 recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award. This family-owned and operated restaurant was established in 1998 by owner Mike Mastrangelo and specializes in gourmet brick-oven pizzas, as well as subs, tacos, soups, salads, and a wide variety of other main dishes. They also offer an extensive menu of craft beers (40 to try!), wines, and hard seltzers. 

Baldies Pizzeria came to SEED in 2015 for an SBA 504 loan to complete a ground-up construction project. Financing was provided in partnership with Eastern Bank and enabled the business to relocate from 500 sqft. in the back of a convenience store to a 5,800 sqft., 120-seat restaurant. Since then, Baldies Pizzeria has added another 400 sqft. to their space, an additional 40 seats, and now employs 66 people. The business has also increased sales by 20% in the last year, despite the challenges of COVID. 

Baldies Pizzeria is also heavily involved in the community they serve having donated food, gift cards, or provided sponsorship to local organizations including Kid's Pan Am Bike Ride, Long Pond's Save the Pond events, Council on Aging, Elliot Farm, and local school and sports leagues.

SEED is recognizing Baldies Pizzeria for exceptional business performance, job creation, and involvement in their community. For more information about the business, visit their website.