History of Bonardi's

Bonardi's Formal Wear was founded by Mr. Frank Bonardi in the year of 1923. The original concept was to sell "top of the line" men's clothing and accessories. Over the years the business developed a reputation for its excellent service, high quality and perfect fitting men's clothing. As business grew and the fine reputation became stronger, the need for tuxedos as a part of wardrobe was prevalent. At that time a tuxedo rental and sales department featuring "top of the line" men's formalwear was added. In time, the excellent service, high quality and perfect fit that built Bonardi's clothing department was married in the tuxedo rental department.

Over the years, Bonardi's became a victim of progress and eminent domain in Worcester, Massachusetts; six times to be exact, each time having to relocate. The moves strengthened the business and its reputation. Finally in 1961 eminent domain and retirement age allowed Frank Bonardi to sell his fine store in two parts. The clothing department became Marcel Snyder clothiers and the formalwear became Bonardi's Formalwear. Inc. under the ownership of Louis A. Ferraro. Mr. Ferraro worked for many years for Bonardi's in charge of the formalwear department. His first challenge was moving to another location becoming the first formalwear specialist in Central Massachusetts. He operated Bonardi's under the same business philosophy as Frank Bonardi himself. The untarnished reputation became stronger.

In the next few years Bonardi's enjoyed growth, profitability, and the reputation of being #1. In 1976 eminent domain once again displaced Bonardi's to make room for the Marriot Hotel. Moving to our current location on Highland Street in Worcester, MA, with additional room, Bonardi's expanded its product line maintaining the quality and excellent service it was accustomed to.

Growth continued and in mid 1977 ill health hit Mr. Ferraro. Upon advisement of his doctors, Mr. Ferraro looked for a buyer. In July 1978, Leonard W. Chirchigno purchased 50% of Bonardi's. His 23 years of experience and reputation helped achieve new goals for Bonardi's. In 1980, Mr. Chirchigno purchased the remaining 50% allowing Mr. Ferraro to retire. With new goals and objectives in mind, maintaining the original philosophy of quality and service, Bonardi's once again, started to grow. Additional space at the Worcester, MA location was acquired, more well trained personnel were added and in 1983 Bonardi's acquired the assets of "The Formal House" with stores located in Framingham MA, Marlborough MA, and Milford MA.

With changes in methods of operation and implementation of new systems, the three stores added volume and profits to the company. In 1987 previous growth and profits allowed for major expansion and renovation to the Worcester store and main plant. A large addition was added to the building including a state of the art dry cleaning and laundry plant. A computer system was installed to include 6 work stations, software to control inventory and financial information. These improvements allowed Bonardi's to operate more professionally and proficiently.

In 1990, our fifth store was added, in Acton MA. It got off to a slow start but it's currently growing nicely. Three hard working years later, our sixth location was added in Auburn, MA. With the continuous hard work from our employees, Bonardi's Formalwear will continue to grow and maintain our #1 Formalwear title in Central Massachusetts. In 2001, our seventh location was opened in Sturbridge, Ma.

There are many reasons for our success, but the major reason must not be overlooked. It would be the tireless effort, unequaled dedication and loyalty of the three Chirchigno children and entire staff, which have upheld the original Bonardi philosophy. That team effort and attitude will help us to reach our next goal and plateau. Our systems and methods of operation are unique. Our competition has tried to duplicate us, to include emulating our presentation to the public. They cannot match our pride, our enthusiasm, our leadership and our ability and service to our customers. The Bonardi's philosophy to give the customer the finest product and service at a fair price cannot be duplicated.