Golden Cannoli Shells

Golden Cannoli Shells is a second-generation, family-owned cannoli factory in Chelsea that makes and supplies cannoli shells, fillings and related desserts. Its product line covers traditional cannoli shells and filling along with cannoli chips, chocolate-covered shells and a range of cannoli creams. The company also sells ready-to-serve cannoli chip and dip platters, bulk shells and frozen filling, and it describes its shells as premium products.

The business grew out of two bakeries. Cousins Francesco Bono and Angelo Bresciani came to the United States in the mid-1960s, worked in North End bakeries, and opened their own shop in Arlington in 1970, followed by a second in Somerville. Demand for their shells and fillings from restaurants and other bakeries led them to open a dedicated cannoli plant in Somerville. Today the second generation, cousins Valerie, Maria, Eric and Edwin, runs the company.

What to Know

• Production takes place in a 30,000-square-foot facility in Chelsea.
• The company holds the record for the world’s largest cannolo, a 262.5-pound pastry made in 2014 in Jupiter, Florida.
• Proceeds from the record event went to Little Smiles of Florida, a volunteer-driven children’s nonprofit.
• The company recently launched its first internship program.
• It has been making cannoli products for more than 50 years.