In this episode of Between the Mics, Alicia and Chris sit down with Valerie Bono-Bunker, co-owner of Golden Cannoli and self-proclaimed “Queen of Cannoli”, for a conversation that goes far beyond dessert.
What started as a family bakery supplying a few dozen cannolis in Boston’s North End has grown into a nationally recognized brand supplying cannoli shells and fillings across the U.S. and Canada. But despite the growth, Golden Cannoli has stayed true to the same values it was built on over 50 years ago: handmade quality, family leadership, and pride in the process.
Throughout the episode, Val shares the realities of running a multi-generational family business, the challenges of growth, and the importance of balancing innovation with authenticity. From hand-rolling cannolis in the factory to hiring the company’s first CEO, this conversation dives into leadership, business evolution, family dynamics, trust, resilience, and what it really takes to scale a company without losing what made it special in the first place.
This episode is packed with honest insights for entrepreneurs, business owners, marketers, and anyone navigating growth while trying to protect the heart of their brand.
