Rossini Corner sits at the intersection of Routes 126 and 16 (Concord and Washington Streets). It was so named in 2001 to honor the Rossini Family whose family and entrepreneurial roots have been in Holliston, MA for many decades. The white Victorian house on that spot was where Genevieve “Ma Rossini” and her husband Joe raised their four sons, Walter, Beno, Alex, and Sonny (John).
The First Rossini Business
Joe started the Rossini Ice business in 1937 working with his son Walter, who earned a degree in Business and opened Walter’s Dairy in 1940. The Dairy, often referred to as Walter’s Restaurant, was owned and operated by all four of the Rossini brothers. At first, it served 5- and 10-cent ice cream cones, followed by 15-cent sandwiches and 10-cent burgers! For 45 years, Walter’s Restaurant was a landmark in Holliston … the “place to be.”
Just two short years after opening the restaurant, WWII grabbed the four boys away from the dairy when they were drafted into the Navy in 1942. Ma Rossini stepped in to run the restaurant and could be seen at the cash register, greeting customers, and doing whatever needed to be done. Many locals remember her fondly.
Walter’s Dairy Expands
The boys were gone for four years, but all returned safely. After the war, the restaurant was expanded to include double the counter space, booths, and a jukebox. All four sons worked in the kitchen, later with their children, friends of their children, and a kitchen and waitstaff who faithfully worked at the Walter’s Dairy for decades.
Walter’s Restaurant continued to thrive as other family members were employed to work the popular Holliston eatery until it was sold 45 years after it’s opening in 1984.
BDR Automotive & Its Entrepreneurial Roots
Many Rossini family members still run businesses in and around Holliston. The Rossini family’s inclination for entrepreneurial endeavors is evident in Joe Rossini’s great-grandson Brian, who with his wife Chrissy, own BDR Automotive. A full-service automotive repair shop, BDR Automotive services all local communities in the surrounding area, including Rhode Island. The business celebrated its 11th Anniversary in May.
Brian Rossini grew up in Holliston loving cars. Chrissy says, “Cars have always been Brian’s ‘thing’ and now our five-year-old son Mason is following in his footsteps.”
Brian went to school to learn auto mechanics and worked at a local dealership. His dream was always to have his own business. Now his business BDR Automotive includes his sister Amy Rossini Baker, who is HR Manager.
BDR started as a one-man shop and then one employee was hired. After five years, BDR moved from the other end of town to its present location at 1605 Washington Street in Holliston. Today there are seven staff members in a six-bay shop with room to grow.
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Brian says, “It was my goal for BDR to have a friendly atmosphere, to be a place where people enjoy going to work. Our staff is like family. We select our staff carefully to be sure they fit into our family culture. It is inviting to come to BDR Automotive. Our workers enjoy hanging out after work and our families socialize together.”
BDR Automotive is community-minded and often hosts community events. These events include the annual Touch a Truck where kids can explore all different vehicles from BDR’s own, big green Old Land Rover Army Truck 101 to firetrucks and other “cool” vehicles. BDR Automotive enjoys celebrating Holliston and participates in other events such as the Holiday Stroll.
The Rossini Family Legacy
It is important to Brian and Chrissy to live up to the Rossini name. Safety is first. “For us, it is our family taking care of your family. We want to get you and your family back on the road quickly and safely,” Brian said.
“We don’t try to get you to do more than is necessary. We’ll tell you what needs to be fixed now and what can wait. Our digital inspections are conducted right in front of our customers to give them a full written report,” he added.
Brian emphasized, “We strongly believe in family and helping others. Being honest and trustworthy is important to us. It’s what Joe Rossini believed in and has been carried on through the generations since he first opened the icehouse in 1937. We are proud to be Rossini’s and to carry on the family traditions.”
If you have questions about our BDR Automotive family or our entrepreneurial roots in Holliston, call our service department 508-429-4720 or make an appointment, or contact us on our website.