Photos of Local Residents Upset by Boston Mobster Appearance at Savin Hill Restaurant

October 10, 2025

Savin Hill Restaurant Faces Criticism Over Mobster Imagery

A Dorchester eatery is sparking debate after displaying images of notorious figures from Boston’s criminal past, including the infamous Whitey Bulger, following a recent renovation and collaboration with a celebrity chef.

Restaurant’s Renovation Draws Community Backlash

Savin Bar + Kitchen, located at 116 Savin Hill Avenue, recently completed a makeover featured on Gordon Ramsay’s show “Secret Service.” The redesign incorporated photographs of well-known mobsters, a move that has ignited controversy amongst local residents. The restaurant originally operated as the Bulldog Tavern, with ties to individuals associated with James “Whitey” Bulger’s Winter Hill Gang.

The Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association held a meeting to address concerns regarding the imagery.Members expressed dismay over the inclusion of photos, notably one of Whitey Bulger, who terrorized the city during the 1970s. The discussion highlighted the sensitive nature of celebrating figures connected to violence and criminal activity within the community.

According to reports, Eddie Connors, the former owner of the Bulldog Tavern, was fatally shot on Morrissey boulevard, allegedly by Bulger or Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi. This history adds another layer of complexity to the current situation.

Gordon Ramsay’s Influence

The redesign was partly guided by Gordon Ramsay, who, through his team, suggested embracing the historical context of the location. Ramsay believed highlighting the building’s past would be a unique angle for the establishment. Ken Osherow, a co-owner of Savin Bar + Kitchen, shared that Ramsay’s team viewed the history as an interesting aspect of the restaurant’s identity.

Community Response

However, many residents felt the images were insensitive and did not accurately represent the current values of the neighborhood. Donna McColgan, a member of the civic association, voiced strong opposition during the meeting, stating that Bulger “traumatized” the community and should not be celebrated. she even attempted to discuss the matter directly with a restaurant owner, but her concerns were allegedly dismissed.

Restaurant’s Defense

Savin Bar + Kitchen released a statement clarifying their intent. They emphasized that the display was not meant to glorify the individuals depicted, but rather to acknowledge and interpret the building’s past. They clarified that the images were mugshots, representing the consequences of criminal actions rather than celebrating the figures themselves. The owners asserted that acknowledging the history serves as a reminder of past struggles and the progress the community has made.

Despite the outcry, the restaurant owners stated they have no immediate plans to remove the pictures, noting that similar themes are present in other establishments across the Boston area.

Ongoing debate

The Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association intends to continue the discussion at its November meeting, following a motion to develop a formal petition. Approximately 75 people attended the initial meeting, indicating widespread concern within the community.

Historical Context: Boston’s Mob History

Boston’s history is inextricably linked to organized crime, particularly during the mid-20th century.The Winter Hill Gang, led by Whitey Bulger, exerted important control over the city’s underworld for decades. Their activities included illegal gambling, extortion, and drug trafficking, leaving a lasting impact on the community. According to the FBI, Bulger was one of the most wanted criminals in the United States before his capture in 2011.

Figure	Gang Affiliation	Known Activities
James “Whitey” Bulger	Winter Hill Gang	Racketeering, Murder, Drug Trafficking
Stephen “the Rifleman” Flemmi	Winter Hill Gang	Murder, Extortion
Eddie “Bulldog” Connors	Associated with Winter Hill Gang	Bar Ownership, Alleged Criminal Ties

Did You Know? The Winter Hill Gang operated with a complex network of informants and corrupt officials, making prosecution incredibly difficult for many years.

Pro Tip: When visiting historical sites, it’s crucial to approach sensitive topics with respect and consider the impact on those affected by past events.

The Ethics of Displaying criminal History

The controversy surrounding Savin Bar + Kitchen raises broader questions about the ethics of displaying images and referencing criminal history in public spaces. While acknowledging the past can be valuable, it’s crucial to consider the potential for glorification or insensitivity, especially when dealing with victims of crime. The line between historical documentation and celebration can be easily blurred.

Furthermore, the incident highlights the ongoing debate around how communities should address their complicated pasts. Some argue for complete erasure of problematic figures, while others beleive it’s important to confront history, however uncomfortable, to learn from past mistakes. The key lies in ensuring that any historical portrayal is framed responsibly and with sensitivity towards those who have been harmed.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Savin Hill Restaurant Controversy

• what is the main issue with the Savin Bar + Kitchen display? The main concern is that displaying images of notorious mobsters, like Whitey Bulger, is insensitive to those who were harmed by their actions.
• Why did Gordon Ramsay suggest referencing the restaurant’s history? Ramsay’s team believed the history of the building and its previous owner added a unique dimension to the restaurant’s identity.
• What is the restaurant’s description for the display? Savin Bar + Kitchen claims the images are meant to acknowledge the past, not celebrate it, and represent the consequences of criminal behaviour.
• Who is Eddie “Bulldog” Connors and what is his connection to the controversy? Connors was a former owner of the Bulldog Tavern, the establishment that previously occupied the space, and was associated with figures linked to Whitey Bulger.
• What is the Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association doing about the issue? The association is developing a petition and plans to further discuss the matter at their November meeting.

What are your thoughts? Should restaurants be able to display images of controversial figures as part of their historical theme, or is it disrespectful to the victims and communities affected by their actions? Share your opinions in the comments below.

What specific emotions are visibly displayed by local residents in the photos, and how do these emotions reflect community concerns?

The Incident at The Quiet Kettle: Community Reaction

Images circulating online this week have sparked outrage amongst residents of Savin Hill, Boston, following an unexpected appearance by known alleged mobster, Vincent “Vinny” Costello, at local eatery, The Quiet Kettle. Photos, initially posted to a neighborhood Facebook group, quickly spread across social media platforms, fueling a debate about community safety and the normalization of organized crime figures. The images show Costello dining with several individuals, reportedly on Tuesday evening.

Identifying the Figure: Vincent Costello and His Alleged Ties

Vincent Costello has long been a figure of interest to law enforcement in the Boston area. While never formally convicted of major crimes, Costello has been repeatedly linked to the Italian-American mafia and faces numerous allegations of extortion, loan sharking, and illegal gambling. Local news outlets, including The Boston Globe and Boston 25 News, have previously reported on Costello’s alleged activities and connections. His presence in a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant has understandably caused concern.

* Past Allegations: costello has been the subject of FBI investigations dating back to the early 2000s.

* Known Associates: Reports suggest Costello frequently associates with individuals with documented criminal histories.

* Current Status: As of today, October 10, 2025, Costello remains a free man, though under ongoing surveillance.

Resident Reactions: A Wave of Disappointment and Anger

The photos ignited a firestorm of reactions from Savin Hill residents. Many expressed feeling unsafe knowing someone with Costello’s alleged reputation was openly present in their community.

* Social Media Outcry: The original Facebook post garnered hundreds of comments, predominantly expressing anger and disappointment. Keywords like “Savin Hill safety,” “Boston mob,” and “The Quiet Kettle” trended locally on Twitter.

* Concerns for Children: Parents voiced particular concern about the potential impact on children, fearing the normalization of criminal activity.

* Calls for Action: Several residents have called for The Quiet Kettle to publicly address the situation and clarify its policies regarding serving individuals with questionable backgrounds.

* Petition Launched: A Change.org petition demanding increased police presence in Savin Hill has already collected over 500 signatures.

The Quiet Kettle’s response (and Lack Thereof)

As of this writing, The Quiet Kettle has remained largely silent on the matter. A brief statement posted to their Instagram account acknowledged the situation but offered no specific details or assurances. this lack of clarity has further fueled the community’s frustration. Many are questioning weather the restaurant was aware of Costello’s identity and, if so, why he was served.

Local Law Enforcement and the Investigation

The Boston Police Department (BPD) has confirmed thay are aware of the situation and are monitoring the situation. While Costello’s presence alone is not a crime, authorities are investigating whether any illegal activity took place during his visit to The Quiet Kettle.

* Increased Patrols: The BPD has announced a temporary increase in patrols in the Savin Hill area.

* Intelligence Gathering: Investigators are reportedly gathering intelligence on Costello’s activities and associates.

* Community Outreach: The BPD is encouraging residents to report any suspicious activity.

The Broader Context: Organized Crime in Boston

This incident highlights the ongoing presence of organized crime in the Boston area.while the power of the traditional mafia has diminished in recent years, various criminal groups continue to operate, engaging in activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal gambling. Understanding the history of the Boston underworld – from the Winter Hill Gang to more recent iterations – is crucial to understanding the current landscape. Resources like the FBI’s Boston field office website and investigative journalism from local news sources provide valuable insights.

Impact on Local Businesses: Reputation and Safety Concerns

The fallout from Costello’s visit extends beyond the Quiet Kettle. Other businesses in Savin Hill are bracing for potential negative repercussions. Concerns about safety and the association with criminal activity could deter customers and damage the neighborhood’s reputation. Local business associations are discussing strategies to address these concerns and reassure the community.

Resources for Reporting Suspicious Activity

* Boston Police Department: [phone]

* FBI boston Field Office: [phone]

* Anonymous Tip Line: https://www.boston.gov/departments/police/report-crime (link to BPD anonymous tip line)