Mobster Mugshots Ignite Boston FURY

A Boston bar’s decision to display mobster mugshots, including those of Whitey Bulger, has sparked outrage among locals and crime victims’ families.

Story Highlights

  • Savin Bar + Kitchen decor featuring mobster mugshots has ignited community backlash.
  • The images are seen as glorifying notorious criminals like Whitey Bulger and Stephen Flemmi.
  • Gordon Ramsay’s TV show “Secret Service” led to the controversial makeover.
  • Ongoing debates question the ethics of memorializing infamous figures in public spaces.

Community Outrage Erupts Over Mobster Décor

In Dorchester, Boston, Savin Bar + Kitchen’s recent interior makeover has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The bar, transformed under the guidance of Gordon Ramsay’s TV show “Secret Service,” now features the mugshots of infamous Boston mobsters Whitey Bulger and Stephen Flemmi. This decision has enraged many local residents and families affected by past gang violence, who see the décor as an unsettling glorification of violent criminals.

The community’s backlash has been swift and vocal, with public meetings and online debates intensifying the call for the removal of the images. The bar’s location, a historical gathering spot for Bulger’s Winter Hill Gang, further fuels the emotional response from residents who have lived through the era of organized crime.Despite the owners’ claims that the décor was intended to preserve local history, many see it as an insensitive reminder of a dark past. The Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association is spearheading efforts to petition for the images’ removal, emphasizing the need for a more respectful acknowledgment of history without glorifying criminality.

Historical Context and Stakeholders

Whitey Bulger and Stephen Flemmi were central figures in Boston’s organized crime scene from the 1970s to the 1990s, notorious for their roles in murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. The Savin Hill area, once a hub for Bulger’s activities, bears the scars of this turbulent history. The restaurant’s makeover aimed to capitalize on this gritty past, but it has instead reopened old wounds for many long-time residents.

The key stakeholders include the bar owners, Kenneth Osherow and Driscoll DoCanto, who insist their intent was historical acknowledgment, not celebration. However, they face mounting pressure from the community and families of victims, like the Connors family, directly impacted by Bulger’s gang activities. The Civic Association and local residents, such as Donna Blythe-McColgan and Teddy Ryan, are leading the charge against the bar’s current décor.

Ongoing Developments and Impact

As of late October 2025, the mobster mugshots remain on display, with no consensus reached between the bar and the community. The controversy continues to divide public opinion, with some newer residents indifferent to the debate. The owners have received threatening emails, highlighting the intense emotions surrounding the issue.

The long-term implications for Savin Bar + Kitchen could include reputational damage and potential economic losses if the controversy deters patrons. The debate also raises broader questions about how Boston and similar communities handle the representation of their complex histories. As discussions continue, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of public memory and the need for sensitivity when engaging with a community’s past.

Sources:

Boston restaurant’s mobster photos spark outrage, CBS News
Boston bar stirs outrage with its mobster mugshots as decor, WGBH
Savin Hill eatery’s mobster décor stirs pushback from residents, Dorchester Reporter

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