Joseph P. Cimino, a pivotal figure in Boston’s nightlife and restaurant industry, died peacefully at home on August 31 at the age of 82 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Renowned for his transformative influence on the city’s social scene, Cimino built a business empire that included numerous popular bars and restaurants, shaping Boston’s reputation for vibrant and inclusive venues.
Born in 1943 and raised in Cranston, Rhode Island, Cimino's commitment to hard work was rooted in his early years helping on his family’s produce and dairy farm, Sunrise Farm. He later graduated from the University of Rhode Island, majoring in English, and Suffolk Law School. After briefly working as an assistant district attorney in Suffolk County, Cimino shifted his focus to the hospitality industry, where he found lasting success.
Cimino’s ventures spanned Boston and Cambridge, including establishing spots such as Zelda’s, Great Scott, the Spaghetti Club, Gatsby’s, 711 Boylston, Lucky Johnny’s in Allston, and the Boathouse Bar in Harvard Square. Among his most iconic contributions was Daisy Buchanan’s, a downstairs sports bar on Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay that he opened in 1970. The bar became widely regarded as one of the country’s first modern sports bars, drawing a diverse clientele that ranged from professional athletes and celebrities to local workers and students.
Daisy Buchanan’s was co-founded with Bruins star Derek Sanderson, who recalled that the idea emerged from their shared desire to create an establishment for themselves after managing a nightclub for others. The bar’s inclusive atmosphere broke social barriers, bringing together people from different backgrounds and industries. It was frequented by sports figures from Boston and visiting teams, politicians, musicians, and everyday citizens, creating a unique community space that became part of Boston’s cultural fabric.
Beyond Boston, Cimino also left his mark on nightlife in other cities. In the early 1990s, he opened Velvet, one of Miami’s early modern nightclubs, featuring prominent DJs like Fatboy Slim. His partnership with British entrepreneur Andrew Sasson led to the development of the Jet Lounge and Jet 19 in New York City, as well as Jet East in the Hamptons.
Daisy Buchanan’s held a special place in Boston sports history, hosting night-after-game celebrations for teams like the Red Sox. Notably, following their 2013 World Series victory, the bar was the site of a well-documented celebration lasting into the early morning hours. The bar also drew loyal local patrons, including Boston police officers such as then-lieutenant Bill Bratton, who later led police departments in several major U.S. cities.
Cimino’s influence extended beyond business. His children remember him as a devoted family man who prioritized their education and was present for their activities. Known for his impeccable style and keen sense of emerging trends, he was equally passionate about his children’s well-being and his professional pursuits.
After selling Daisy Buchanan’s in 2014, Cimino spent his retirement traveling with family and enjoying time on the Amalfi Coast and in California. He is survived by his wife Beth Cimino, children Michael, Domenick, Joseph, and Nicole Cimino, grandchildren, and other family members. A celebration of his life is planned, with gifts in his memory suggested for the Sports Museum of Boston.
Joseph Cimino’s legacy is evident in Boston’s nightlife landscape, where his vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped create spaces that welcomed diverse communities and became integral to the city’s social identity.