March 21st was the day last year when My Cousin’s Place at 396 Hanover St. opened its doors in grand fashion with family, friends, neighbors and local officials cutting the ribbon on the new coffee shop. It’s been a lot of hard work, they say, but well worth it. The neighborhood shop has gained a loyal following, including becoming a regular stop for high profile Bostonians such as Mayor Tom Menino (here and again). On their first anniversary, co-owners Ralph Verrocchi and Daniel D’Elia look a bit more tired, but are easier to smile knowing the new small business has grown into a success. Establishing a beachhead on the corner of Hanover and Charter Streets, the young entrepreneurs have expanded into groceries next door at Local Roots with partner and North End childhood friend, Marco Imbergamo. Ralph and Daniel praise the help of their families and thanked all their neighborhood customers for supporting them over the past year.
