D.A.M Dart Depot was met with much opposition and controversy when the store was scheduled to open. Seems some people claimed our initials (D.A.M.) were offensive and would reflect badly on the neighborhood and the local Catholic Church, St. Anthony of Padua. We were called to task by the Revere City Council, and our opening was delayed. Armed with a petition signed by Revere residents, which included members of the church that could have been offended, we marched to City Hall, and we WON!

Here is all the news that was fit to print in our struggle.

Revere Journal, "Home Talk" section, March 8, 2000

At Monday's Council Meeting, Ward 3 Councilor Arthur Guinasso expressed concern about a new awning set to be placed in front of a new store on Revere Street. Apparently the awning would say D.A.M. Dart Depot. The good councilor objected to the acronym D.A.M. because of its similarity to the curse word and wants it changed. A public hearing will be held about this at the end of the month.

Revere Journal, "Home Talk" section, March 22, 2000

Ward 3 Councilor Arthur Guinasso is still waging his war against the D.A.M. Dart Store on Revere Street. A public hearing was set for Monday night regarding an awning placed on the front of the store and the councilor objects to the abbreviation D.A.M saying that it is synonymous with a curse word. He indicated that he will not vote for the awning unless that abbreviation is eliminated.

The Revere Advocate, March 31, 2000
- Denise Ellen Rizzo, Advocate Staff

The City Council, under much controversy, voted to allow the placement of an awning on Revere Street for a new business called The D.A.M. Dart Depot.

Arguing in Opposition, Councilor Arthur Guinasso said he objected to the word DAM in public view. He said the awning promoting the business would draw the wrong message in the area of a nearby church.

"I don't understand why this is so important," said Guinasso. "I received so many calls... I still stand tall and strong for a name other than DAM Depot. We need to do our part. I don't think it adds to the enhancement of the neighborhood. I strongly object to it."

Business partners Anthony Muollo and Dawn Jeffries told the Council they had spoken to the residents of Ward 3 and that they were not offended to the name at 282 Revere Street. Jeffries explained that Muollo's family has a lengthy history in Revere and that his forefathers help build Saint Anthony's Church across the street.

"You say you encourage small business," said Jeffrey's [sic], noting that the business would aid local dart teams, who presently have to travel outside Revere to purchase equipment for their sport. "Allow us to install the awning," she said, noting that they obtained a petition with over 200 signatures favoring the business.

The Revere Record, April 1, 2000
Telling It Like It Is

Boy, did you catch the choke and puke show at City Hall this past Monday? First it started with Councilor Pinocchio from Ward Three. Are you for real Arthur, going after two upstart business people who happen to have the initials D.A.M. in their name? Let me tell you something pal! You're a D.A.M. fool for wasting the taxpayer's money on something so stupid. Look at it this way, if your initials were reversed from AFG to GAF they would be more appropriate for what you've been doing to the voters of Revere for over fourteen years. Good thing Casella protected the owner's constitutional rights, otherwise the Beach City would have wound up in another legal battle. 'Nuff said.

The Revere Record, August 5, 2000
By R. Ireton

After months of red tape and bureaucracy, the much talked about D.A.M. Dart Depot will open it's door on Saturday August 8th.

Owners Dawn Jeffries and Tony Muollo are looking forward to the grand opening. "It's been a long time coming," said Tony. "We are expecting a number of friends and family to attend the opening." Tony and Dawn are expecting several politicians and candidates to stop by as well.

The name may be a little deceiving. The store will carry a full line of dart equipment, but you can get other equipment like pool balls, cue sticks (high end or mid range) and supplies.

The Revere Journal, August 9, 2000

The grand opening at the D.A.M. Dart Depot on Revere Street Saturday gave some old darts players a chance to test their skills. The seemingly omnipresent Billy Bell tossed a couple, as did Gary Peluso, who's running for the Northeast Vocational school board seat. They both hit the board. But Mark Casella's pal, Henry Tufo, who was representing the Ward 6 councilor at the opening, couldn't be goaded into taking a throw. And looking at the billiards equipment owners Anthony Muollo and Dawn Jeffries have for sale, the topic of conversation turned briefly to the old Nat's Pool Hall that used to be on Shirley Avenue.

And speaking of the Dart Depot, owners Anthony and Dawn had the place packed with darts and billiards equipment, as well as other games such as chess, backgammon and dominoes. The place was sparkling, and looks like it will be a hit, especially, as Dawn noted, there are more than 10 bars and restaurants around that have darts leagues. Good luck, Anthony and Dawn.