Grocers, Bakers, and Manufacturers Exhibit
This exhibit highlights the foundational Italian-Canadian grocers, delicatessans, bakeries, specialty retailers, and more of the GTHA.
By clicking a business, you will be taken to that establishment's collected artifacts.
Aida's Pine Valley Bakery (est. 1970)
York Region
Established in 1970 by Giuseppe Mastrandrea, Aida’s Pine Valley Bakery uses pure and fresh ingredients inspiring artisanal creations with soulful family pride to truly represent Aida’s past, present and future. Serving Puglian pastries, this Woodbridge bakery assures fresh and tasty baked goods.
Aurora Meats (est. 1957)
Peel Region
“Aurora Meat and Cheese is one of the longest running quality, fresh meat and cheese shops in Mississauga. At Aurora you will find superior quality meats and cheeses and knowledgeable staff who will help to make your shopping experience truly enjoyable. Aurora has continued to offer quality, fresh meats at fair market prices and has introduced a large variety of new and exciting products. A variety of fresh meat options, a large deli selection, a domestic and international cheese assortment as well as a variety of specialty and gourmet grocery items from oils and vinegars to pastas and sauces are available at Aurora Meat and Cheese.”
Battaglia's Marketplace (est. 1919)
Peel Region
Guiseppe and Maria Battaglia immigrated to Canada and opened their first grocery store in 1919 in the Parkdale area. In 1964, the family opened a store on Bloor St., later moving to a significantly larger location at Renforth and Rathburn. After two years of hard work this new store was finally making money. After dealing with corporate and head office issues, they went back to their roots. In 1970, they opened up a fruit store on Clarkson Road North, and stayed there for two years before returning to the Renforth Location under new terms. On February 23, 2001 we opened Battaglia’s Marketplace in the heart of Lorne Park.
Bertozzi Importing (est. 1956)
Toronto Region
Adriano Bertozzi – an immigrant from Italy who came to Canada by chance in the first wave of WWI immigrants – began importing Parmigiano-Reggiano as soon as he could to stock the opening Italian grocery stores in the area. After great success, Bertozzi eventually incorporated the company in 1956 in Montreal. He moved to Toronto soon after and what was supposed to be an additional branch became the Head Office for the company. “Bertozzi Importing has always been on the avant-garde in bringing to Canada something new and, in the process, educating the consumer to new tastes...Today Bertozzi Importing forges on, still family owned and family operated after almost 70 years, and based on the same principles imbued by [their] founder: integrity in all its practices, aim for excellence, love for the traditional Italian food, and passion for the best food products that each region of Italy can offer.”
Cappola Food (est. 1964)
Toronto Region
Camillo Cappola opened a butcher shop in Abruzzo in early 1867. This business was “passed down through generations of Cappola, eventually crossing the ocean to Toronto with Camillo’s great-grandsons Lelio and Domenic.” Today the family strives for the same “artistry and care” that has kept them in business thus far.
Centro Quality Meats (est. 1985)
York Region
Located on Weston Road in Woodbridge, ON, Centro Quality Meat has specialized in cut and on-site preparation meats for over thirty years. "As an Italian Butcher shop, they take great pride in providing customers with the finest Ontario meat using recipes that have been gathered over generations - making each bite unforgettable!”
Colangelo Brothers Supermarket (est. 1965)
Toronto Region
Still registered as Brothers Colangelo as a result of Italian to English translation in the early 1960s, Colangelo Brothers Supermarket has become a North York staple that welcomes generations of families in search of authentic Italian imports with meat, cheese and deli counters, fresh produce, and bakery items. Dominic, Nina, and Connie Colangelo sit down with us to discuss how their father and four of his brothers were working at Knob Hill hotel, when brother, Tony, decided it was time to open a store of their own. Starting as a small market known as Brothers Colangelo Fruit Market, the family eventually took over the spaces of its neighboring businesses due to its increasing success. The family speaks about how COVID impacted their business for family reasons, rather than the expected change in sales. Colangelo Brothers Supermarket remains dedicated to their family’s philosophy: if it’s not good enough to serve to the Colangelo family, it is not good enough to sell to the general public. This mantra is what continues to bring people to this Toronto gem and will for generations to come.
Commisso Bros & Racco Italian Bakery (est. 1957)
Founded in 1957, this bakery is a staple in the Toronto area, famous for their variety of offerings. A hot table, traditional Italian breads baked daily, deli meats and cheeses, pastries, a convenient mini market to stock up on food, and more, Commisso Bros & Racco Italian Bakery has it all. “Whether you're looking for a late night snack, to stock up on food, or are missing some household supplies, [they] are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to serve your needs.”
Coppa's (est. 1963)
Toronto Region
Family-owned and operated, grocery store chain, Coppa’s Fresh Market, is a staple in the GTA committed to “providing a truly authentic grocery experience, where customers get exceptional value, great service, and selection of the finest quality food from around the corner…and around the world!” In 1963, the Coppa family opened their first store at 1558 Queen St. W and later the family divided the business, thus the creation of Highland Farms.
Continental Noodle Pastificio Italiano (est. 1967)
York Region
Continental Noodle Pastificio Italiano has “been serving the GTA with fresh pasta and homemade sauces for the last 50 years.” Rooted in traditions and their Nonna’s recipes, the business has three retail stores and sell pastas to various gourmet grocery stores and restaurants. They “have over 100 shapes and fillings in our line of traditional durham semolina pasta.”
Espresso Bakery & Deli (est. 1985)
Toronto Region
If you have information and you wish to contribute to this profile, please contact italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
Galati Market Fresh (est. 1958)
Toronto Region
Robert Galati of Galati Market Fresh sits down with us to discuss the evolution of his family business. After immigrating to Canada in 1954, Francesco and his three brothers looked for away of survival in this new country, leading them to create Galati Brothers Supermarket. Each brother had a department: produce, meat, grocery, and delivery. Opening in 1958,Galati Brothers Supermarket, now Galati Market Fresh, acted as a hub for Southern Italians to find familiar grocery items and create a sense of community. After expanding to multiple locations, the family decided to close various locations and now Galati Market Fresh is a North York go-to.
Garden Foods Ltd. (est. 1972)
Peel Region
Garden Foods Ltd. is an independent grocer in Bolton, of Peel region. Established in 1972 by Carmine and Agata Carbone, it is now owned and operated by Piero and Rose Carbone. They “simply offer better quality products...because [they] hand-pick the produce, meats, poultry and fish that [they] offer to [the consumer] on a daily basis.”
Grace Meat Market (est. 60+ years)
Toronto Region
Open to the public for more than sixty years,Grace Meat Market has been a “source for for the city’s best meat and old fashioned customer service” in Toronto. “Situated in the heart of Little Italy, Grace Meats offers the highest quality hand selected beef cuts, sourced from local Ontario farms.” Grace Meats is rooted in tradition, “bringing in warm fresh ricotta and whole parmesan wheels.”
International Cheese Co Ltd (Santa Lucia) (est. 50+ years)
Toronto Region
International Cheese Co Ltd “began producing artisanal cheeses over 50 years ago with nothing more than a dream, some family recipes, and the will to create high quality cheese.” The company, fifty years later, continues to produce artisanal cheeses, utilizing only the freshest ingredients and 100% Canadian milk...such as Ricotta, Bocconcini, and Fior Di Latte, among many others at [their] factory in Toronto.”
Italpasta (est. 1989)
Peel Region
Founder Jospeh Vitale fell in love with food as a young boy in his mother’s kitchen in Bari, Italy. In 1989, Italpasta was founded with that passion and love for food that carries through to today. This passion motivates them to strive for their best “quality products [and most] care and pride [they] take in the entire range of products" offered. Italpasta is “inspired by Italy but proudly 100% Canadian owned and operated. It has grown to be one of the premiere pasta manufacturers in Canada... made with 100% Canadian wheat...made right here in Canada with love and care, by [their] dedicated team of experts.”
Jan. K Overwheel (est. 1947)
York Region
Pat Pelliccione sat down with us to discuss how the current Jan. K. Overwheel came to be what it is today. Starting with Unico, Pat’s father, Arturo, worked tirelessly to maintain the success of the brand alongside his partners. When Unico was sold, Arturo was bought out of the industry for years until he was able to make a return with Overwheel. Now, Jan. K. Overwheel’s products are on shelves in a variety of grocery stores and the company pushes to constantly excel. Importing the freshest and unique products straight from Italy give Overwheel the ‘edge’ needed in the competitive grocery industry and will service Canada and even the United States for years to come.
La Grotta Del Formaggio (est. 1977)
Toronto Region
Domenico Bruzzese grew up in Vancouver surrounded by a family who gave “love and respect [to] the foods that [his family] left behind” when his family immigrated to Canada from Mammola, Reggio Calabria. He opened the first location in 1977 Vancouver as a “small Italian Deli filled with incredible products that could make anyone feel like they were standing in a store in Italy…La Grotta Del Formaggio wholesale is now an established distributor, importer and broker of local and imported culinary products.”
La Sem (est. 1963)
Peel Region
Nicola Ventola opened La Sem Italian Patisserie in July 1963 to carry the legacy of Mimi Semeraro’s bakery in Bari, Italy (est. 1930). “His goal was to bring a true European style bakery to Toronto including introducing the first outdoor patio to the city…committed to the highest standards of quality and freshness...La Sem has won awards and recognition for its wedding cakes, hand modelled marzipan and was voted the best cannoli in the GTA by the Toronto Star.”
La Strada bakery (est. 1961)
York Region
The D’Astoli family has a bakery legacy: “from Mario and Eleonora opening King Bakery on the Queensway to having their son Tony follow in their footsteps and open La Strada Bakery, the tradition continues more than 50 years later.”Opening in 1961, it success is due to its commitment to its customers—“feel[ing] like family when you walk in the door.”
Longo’s (est. 1956)
Toronto Region
Brothers Tommy, Joe and Gus Longo opened their first store after immigrating from Sicily, Italy in 1951. Their long time success is due to their commitment to “only serve others what [they] can confidently serve [their] own families.” In 1956, they opened Broadway Fruit Market at Yonge Street and Castlefield Avenue. It became increasingly more popular. “The Longo family continues to grow with members of the third generation building careers at Longo’s, while championing the founders’ vision.”
Maple Bakery (est. 1985)
York Region
Established in 1985, Maple Bakery opened with limited traffic in its vicinity; however the family “saw an opportunity to serve the people of Maple, and so [they] started making fresh bread and baked goods.” Now, the bakery has a larger outreach than their original intent of Maple residents, and they still follow the same traditions as those during establishment. Their “dough making process is the same. [Their] famous veal sandwiches are the same. And how [they] treat [their] customers is the same, like family.”
Michael-Angelo's/Sunkist (est. 1970s)
Peel Region
"For almost half a century, the Pugliese family has been dedicated to a simple, but enduring principle - [they] will provide customers with unrivalled quality, freshness and variety at reasonable prices…[Their] story begins in 1954, when Angelo Pugliese left his home in Calabria, Italy with his parents, Emilio and Rosina, and his three brothers, to settle in Toronto's bustling east end. Shortly after his arrival, at the age of 15, Angelo began his career in the grocery trade - as a delivery boy for one of Danforth Avenue's many thriving fruit and vegetable retailers…In 1967, he got his chance to put the lessons he had learned into action when he owned and operated Sunkist Fruit Market, a popular local landmark since 1929…[They] will provide customers with only the very best. That’s the Michael-Angelo's promise.”
Molinaro’s Fine Foods Ltd. (est. 1964)
This family business opened in 1964 and has since been dedicated to providing unmatched service and treating all customers with honesty and quality. The core of their business is Private Label and they are proud to share their family traditions with customers! Molinario’s Fine Italian Food offers a variety of Italian food, from pizzas to pizza kits, flatbreads, dough balls, and crusts. Not to mention their gluten-free and/ or plant-based crusts and fully customized pizza toppings. Find Molinario’s at 2345 Stanfield Road, Unit 50, Mississauga ON. If you are the owner of this establishment or have some information you can contribute, please contact us at italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
Multipasta (est. 1989)
York Region
Owner Mike Chiovitti has been “serving Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas with the highest quality fresh pasta and prepared...meals since 1989.”
Nardini (est. 1977)
Hamilton Region
Since 1977, Nardini has served the Stoney Creek area with its famous store-made Italian grocery items. “Today Nardini offers a wide array of fresh meats, cheeses, a hot table, a full-service deli, and freshly baked bread delivered daily.” With their new and improved location, the selection is as vast as ever with its remaining "friendly, personal service.” continues to set Nardini apart from the rest.
Nino D'Aversa Bakery (est. 1969)
York Region
Nino D’Aversa Bakery has provided the GTHA with an assortment of bakery items since 1969. This bakery offers baked goods, gelato, pizza, tavola calda, and more in its “effortlessly inviting atmosphere.” With the freshest of ingredients and the same standards of their traditions, “[they have] built [their] reputation as one of Toronto’s best bakeries.
O. Ferlisi Supermarkets (1957-1990s)
Toronto Region
In the mid to late ‘50s, Onofrio Ferlisi immigrated to Canada from Casteltermini of Agrigento, Sicily. In 1957, O. Ferlisi Supermarket was opened. With a mission to create a good life for his family post-immigration, he focused on the Southern Italian consumer with a “back home, small town feel” (Susie Ferlisi, 2021). They spoke in Italian in these grocery stores, creating a family atmosphere that “propagated that family life environment” (Ferlisi, 2021). Unfortunately, the last O. Ferlisi Supermarket closed in the 1990’s recession. This business was a founding member of the Italian-Canadian grocery industry as it helped create the “Italian brand” in Toronto.
Pasquale Brothers (est. 1917)
Toronto Region
Edward Pasquale first established Pasquale Brothers in 1917 “to supply fellow Italian immigrants with familiar foods.” The diversifying nature of Toronto’s population allowed for the business to flourish, now open for more than one hundred years. The first location was around Chestnut St and Elm St, Toronto, Ontario, running the business on the lower level of the house and raising a family above.
Pusateri's Fine Foods (est. 1963)
Toronto Region
Cosimo Pusateri immigrated to Canada from Sicily, Italy with his family in 11957. The family opened a market in Toronto’s Corso Italia, and Cosimo loved to serve the community. “Cosimo’s vision for Pusateri’s went deeper than produce and being the best neighbourhood grocer. In 1986, Cosimo transformed an Italian neighbourhood shop into a fine-food emporium specializing in gourmet imported goods, specialty products and fine foods...Cosimo believed in the best, and only the best. His spirit is our guiding principle, our standard of excellence.”
Raffaghello's Italian Food Products Inc. (est. 1967) (was Darrigo's Italian Food Produce Ltd)
Unknown Region
If you have information and you wish to contribute to this profile, please contact italiancanadianfoodways@gmail.com.
St. Phillips Bakery (est. 1968)
York Region
Established in 1968, St. Phillips Bakery “indulge[s] in Italian traditions from [their] handmade cakes and patisserie to our fresh pane and salumeria.” As they continue to expand their business, they encourage you, too, to “come in for an authentic espresso, cappuccino or latte.”
The Garden Basket Food Markets (est. 1972)
York Region
Established in 1972, the Garden Basket Food Market is a Markham landmark. The strength of the business and commitment to quality is rooted in its origin story — opening Sunkist Food Market in Toronto’s east end in 1929. They “still remember the humble beginnings of [their] first store, and still embrace the values learned there, which have led to [their] continued success today. [They] are very proud of [their] history and success as Sunkist Food Market and The Garden Basket Food Markets.”
The Grainery Bakery & Deli (est. 1982)
Peel Region
Since 1982, the Grainery Bakery & Deli has offered the Brampton-and-surrounding-area with “the freshest baked goods at competitive prices.” Not only do they offer quality products, they also pride themselves in their customer service you will receive when “greeted with the warmth of freshly baked bread and the aromas of delicatessens ready to be enjoyed.”
Tre Mari Bakery (est. 1960)
Toronto Region
“Since 1960, Tre Mari Bakery has been an institution in its neighbourhood and has a legacy of playing an important role in Toronto’s Italian immigrant story…Tre Mari Bakery has grown a large and loyal customer base over the decades. From the families of Italian immigrants who arrived in Toronto when the bakery opened in 1960, to the working class families, to the new influx of young professionals with families in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Tre Mari Bakery serves an extremely diverse customer base – all feel welcome.”
Unico (est. 1917) (and Primo Foods)
York Region
Established in 1917, Edward Pasquale created Unico to “bring the ‘culture of Italian eating’ to every Canadian table by becoming the country’s leading distributor of authentic Mediterranean style ingredients and products. After two generations of Pasquale family ownership, Unico passed through three successive corporate ownerships. In 1997, Unico again became a family managed business when Sun-Brite Foods Inc. purchased the company.”
Vince Gasparro's Meat Market (est. 1960)
Toronto Region
Vince Gasparro immigrated to Canada from Bari, Italy in 1957. Already a butcher who learned his skills from his father and grandfather, he opened a store in Toronto in 1960 “in the Bloor and Ossington area….Vince's sons, Pat and Nick, followed in their father's footsteps and became the masters of meat cutting art at a very early age. The three of them are a fixture in the store, and will welcome anyone with a loud and warm greeting.”
Vincentina Fine Italian Foods (est. 1972)
York Region
“For over forty years, Vicentina’s owner Mike Mannara and his family have hand-selected the finest Italian foods to share with their community.” Owner Mike Mannara first learned of his passion for fine food in Cava de’ Tirreni Salerno, Italy. He opened his first store in the 1970s, “bringing a little taste of home to his Toronto neighbourhood.”
Vincenzo's Fine Foods (est. 1967)
Waterloo Region
Second generation Canadians Tony and Carmine Caccioppoli opened Italian Canadian Foods in 1967 in Waterloo, Ontario. “In 1967, because of Vincenzo's longing and passion for the fine foods of his homeland, he started selling various foods primarily to the small Italian Community in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Vincenzo's goal was to keep prices low and provide excellent customer service.” After the passing of Vincenzo, a man who strived to import fine Italian foods, the business was changed to Vincenzo’s Fine Foods.