Family owned and operated specialty food store rebrands with a nod to the past

John Russo has been in the specialty food business since he began walking. "It's been a long, long, long time -- over 50 years ago," he recalls.

Russo, one of the owners of the newly named Carrettino Italian Market & Wine by John Russo, says the new name was the result of wanting to create a unique identity, while also a reflection on his family's roots. "The name change rebrands our store with its own distinctive name. Many didn't realize we were here, even after having seen or heard our previous ads." 

Explaining the significance to the name, Russo refers to the restored century-old Sicilian donkey cart in their window. "It goes back to our Sicilian heritage, which is a mountainous area. It is hard to get a horse and buggy up the hills, so they used donkey carts to carry the foods. I was always fascinated with the artwork. For special celebrations, the carts are decorated and hand-painted. I was able to acquire a century-old model and displayed it in the store. Carrettino is the word for small cart. We are a small store filled with lots of great foods and wines."

The store, which opened in the last two years, now employs four full-time staff (all family members) and carries a wide variety of Italian and Mediterranean products, including fresh sausages, seasonings, wine and olive oil.

"Grand Rapids always has been a foodie city. People are now breaking away from [their] own ethnic groups and wanting more variety of products," says Russo, indicates he is expecting to introduce many new products in the next month.

To learn more about Carrettino Italian Market & Wine by John Russo, you can visit their website here and their Facebook page here.

Source: John Russo, Carrettino Italian Market & Wine by John Russo
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor