History
Todaro Bros. traces back to 1917 when it was established as P.Todaro and Co.with the intent of importing and distributing Italian products from Sicily to New York City. After its growing success, the founder persuaded his brothers, Pellegrino and Joseph, to join him. In the early 1920’s it was incorporated and renamed Todaro Brothers and remains a thriving family business today.
The Great Depression was a pivotal turning point for Todaro Bros. when retailing proved to be a more prosperous business situation. Todaro Bros became so successful that their distribution business was put on hold and retail became the main focus. During this time, sons Mario and Luciano started working in the business and at a very young age began developing their own personal style.
Over the years, Pellegrino spent more time back in Italy leaving Mario and Luciano to run Todaro Bros. During the 70’s specialty food stores were thriving and the area was finding a more sophisticated clientele with refined international tastes. In 1979 Mario left to open his own specialty store in a small town upstate leaving Luciano to lead the way into the future, expanding Todaro Bros. into the full service specialty food store that it is today.
Mr. Todaro also had the vision to see how the Mediterranean diet was advantageous in its health properties and wanted the purity and goodness of Todaro Bros. products to be clearly perceived. With an extensive assortment of olive oils, balsamic vinegars, legumes, olives, nuts, pastas and basic cooking ingredients, Todaro Bros. supplies some of the finest and purist ingredients that are the foundation for a healthy Mediterranean diet.
This attention to detail also extends itself to the numerous onsite prepared foods that they are famous for that can be purchased in the store.
Mr. Todaro possesses an extraordinary astuteness with his vision of merchandising. With specialty cheese being one of their best sellers, a huge U-shaped service counter sits in the center of the store home to a vast selection of daily made cheese along with an impressive array of artisanal and imported cheese from around the world.
A succulent grouping of seafood, fresh meats and salumeria rests alongside a large assortment of crackers and freshly baked breads. An extensive grouping of Mediterranean condiments, pastas, oils, and freshly prepared products provide the makings of an excellent at home meal for the discerning diner as well as offering excellent gift items with personalized gift baskets always a top seller.
In 1961, Todaro Bros. moved it retail location only a few blocks away from its original site and is still located in the Murray Hill section of New York City, known for its gracious brownstones, luxury high rises and intimate apartment buildings where families have dwelled since the 1920’s. Located at 555 Second Avenue between 30th and 31st Street, it is truly the oldest neighborhood fine food store specializing in Mediterranean and European imports along with delightful homemade cheeses, sausages, and a plethora of prepared foods.