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G.B. Russo & Son – History

A Family Tradition

Giovanni B. Russo came to Grand Rapids in 1902 from the small village of Montelepre, Sicily. He worked for the gas company until he saved enough money to found our company in 1905. His first small store was in East Grand Rapids at Reeds Lake. In 1908, he purchased the building at 746-752 S. Division in Grand Rapids, the heart of what was then called "Little Italy." His parents and siblings also worked with him. When his only son Frank was born in 1916, the company name was changed from G.B. Russo Importer to G.B. Russo & Son.
Five generations of our family have provided you with the finest products and personal service. The store is now owned by Frank's sons Philip and David. We moved to 29th Street in 1976.
At left, a photo of our Division Avenue store, in the 1920s. This later became the original Russo's Pizzeria, Grand Rapids' first "fast food" pizza take-out, founded by G.B. and Jennie's son Frank D. Russo in 1953, and later operated by other family members until it closed in 1985.

Above, a photo of our Eastern Ave store, open from 1967 to 1976.
Mrs. G.B. Russo, "Jennie" (Nee Menzalora) and our original storefront at 750 S. Division, circa 1928
At left is a 1976 photo of our location on 29th Street S.E. in Grand Rapids. Below is our 29th Street store today, newly expanded and remodeled.

Below that are some G.B. Russo family photos we thought you might enjoy, down through the generations. Our business is built on family tradition. From our family and the old world, to you and your family today... Grazie!
Some of today's G.B. Russo family:
Kelley, Phil and Dave Russo