Hours • Map • 2770 29th St SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49512 • 616-942-2980 • 800-767-8776
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. Brothers John, David and Philip Russo are shown above.
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.
Here is a 1976 photo of our present location on 29th Street S.E. in Grand Rapids, soon after opening.

Below are G.B. Russo family photos we thought you might like, down through the generations, through son Frank and his wife Mary Russo, to their children John, Phil, Dave, and Janice.

Our business is built on family tradition. From our family and the old world, to you and your family today... Enjoy!
Mrs. G.B. Russo, "Jennie" (Nee Menzalora) and our original storefront at 750 S. Division, circa 1928

Pictured above, left to right:
The Frank and Mary Russo Family

John F. Russo (Marketing/Public Relations)
Janice Russo Becroft (former Deli Manager)
Joseph M. Russo (former Catering Manager)
Frank D. Russo (Retired President)
Mary C. Russo (Retired Cookware Manager)
Philip G. Russo (President)
David R. Russo (Vice President)
Some of our fifth generation:
Gina, Kelley. and Mike Russo
Frank, the "Son" of G.B. Russo & Son, with wife Mary and children
John, Joe, Janice, and Phil (Dave was not born yet), in the late 1950s.