Fantes Kitchen
| Type | Kitchen supply store |
|---|---|
| Address | 1006 South 9th Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Italian Market |
| Phone | (215) 922-5557 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1906 |
| Founder | Domenico Fante |
| Owner | Fante family |
| Hours | 9 AM - 5 PM (Tuesday-Saturday) |
| Products | Kitchen equipment, cookware, specialty tools |
| Status | Active |
Fante's Kitchen Wares Shop is a legendary kitchen supply store located at 1006 South 9th Street in the Italian Market. Established in 1906 by Domenico Fante, an immigrant from Abruzzo, Italy, Fante's is one of the oldest kitchen supply stores in America. The shop is famous for its comprehensive selection of professional-grade cookware, specialty Italian equipment, and hard-to-find kitchen tools. For over a century, Fante's has been a destination for home cooks and professional chefs seeking quality equipment and expert advice.[1]
History
Origins (1906)
Domenico Fante founded the store in 1906:
Beginnings:
- Immigrated from Abruzzo, Italy
- Originally sold housewares and kitchen items
- Served Italian Market community
- Grew into specialty kitchen store
Domenico recognized that good cooking required proper tools.
Multi-Generational Business
The Fante family has operated the store for over a century:
Family succession:
- Domenico Fante: Founder
- Subsequent generations maintained and expanded
- Over 100 years of family ownership
- Current generation continues tradition
Evolution
Fante's evolved with culinary culture:
1906-1950s:
- Basic kitchen supplies
- Italian cooking essentials
- Neighborhood focus
1960s-Present:
- Expanded specialty selection
- Professional equipment
- National reputation
- Online sales
The Selection
Italian Specialty Equipment
Fante's is renowned for Italian cooking tools:
Pasta making:
- Pasta machines (hand-crank and electric)
- Ravioli forms and cutters
- Pasta boards and rolling pins
- Drying racks
Espresso:
- Moka pots (all sizes)
- Espresso cups and saucers
- Coffee accessories
Other Italian essentials:
- Pizzelle irons
- Cannoli forms
- Tomato strainers
- Cheese graters
Baking Equipment
Comprehensive baking selection:
- Professional-grade bakeware
- Specialty pans
- Decorating supplies
- Pastry tools
Cookware
Quality cookware:
- Cast iron
- Copper
- Stainless steel
- Non-stick options
Cutlery
Knives and cutting:
- Professional chef knives
- Italian knives
- Sharpening equipment
- Cutting boards
Hard-to-Find Items
Specialty tools:
- Vintage-style equipment
- Ethnic cooking tools
- Professional-grade items
- Obscure kitchen gadgets
If you need it for cooking, Fante's probably has it.
The Experience
The Shop
1006 South 9th Street
Atmosphere:
- Floor-to-ceiling inventory
- Densely packed shelves
- Old-school retail experience
- Tools everywhere
Staff Knowledge
Expert assistance:
- Knowledgeable staff
- Cooking expertise
- Equipment recommendations
- Usage guidance
Staff can help you find exactly what you need.
Browsing
The experience:
- Allow time to explore
- Discover items you didn't know you needed
- Ask questions
- Get inspired
Fante's rewards patient browsing.
Italian Market Location
Heart of the Market
Fante's is integral to the Italian Market:
Context:
- Surrounded by food vendors
- Near Di Bruno Bros., Sarcone's Bakery
- Complements food shopping
- Buy ingredients, buy equipment
Market Shopping
Complete experience: 1. Buy cheese at Di Bruno's 2. Get bread at Sarcone's 3. Pick up equipment at Fante's 4. Go home and cook
Cultural Significance
Immigrant Heritage
Fante's represents:
- Italian immigrant success
- Craft and quality values
- Family business tradition
- Cultural preservation
Cooking Culture
Supporting home cooking:
- Enabling traditional techniques
- Providing proper tools
- Maintaining standards
- Inspiring cooks
National Recognition
Fante's has earned acclaim:
- Featured in food magazines
- Recommended by chefs
- Culinary tourism destination
- One of America's great kitchen stores
Online and Shipping
National Reach
Fante's ships nationally:
Website: fantes.com
- Full catalog online
- Ships across the US
- Hard-to-find items accessible
- Gift options
Tips for Visitors
Recommendations:
- Come with time to browse
- Have a list but be open*** to discoveries
- Ask staff*** for recommendations
- ***Italian equipment*** is the specialty
What to buy:
- Pasta machines (excellent selection)
- Moka pots (all sizes)
- Specialty Italian tools
- Professional cookware
When to visit:
- Tuesday-Saturday
- Morning for less crowded
- Market Saturdays are busy
See Also
References
- ↑ "Fante's Kitchen Wares Shop". Fante's. Retrieved December 31, 2025