Editing Di Bruno Bros

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Di Bruno Bros.
| image =
| image_caption = Di Bruno Bros. cheese counter
| type = Specialty food store
| address = 930 South 9th Street (original)
| neighborhood = Italian Market (original)
| coordinates = 39.9357,-75.1589
| phone = (215) 922-2876
| website = https://www.dibruno.com
| established = 1939
| founder = Danny and Joe Di Bruno
| owner = Di Bruno Bros. Inc.
| employees =
| hours = Varies by location
| products = Cheese, specialty foods, charcuterie
| status = Active
}}

'''Di Bruno Bros.''' is a legendary Philadelphia specialty food retailer founded in '''1939''' by brothers '''Danny''' and '''Joe Di Bruno''' at the [[Italian Market]]. What began as a small cheese stand has grown into one of America's premier gourmet food destinations, with multiple Philadelphia locations and a national reputation. Di Bruno Bros. is especially famous for its '''extraordinary cheese selection'''—over 300 varieties from around the world—and remains a pillar of the Italian Market and Philadelphia's food culture.<ref name="dibruno-official">{{cite web |url=https://www.dibruno.com |title=Di Bruno Bros. |publisher=Di Bruno Bros. |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Origins (1939) ===

'''Danny Di Bruno''' and '''Joe Di Bruno''' opened their shop in '''1939''':

'''Beginnings:'''
* Sons of Italian immigrants
* Started at the Italian Market on 9th Street
* Sold Italian cheeses
* Served the immigrant community

The brothers knew their customers—Italian families who wanted the cheeses they remembered from home.

=== Early Years ===

Di Bruno Bros. established itself through quality:

'''1940s-1960s:'''
* Reputation for authentic Italian cheeses
* Personal service and expertise
* Knowledge passed from customers and suppliers
* Heart of the Italian Market

=== Expansion of Selection ===

Over decades, the cheese selection grew:

'''Growth:'''
* Beyond Italian cheeses
* French, Spanish, English varieties
* American artisan cheeses
* Eventually 300+ varieties

Di Bruno Bros. became the destination for cheese in Philadelphia.

=== Second and Third Generations ===

The Di Bruno family maintained the business:

'''Succession:'''
* Younger family members learned the trade
* Traditions preserved
* Quality standards maintained
* Business knowledge passed down

=== Modern Expansion ===

Di Bruno Bros. expanded beyond the Italian Market:

'''New locations:'''
* '''Rittenhouse Square''': Center City presence
* '''Comcast Center''': Corporate area
* '''Other locations''': Suburban reach
* '''Online ordering''': National shipping

The Italian Market location remains the soul of the operation.

== The Cheese ==

=== The Selection ===

Di Bruno Bros. carries '''over 300 cheeses''':

'''Categories:'''
* '''Italian''': Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, Gorgonzola, fresh mozzarella
* '''French''': Brie, Comté, Roquefort, chèvre
* '''Spanish''': Manchego, Cabrales, Mahón
* '''English''': Stilton, cheddar
* '''American artisan''': Local and national producers
* '''Specialty''': Rare and unusual varieties

=== The Expertise ===

Staff knowledge sets Di Bruno's apart:

'''What they offer:'''
* Guidance through the selection
* Pairing recommendations
* Taste before purchase
* Cut to order

=== Famous Cheeses ===

'''Must-tries:'''
* '''Parmigiano-Reggiano''': Aged imported
* '''Fresh mozzarella''': Made in-house
* '''Sharp provolone''': Aged Italian style
* '''Specialty selections''': Ask staff for recommendations

=== Cheese Care ===

Di Bruno's staff educate on proper cheese handling:

* Storage recommendations
* Serving temperatures
* Optimal freshness
* Pairing suggestions

== Beyond Cheese ==

=== Charcuterie ===

'''Cured meats:'''
* '''Prosciutto''': Italian and Spanish
* '''Salami''': Multiple varieties
* '''Speck''': Smoked prosciutto
* '''Specialty meats''': Nduja, guanciale, etc.

=== Prepared Foods ===

'''Ready to eat:'''
* Sandwiches
* Salads
* Prepared entrées
* Catering options

=== Specialty Grocery ===

'''Imported products:'''
* '''Olive oils''': Premium selections
* '''Pasta''': Artisan varieties
* '''Canned goods''': Italian imports
* '''Chocolates and sweets'''
* '''Vinegars and condiments'''

=== Gift Items ===

'''For giving:'''
* Curated gift baskets
* Cheese boards assembled
* Corporate gifts
* Holiday specials

== Locations ==

=== Italian Market (Original) ===

'''930 South 9th Street'''

'''The experience:'''
* Historic location
* Open-air market atmosphere
* Authentic Italian Market feel
* The original Di Bruno's

This is where it all started and remains essential.

=== Rittenhouse Square ===

'''1730 Chestnut Street'''

'''The experience:'''
* Larger selection
* Prepared foods emphasis
* Center City accessibility
* Wine and beer

=== Other Locations ===

Additional Philadelphia area locations serve:

* Suburban customers
* Corporate areas
* Convenience seekers

== The Italian Market Connection ==

=== Heart of the Market ===

Di Bruno Bros. is central to the [[Italian Market]]:

* '''Anchor tenant''': Draws visitors
* '''Quality standard''': Others aspire to match
* '''Continuity''': Since 1939
* '''Authenticity''': Real Italian Market heritage

=== Market Neighbors ===

Nearby Italian Market institutions:

* [[Sarcone's Bakery]]
* Esposito's Meats
* Fante's Kitchen Wares
* Claudio Specialty Foods

Di Bruno's anchors the specialty food section.

== The Experience ==

=== Shopping There ===

'''What to expect:'''
* Take a number at the counter
* Browse while waiting
* Ask for samples
* Get expert guidance

=== The Staff ===

'''Knowledge and service:'''
* Trained cheese experts
* Passionate about product
* Happy to educate
* Will help you find what you need

=== Sampling ===

'''Tasting culture:'''
* Sampling encouraged
* Try before buying
* Especially for cheese
* Ask about anything

== Cultural Impact ==

=== Philadelphia Institution ===

Di Bruno Bros. represents:

* Italian-American heritage
* Food quality standards
* Family business tradition
* Philadelphia identity

=== National Recognition ===

Di Bruno's has earned acclaim:

* Featured in food magazines
* Television appearances
* National cheese awards
* Culinary tourism destination

=== Influence ===

Di Bruno's influenced Philadelphia's food scene:

* Raised quality expectations
* Educated consumers
* Supported artisan producers
* Anchored Italian Market's reputation

== Online and Shipping ==

=== National Reach ===

Di Bruno's ships nationwide:

* Full cheese selection
* Gift boxes
* Specialty items
* Careful packaging

'''Website: dibruno.com'''

=== Subscriptions ===

'''Cheese club:'''
* Monthly selections
* Curated by experts
* Shipping included
* Gift options

== Tips for Visitors ==

'''Recommendations:'''
* '''Visit the Italian Market location''' for authenticity
* '''Take a number''' and browse while waiting
* '''Ask for samples*** before buying
* '''Get recommendations*** from staff
* '''Buy fresh mozzarella*** if it's fresh

'''What to buy:'''
* Parmigiano-Reggiano (ask to taste for age preference)
* Fresh mozzarella (same-day eating)
* Sharp provolone (aged)
* Whatever the staff is excited about

'''Planning:'''
* Italian Market location: Tuesday-Saturday best
* Rittenhouse: More regular hours
* Parking: Street parking or lots nearby
* Come hungry: prepared foods available

== See Also ==
* [[Italian Market]]
* [[South Philadelphia]]
* [[Philadelphia Food Culture]]
* [[Sarcone's Bakery]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==
* [https://www.dibruno.com Di Bruno Bros. Official Website]

{{#seo:
|title=Di Bruno Bros. - Philadelphia's Legendary Cheese Shop Since 1939
|description=Di Bruno Bros., the iconic cheese and specialty food shop at Philadelphia's Italian Market. Over 300 cheeses, expert staff, and Italian-American tradition since 1939.
|keywords=Di Bruno Bros, Philadelphia cheese, Italian Market, specialty food, cheese shop, Rittenhouse Square
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Markets]]
[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Businesses]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Italian Market]]