Jump to content

Di Bruno Bros

From Philadelphia.Wiki
Revision as of 20:00, 31 December 2025 by Gritty (talk | contribs) (Automated upload via Philadelphia.Wiki content pipeline)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Di Bruno Bros.
TypeSpecialty food store
Address930 South 9th Street (original)
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodItalian Market (original)
Phone(215) 922-2876
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1939
FounderDanny and Joe Di Bruno
OwnerDi Bruno Bros. Inc.
HoursVaries by location
ProductsCheese, specialty foods, charcuterie
StatusActive
Di Bruno Bros.(215) 922-2876930 South 9th Street (original)PhiladelphiaPAUS

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.[1]

History

[edit | edit source]

Origins (1939)

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

The Selection

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

Staff knowledge sets Di Bruno's apart:

What they offer:

  • Guidance through the selection
  • Pairing recommendations
  • Taste before purchase
  • Cut to order

Famous Cheeses

[edit | edit source]

Must-tries:

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

Cheese Care

[edit | edit source]

Di Bruno's staff educate on proper cheese handling:

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

Beyond Cheese

[edit | edit source]

Charcuterie

[edit | edit source]

Cured meats:

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

Prepared Foods

[edit | edit source]

Ready to eat:

  • Sandwiches
  • Salads
  • Prepared entrées
  • Catering options

Specialty Grocery

[edit | edit source]

Imported products:

  • Olive oils: Premium selections
  • Pasta: Artisan varieties
  • Canned goods: Italian imports
  • Chocolates and sweets
  • Vinegars and condiments

Gift Items

[edit | edit source]

For giving:

  • Curated gift baskets
  • Cheese boards assembled
  • Corporate gifts
  • Holiday specials

Locations

[edit | edit source]

Italian Market (Original)

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

1730 Chestnut Street

The experience:

  • Larger selection
  • Prepared foods emphasis
  • Center City accessibility
  • Wine and beer

Other Locations

[edit | edit source]

Additional Philadelphia area locations serve:

  • Suburban customers
  • Corporate areas
  • Convenience seekers

The Italian Market Connection

[edit | edit source]

Heart of the Market

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

Nearby Italian Market institutions:

Di Bruno's anchors the specialty food section.

The Experience

[edit | edit source]

Shopping There

[edit | edit source]

What to expect:

  • Take a number at the counter
  • Browse while waiting
  • Ask for samples
  • Get expert guidance

The Staff

[edit | edit source]

Knowledge and service:

  • Trained cheese experts
  • Passionate about product
  • Happy to educate
  • Will help you find what you need

Sampling

[edit | edit source]

Tasting culture:

  • Sampling encouraged
  • Try before buying
  • Especially for cheese
  • Ask about anything

Cultural Impact

[edit | edit source]

Philadelphia Institution

[edit | edit source]

Di Bruno Bros. represents:

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

National Recognition

[edit | edit source]

Di Bruno's has earned acclaim:

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

Influence

[edit | edit source]

Di Bruno's influenced Philadelphia's food scene:

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

Online and Shipping

[edit | edit source]

National Reach

[edit | edit source]

Di Bruno's ships nationwide:

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

Website: dibruno.com

Subscriptions

[edit | edit source]

Cheese club:

  • Monthly selections
  • Curated by experts
  • Shipping included
  • Gift options

Tips for Visitors

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ "Di Bruno Bros.". Di Bruno Bros.. Retrieved December 31, 2025
[edit | edit source]
Retrieved from "https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Di_Bruno_Bros&oldid=1311"