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CAN YOU GUESS WHO THIS IS?

It's Mario Masellis, back in his disco days and his younger brother Constantino. Although Mario's look has changed, his family business is recognizable. Masellis Supermarket is still in its original location on Danforth Avenue in Toronto -since 1959!

Andy’s father established Masellis Supermarket in Toronto after migrating from Puglia, Italy in 1959. Around the time of its establishment, Masellis primarily attracted Italian immigrants looking for Italian products. Andy discusses the importance of geographic specificity, history, and tradition in Italian fare, and the products in Masellis reinforce these ideas. For instance, when someone who sampled an olive oil they enjoyed in Tuscany, they come to Masellis asking for Tuscan olive oil, not Italian. This sort of regional differentiation is common in Italian cuisine; certain regions have a long history of producing certain foods, and the regional tradition behind these products comes to have a strong influence on the way in which customers shop for Italian food. 


Looking for quality cheese?

Best known for our succulent selection of cheese, Masellis has you covered from Accasciato to Zwitser! (If you're looking for a pricier wheel, be sure to ask; some of the expensive cheeses - like Parmigiano-Reggiano - are kept safe behind the counter.)


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