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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Infobox LocalBusiness<br />
| name = Di Bruno Bros.<br />
| image =<br />
| image_caption = Di Bruno Bros. cheese counter<br />
| type = Specialty food store<br />
| address = 930 South 9th Street (original)<br />
| neighborhood = Italian Market (original)<br />
| coordinates = 39.9357,-75.1589<br />
| phone = (215) 922-2876<br />
| website = https://www.dibruno.com<br />
| established = 1939<br />
| founder = Danny and Joe Di Bruno<br />
| owner = Di Bruno Bros. Inc.<br />
| employees =<br />
| hours = Varies by location<br />
| products = Cheese, specialty foods, charcuterie<br />
| status = Active<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''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><br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== Origins (1939) ===<br />
<br />
'''Danny Di Bruno''' and '''Joe Di Bruno''' opened their shop in '''1939''':<br />
<br />
'''Beginnings:'''<br />
* Sons of Italian immigrants<br />
* Started at the Italian Market on 9th Street<br />
* Sold Italian cheeses<br />
* Served the immigrant community<br />
<br />
The brothers knew their customers—Italian families who wanted the cheeses they remembered from home.<br />
<br />
=== Early Years ===<br />
<br />
Di Bruno Bros. established itself through quality:<br />
<br />
'''1940s-1960s:'''<br />
* Reputation for authentic Italian cheeses<br />
* Personal service and expertise<br />
* Knowledge passed from customers and suppliers<br />
* Heart of the Italian Market<br />
<br />
=== Expansion of Selection ===<br />
<br />
Over decades, the cheese selection grew:<br />
<br />
'''Growth:'''<br />
* Beyond Italian cheeses<br />
* French, Spanish, English varieties<br />
* American artisan cheeses<br />
* Eventually 300+ varieties<br />
<br />
Di Bruno Bros. became the destination for cheese in Philadelphia.<br />
<br />
=== Second and Third Generations ===<br />
<br />
The Di Bruno family maintained the business:<br />
<br />
'''Succession:'''<br />
* Younger family members learned the trade<br />
* Traditions preserved<br />
* Quality standards maintained<br />
* Business knowledge passed down<br />
<br />
=== Modern Expansion ===<br />
<br />
Di Bruno Bros. expanded beyond the Italian Market:<br />
<br />
'''New locations:'''<br />
* '''Rittenhouse Square''': Center City presence<br />
* '''Comcast Center''': Corporate area<br />
* '''Other locations''': Suburban reach<br />
* '''Online ordering''': National shipping<br />
<br />
The Italian Market location remains the soul of the operation.<br />
<br />
== The Cheese ==<br />
<br />
=== The Selection ===<br />
<br />
Di Bruno Bros. carries '''over 300 cheeses''':<br />
<br />
'''Categories:'''<br />
* '''Italian''': Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, Gorgonzola, fresh mozzarella<br />
* '''French''': Brie, Comté, Roquefort, chèvre<br />
* '''Spanish''': Manchego, Cabrales, Mahón<br />
* '''English''': Stilton, cheddar<br />
* '''American artisan''': Local and national producers<br />
* '''Specialty''': Rare and unusual varieties<br />
<br />
=== The Expertise ===<br />
<br />
Staff knowledge sets Di Bruno's apart:<br />
<br />
'''What they offer:'''<br />
* Guidance through the selection<br />
* Pairing recommendations<br />
* Taste before purchase<br />
* Cut to order<br />
<br />
=== Famous Cheeses ===<br />
<br />
'''Must-tries:'''<br />
* '''Parmigiano-Reggiano''': Aged imported<br />
* '''Fresh mozzarella''': Made in-house<br />
* '''Sharp provolone''': Aged Italian style<br />
* '''Specialty selections''': Ask staff for recommendations<br />
<br />
=== Cheese Care ===<br />
<br />
Di Bruno's staff educate on proper cheese handling:<br />
<br />
* Storage recommendations<br />
* Serving temperatures<br />
* Optimal freshness<br />
* Pairing suggestions<br />
<br />
== Beyond Cheese ==<br />
<br />
=== Charcuterie ===<br />
<br />
'''Cured meats:'''<br />
* '''Prosciutto''': Italian and Spanish<br />
* '''Salami''': Multiple varieties<br />
* '''Speck''': Smoked prosciutto<br />
* '''Specialty meats''': Nduja, guanciale, etc.<br />
<br />
=== Prepared Foods ===<br />
<br />
'''Ready to eat:'''<br />
* Sandwiches<br />
* Salads<br />
* Prepared entrées<br />
* Catering options<br />
<br />
=== Specialty Grocery ===<br />
<br />
'''Imported products:'''<br />
* '''Olive oils''': Premium selections<br />
* '''Pasta''': Artisan varieties<br />
* '''Canned goods''': Italian imports<br />
* '''Chocolates and sweets'''<br />
* '''Vinegars and condiments'''<br />
<br />
=== Gift Items ===<br />
<br />
'''For giving:'''<br />
* Curated gift baskets<br />
* Cheese boards assembled<br />
* Corporate gifts<br />
* Holiday specials<br />
<br />
== Locations ==<br />
<br />
=== Italian Market (Original) ===<br />
<br />
'''930 South 9th Street'''<br />
<br />
'''The experience:'''<br />
* Historic location<br />
* Open-air market atmosphere<br />
* Authentic Italian Market feel<br />
* The original Di Bruno's<br />
<br />
This is where it all started and remains essential.<br />
<br />
=== Rittenhouse Square ===<br />
<br />
'''1730 Chestnut Street'''<br />
<br />
'''The experience:'''<br />
* Larger selection<br />
* Prepared foods emphasis<br />
* Center City accessibility<br />
* Wine and beer<br />
<br />
=== Other Locations ===<br />
<br />
Additional Philadelphia area locations serve:<br />
<br />
* Suburban customers<br />
* Corporate areas<br />
* Convenience seekers<br />
<br />
== The Italian Market Connection ==<br />
<br />
=== Heart of the Market ===<br />
<br />
Di Bruno Bros. is central to the [[Italian Market]]:<br />
<br />
* '''Anchor tenant''': Draws visitors<br />
* '''Quality standard''': Others aspire to match<br />
* '''Continuity''': Since 1939<br />
* '''Authenticity''': Real Italian Market heritage<br />
<br />
=== Market Neighbors ===<br />
<br />
Nearby Italian Market institutions:<br />
<br />
* [[Sarcone's Bakery]]<br />
* Esposito's Meats<br />
* Fante's Kitchen Wares<br />
* Claudio Specialty Foods<br />
<br />
Di Bruno's anchors the specialty food section.<br />
<br />
== The Experience ==<br />
<br />
=== Shopping There ===<br />
<br />
'''What to expect:'''<br />
* Take a number at the counter<br />
* Browse while waiting<br />
* Ask for samples<br />
* Get expert guidance<br />
<br />
=== The Staff ===<br />
<br />
'''Knowledge and service:'''<br />
* Trained cheese experts<br />
* Passionate about product<br />
* Happy to educate<br />
* Will help you find what you need<br />
<br />
=== Sampling ===<br />
<br />
'''Tasting culture:'''<br />
* Sampling encouraged<br />
* Try before buying<br />
* Especially for cheese<br />
* Ask about anything<br />
<br />
== Cultural Impact ==<br />
<br />
=== Philadelphia Institution ===<br />
<br />
Di Bruno Bros. represents:<br />
<br />
* Italian-American heritage<br />
* Food quality standards<br />
* Family business tradition<br />
* Philadelphia identity<br />
<br />
=== National Recognition ===<br />
<br />
Di Bruno's has earned acclaim:<br />
<br />
* Featured in food magazines<br />
* Television appearances<br />
* National cheese awards<br />
* Culinary tourism destination<br />
<br />
=== Influence ===<br />
<br />
Di Bruno's influenced Philadelphia's food scene:<br />
<br />
* Raised quality expectations<br />
* Educated consumers<br />
* Supported artisan producers<br />
* Anchored Italian Market's reputation<br />
<br />
== Online and Shipping ==<br />
<br />
=== National Reach ===<br />
<br />
Di Bruno's ships nationwide:<br />
<br />
* Full cheese selection<br />
* Gift boxes<br />
* Specialty items<br />
* Careful packaging<br />
<br />
'''Website: dibruno.com'''<br />
<br />
=== Subscriptions ===<br />
<br />
'''Cheese club:'''<br />
* Monthly selections<br />
* Curated by experts<br />
* Shipping included<br />
* Gift options<br />
<br />
== Tips for Visitors ==<br />
<br />
'''Recommendations:'''<br />
* '''Visit the Italian Market location''' for authenticity<br />
* '''Take a number''' and browse while waiting<br />
* '''Ask for samples*** before buying<br />
* '''Get recommendations*** from staff<br />
* '''Buy fresh mozzarella*** if it's fresh<br />
<br />
'''What to buy:'''<br />
* Parmigiano-Reggiano (ask to taste for age preference)<br />
* Fresh mozzarella (same-day eating)<br />
* Sharp provolone (aged)<br />
* Whatever the staff is excited about<br />
<br />
'''Planning:'''<br />
* Italian Market location: Tuesday-Saturday best<br />
* Rittenhouse: More regular hours<br />
* Parking: Street parking or lots nearby<br />
* Come hungry: prepared foods available<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
* [[Italian Market]]<br />
* [[South Philadelphia]]<br />
* [[Philadelphia Food Culture]]<br />
* [[Sarcone's Bakery]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
* [https://www.dibruno.com Di Bruno Bros. Official Website]<br />
<br />
{{#seo:<br />
|title=Di Bruno Bros. - Philadelphia's Legendary Cheese Shop Since 1939<br />
|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.<br />
|keywords=Di Bruno Bros, Philadelphia cheese, Italian Market, specialty food, cheese shop, Rittenhouse Square<br />
|type=Article<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Markets]]<br />
[[Category:Food]]<br />
[[Category:Businesses]]<br />
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]<br />
[[Category:Italian Market]]</div>
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