A Tampa Tradition Since 1938​

Once upon a time, a young boy named Giuseppe (Joe) Favata left his home and family in Sicily with a dream of a better life for himself and his family. As a result of his dreams, Joe and Son’s Grocery was established in 1938. It was located in the historic Ybor City area of Tampa, Florida, where it remained an integral part of the community for nearly 40 years.

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Joe, affectionately known as “Pepito” and his son, John, offered their customers the finest produce, meats, olive oils and grocery staples while focusing on providing excellent service to their customers. Customer satisfaction was their business philosophy and loyal customers were a testament to the service and products the family provided.

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After Joe’s death, his son, “Mr. John,” his wife and their children, kept the store open until 1976. Four generations after Joe Favata immigrated to America, his great-granddaughter, Andrea Messina, reopened the legendary family business. It is still run with the same family values. When you visit, you will likely chat with Joe’s grandaughter, Marilyn Favata Messina or his great-grandson, Michael Messina. Although the store has made changes, it maintains the same principles of supplying only the finest gourmet foods and service to their customers. Joe and Son’s continues to offer the freshest, authentic extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, specialty oils, local and artisan gourmet foods and spices.

 

We hope that Joe and Son’s Olive Oils will continue to work its way into the hearts of future generations in Tampa and beyond, as it did with the original family business in Ybor City.