Un Sugo Nasce - A Sauce is born

Marianna Pulcino immigrated to America in 1911, bringing with her an old-world recipe for pasta sauce. She established Mom’s Cafe on Walton Avenue in Altoona, Pennsylvania where she served up her classic dishes to the delight of hungry patrons.

ALTOONA PENNSYLVANIA “a mighty railroad city”

American Roots forged in Iron

The DelGrossos and Pulcinos were among the thousands of Italian immigrant families who settled in Altoona, PA, a city built around its once thriving railroad industry. Nestled in the beautiful Allegheny mountains, Altoona is considered to be one of the most important places in development and growth of America’s railroad system.

The Railroader and Waitress

In 1936, Marianna’s daughter Mafalda was waiting tables at Mom’s Cafe when Ferdinand DelGrosso, a handsome young railroader, walked through the door and sat at her table. They fell in love instantly.

MAFALDA & FERDINAND DELGROSSO “Make a name for themselves”

Best Spaghetti Dinner in Town

Mafalda and Ferdinand, “Fred” and “Murf” married, and in 1943 they bought a small restaurant on 17th Street and called it DelGrosso’s Cafe. With the help of Marianna’s original sauce recipe, the restaurant soon became famous for the “best spaghetti dinner in town.”

Honey, I bought a park!

The idea to commercially manufacture pasta sauce took root when Fred noticed restaurant customers offering to pay extra to take home a small portion of the sauce. Fred immediately saw the potential to market and sell their quality Italian sauces, and in 1946 he sold DelGrosso’s Cafe and bought nearby Bland’s Amusement Park.

Love, passion, Tradition and hard work “leading by example”

Handmade Production Begins

From the park kitchen, Fred and Murf worked 10-hour days to make one “batch” of five cases, using four 10-gallon pots and a hand sealer, which took 24 revolutions to seal one can. Fred and two long-time friends from Altoona formed a small sales force and gradually increased distribution by “pounding the pavement.”

A Family that works together, plays together & Eats together!

A Growing Family

Fred and Murf moved their entire family into a small house in the back of the amusement park where they all learned the value of sacrifice at an early age. They all worked in the park and helped with sauce production each day, learning the techniques and wisdom of master sauce makers. Here, in a photo from the 1970s you can see the family growth into the third generation.

Our Sauce is a living tribute to our founders

To Pay Tribute

A new line of ultra-premium pasta sauces called La Famiglia DelGrosso was introduced in 2006. Each recipe was created by a different family member as a celebration of the company’s sauce-making heritage, and as a celebration of the lives of Fred, Murf and Marianna, and a dedication to their legacy as producers of “The Finest Sauce Made”.

We are the DelGrossos

Now in its third generation, DelGrosso Foods has taken its place among the most highly-regarded producers of fine sauces anywhere. It continues as the oldest major family-owned manufacturer of pasta sauce in the United States. It is through tireless effort, continued commitment, and the closest attention to detail from family members at every level that DelGrosso remains “The Finest Sauce Made.”

History