Granato’s, a family-owned Italian market and deli, remains a cherished cornerstone of the Salt Lake City community. Built on tradition, hard work, and a love of good food—recipes are handed down, and every customer is treated like family. Frank Granato, the third-generation owner, says friendliness and customer service have kept the business thriving for nearly eighty years.
Founded in 1948, Frank Granato Sr. opened a small shop on 8th South and 2nd West in Salt Lake City, Utah. From those humble beginnings, Granato’s has expanded distribution throughout Idaho, Colorado, and Utah. “The pastas, the sauces, and the Italian sandwich recipes have all remained untouched through the generations,” Frank says.
With the growing demand for fast-casual chains and big-box grocery stores, many neighborhood shops have felt the pressure to compete with convenience and scale. “We stay true to the recipes in the 'Granatos' aspect, but we realized in the locations that we had, a full grocery store could not be sustained.”
That is the reason Granato's evolved into a food hall, making it a diverse resource for new restaurants of all ethnicities. “We knew we had to adapt and change, so we made way for other businesses to get a start, and get in here to grow.”
Moving into the 4th generation, Frank’s two sons have stepped into the family business. Jake runs the distribution side of the business, while Thomas manages the delis and more of the day-to-day operations. With ingredients sourced locally whenever possible, Granato’s continues to support regional farmers and producers.
“My dad always says, 'We don't want to be the biggest, we just want to be the best,' " Frank shared.
With economic downturns and industry shifts, Frank says it’s important to maintain hard work and determination. “A door opens but you have to be willing to go through it. Take the opportunities, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.”