Luigi & Giovanni Specialty Foods has been a staple in our community since 1976. From its beginnings as an old-world butcher shop and deli to the fast-paced present, Luigi & Giovanni’s has remained an important and delicious part of Newtown Square.
Owners Lou Lemme and John D’Alessandro started their Italian specialty store after opening the Colonial Village meat market in Newtown Square 48 years ago. They became widely known for their whole-roasted pigs, lambs and specialty turkeys, which are still top sellers at the store. Both John and Lou’s roots stem from Italy’s Abruzzo region, and they developed a passion for the food business as young men, working in delis and meat stores.
As the 1970s turned into the ’80s and the ’90s, John and Lou realized that meat markets weren’t as viable as they had been in earlier years as American diets moved away from heavy meat consumption. They then took their business in a different direction, evolving with their customers’ needs and requests. “We always talk to our customers and find out what they want,” explained John. “We didn’t change our original market completely, but we enhanced it in many ways.”
Today, Luigi & Giovanni’s continues to keep the traditional flair of Italian specialty foods but also carries an impressive selection of made-to-order meals, Italian-American groceries, aisles of cooked entrees and cured meats. All meat is freshly carved and packaged, just as in any old-fashioned butcher shop. Additionally, the shop is known for its international cheese selection, offering hundreds of varieties of all ages, as well as ten varieties of Italian salami, seven varieties of prosciutto and a wide assortment of other cured Italian meats. The shop also carries a delicious selection of breads, olives and peppers, including its signature long hots, stuffed with sausage, breadcrumbs or ricotta cheese.
Whatever you’re looking for, chances are that Luigi & Giovanni’s selection will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. From made-to-order sandwiches, and grab-and-go entrees for individuals and entire families, to pizzas and other meals, all their food is prepared freshly in store. There’s hardly a time
when their parking lot isn’t packed, and customers are shuffling in all day long to pick up everything from stuffed artichokes, antipasto trays and veal or eggplant parmigiano to tomato pie, fresh fish, salads and a huge variety of pasta dishes. Even the desserts are homemade and include the popular ricotta pie and home- made cannoli.
On Saturdays and Sundays, their outdoor patio is packed with customers ordering roast pork sandwiches, chicken parmesan, stuffed Italian peppers or meatballs; all served with Abruzzese-style New York bread. It is the perfect spot to stop to grab some food for game day or in between running the kids to and from their weekend activities. “We’re also excited to announce that we also carry an impressive selection of Italian wines,” John said. “Our wines have been carefully selected from Cantina Casetto Winery in Verona, Italy.”
Need to pick up party trays and wine? No problem! Their catering offers a variety of menus, including Philly-themed menus, barbecued and cocktail party menus. Private party planners can also pick up party platters and other catered dishes at the store.
John and Lou opened Luigi & Giovanni’s Cafe at Ellis Preserve in the fall of 2023. The cafe offers all your favorite menu items and daily specials. It’s a beautiful space with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast or lunch meetings with clients, friends or family. When we last spoke to John and Lou, they said they were looking forward to opening up the cafe in the evenings for special buffets and events, and they have done
that with overwhelming success!
Their inaugural Taste of Italy event, offered guests a culinary journey through the flavors of Italy. The all-you-can-eat experience was full of delicious pastas, savory pizzas, flavor- ful risottos, and irresistible desserts. Some of their main dishes included branzino, shrimp and linguine, porchetta, veal scallopini and chicken parmesan. Guests could bring their favorite wine or purchase from a selection of premium Italian wines that Luigi & Giovanni carry in their store on St. Albans Circle.
There were two available seating times, both of which sold out well before the event. The evening was made even more special by Nick Desiderio, a musical virtuoso hailing from the picturesque town of Guardiagrele, Italy. Nick has enchanted audiences as a one-man band, weaving magic with his accordion and soulful vocals.
“Lou and I have been blown away by the overwhelming response to our Taste of Italy events,” John said. “We both had a vision to have our new space be a gathering place where friends and family could enjoy each other’s company over a fantastic meal.” Lou added that their chef’s passion for food and hospitality shines through and receives rave reviews. One of the first online comments after the event read, “It was undoubtedly one of the best events we have ever attended! We can’t say enough how well it was organized! The staff were so attentive and just absolutely wonderful. The food was amazing!”
With the continued success of their Taste of Italy events, John and Lou said they’re just getting started. Their next Taste of Italy will be on Saturday, September 14th. They invite you to join them for a spectacular culinary journey through various Italian provinces. Two seating times will be available,
4–7pm and 7–9:30pm. Advance reservations are required at 610-353-2080.
Luigi & Giovanni’s Specialty Foods is located at 3601 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square, and is open seven days a week. Their hours are Mon.–Fri. 7am–7pm; Sat. 7am–6pm and Sun. 8am–5pm. Luigi & Giovanni’s Cafe at Ellis Preserve is located at 3807 West Chester Pike behind Chesterbrook Academy and is open Monday through Friday from 7am–3pm and is available for special events on evenings and weekends. For more information, visit LuigiAndGiovanniCaterers.com or call 610-353-4014. To reach catering, call 610-353-2080 or email LGFoods@gmail.com.