Humble Beginnings

Brothers Jim and Lou Falletti are born in an apartment on Telegraph Hill in 1912 and 1915 respectively. In 1928, they begin their grocery careers working at Rossi's Market on Columbus Avenue. After high school, Jim begins working for Quality Foods (QFI) and Lou follows a few years later.

Making Their Mark

In 1940, Jim opens Grand Central Market, now Mollie Stone's, as manager of QFI's grocery concession. Jim stays with QFI as its general manager until he joins the U.S. Army and serves in World War II. In 1941, Lou Falletti opens his own grocery store called Melody Market at 32nd and Clement.

Pioneering Brothers

After the war, Jim and Lou open the grocery concession at Buri Buri market in South San Francisco. After selling their interest in Buri Buri in 1956, they lease space from Frank Petrini and open the grocery and produce concession with their partners, the Baldocchi Family, at the brand new Petrini Plaza located at Fulton and Masonic.

Grand Opening of Petrini Plaza, 1956

(Left to Right - Giant Scissors) Frank Petrini Mayor George Christopher Joe Baldocchi Art Baldocchi Lou Falletti Jim Falletti

Expanding into the Sunset

In 1961, the Falletti and Baldocchi families open Sunset Super on Irving and 25th Avenue. They operated it until 1997 when they lost their lease.

Generations of Fallettis

In 1983, James Louis "Tick" Falletti join his father Jim and Uncle Lou in the business. Shortly thereafter Lou Falletti passes away. Jim survives his brother by 20 years and continues working until he is 88. He passes away in 2003 at the age of 91.

Three generations of Fallettis 1995 Center - Jim Falletti, Right - Jim's son, James "Tick" Falletti Left - Tick's son, Jamie Falletti

Goodbye Plaza Foods

In 1997, following the death of Frank Petrini, the former Petrini Plaza, known as Plaza Foods, is sold to Albertson's. Falletti Foods is forced to close in 1999.

Continuing The Tradition

FALLETTI FOODS opens a new location in November 2006 at 308 Broderick Street, San Francisco, CA 94117.

Store History Present