Dean & DeLuca - About Us

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HISTORY
The corner grocery store grew up with the neighborhood, and occupies a busy corner in SoHo in what has become the most vibrant artists’ haven in the world. In the early days, Joel Dean and Giorgio DeLuca traipsed around the world to find artisan-produced foods that pleased their customers, not to mention themselves. They wanted products that fired their imaginations, challenged their tastes and turned dinner into a creative exercise.

Giorgio and Joel’s dream of a place that would offer customers a sumptuous celebration of food, a place to experience all of the pleasures that cooking and eating can bring, the original DEAN & DELUCA, opened for business in September 1977. Artist and founding partner Jack Ceglic designed the original store to evoke a turn of the century food department, with high ceiling fans spinning over a vast array of products that lined the high, white walls. Joel Dean and Giorgio DeLuca searched for handcrafted products and artisan foods and imported their discoveries into their enchanting emporium. On display was a staggering variety of produce and foodstuffs, including many never previously sold in this country.

A MOVE
In 1977, a need for more space began the expansion to the 10,000 square feet of an Army/Navy store, and to Jack Ceglic’s plan for a new outdoor marketplace concept.

The result? Massive exposed columns, Carrarra marble floors, white tile walls, stainless steel shelving and display cases, ample room for meat and fish, bakery and pastry, cheese, candy and coffee display counters.

EXPANSION
The new DEAN & DELUCA opened in 1988 with four times the space. Soon, smaller retail outlets were to follow, in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Plaza and in the Paramount Hotel. Espresso Bars were opened in locations around New York and in Washington, D.C., and in 1993, a second store with 10,000 square feet opened on Market Street in Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown District. Since then, DEAN & DELUCA has opened stores in Charlotte, Kansas City, Napa Valley and Tokyo that have become epicenters of epicurean excellence in their locations.

TODAY
Today, DEAN & DELUCA still offers the very best in service, quality and of course, selection. Epicurean treats for cooking, eating and entertaining abound even as they did in the original DEAN & DELUCA back in the '70s. DEAN & DELUCA has a team of International food experts who search for the best and newest food products from around the globe. They also have launched a new wine division and can recommend the best food and wine pairings for any event or for that special dinner at home. Please stop in for a visit.