The History of San Carlo Deli

Giovanni Roberto and his family emigrated to the United States in 1968 from Triggiano, a small town in Puglia, which is located in the southeastern most region of Italy, also known as the “boot heel”.

Giovanni first worked as an electronic technicialn for ITT in the early 70′s, then at the Broadway in Panorama City Mall, serving cheese and wine in the gourmet shop. In March of 1975, Giovanni purchased the local “San Carlo Deli” and kept the name.

With help from his in-laws Vito and Livia and his Uncle Dominic, Giovanni and his wife Isabella laid the foundation for his business. Vito took over the purchasing tasks at the newly-revitalized San Carlo Deli while juggling his duties first as a driver, then as a salesman at Sierra’s cheese company.

In the early years of the business, San Carlo purchased bread from Vitello’s Bakery.

Then, from 1975-1979 Uncle Dominic instructed the staff in how to make pizza and bread while working nights at Farmer John’s in Los Angeles.

The reputation for quality that San Carlo developed during the 1980′s brought catering requests from prominent civic leaders such as Richard Katz and Howard Berman.

The deli became popular with peace officers and firefighters. Retired Chief Dominic Rivetti of the San Fernando Police Department has lent his generous support and loyal patronage for over two decades.

The solid rapport established with the deli’s loyal customers was interrupted by the civil unrest of the early 90′s. In the spring of 1992 the deli was destroyed by fire.

A search for a new location ensued stretching from Ventura County to Santa Clarita. They found the perfect spot in Chatsworth, near to where many of their loyal customers now lived.

The deli’s consistent quality and service brought more loyal customers from their new community.

In 1992 Monsignor Charles Hill blessed the opening of the new location and Giovanni’s father-in-law retired. The 1994 Northridge earthquake caused little damage and the deli reopened one month later. Vice-President Al Gore was a visiting dignitary during that time.

Since the start of the new millenium, Giovanni’s son Pasquale has inherited the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of the business with his brothers Vito and Gianfranco at his side, while Giovanni oversees all daily operations.

Giovanni’s first grandson, Giovanni, was born in 2000, followed by granddaughter Victoria in 2002.

The staff of the San Carlo Deli has taken pride in bringing the best of Italy to the San Fernando Valley since 1975. We hope you will visit us soon!

San Carlo Deli 2022 -