Just half a mile from Fordham University, on Arthur Avenue, stands one of the most renowned stores in the Bronx’s Little Italy. Despite its long and complex name, Teitel Brothers Wholesale and Retail Grocery Company, this store is beloved by restaurateurs, local Italian cuisine enthusiasts, and tourists alike. For nearly 110 years, the Teitel family has delighted customers with the freshest and most delicious products infused with Italian charm and sophistication. Read on at bronxname.
Opening the Store in the Early 20th Century
Today, Gilbert Teitel runs the shop alongside his three adult sons. But it all began in the early 1900s, when his father, Jacob, and uncle, Jewish immigrants from Austria, came to the United States. The Teitel brothers didn’t immediately discover their entrepreneurial talents. For a time, they worked as tailors in Manhattan, although some relatives already owned grocery stores in Brooklyn and Queens. Inspired by their family, Jacob and his brother began considering opening their own store. The main question was deciding on a direction.
At the time, the Little Italy neighborhood in the Bronx was just emerging, and stores selling Italian sausages, cheeses, and olives were multiplying rapidly. The Teitel brothers recognized the booming demand for Italian products in the Bronx and decided to seize the opportunity. They had always been connected to European traditions, and Jacob even learned Italian faster than he picked up English.
Starting a business was much easier back then. The brothers focused their efforts on building their grocery business. The large Teitel family lived in a small one-room apartment directly above the shop. When Jacob needed help behind the counter, he would tap on a long steam pipe to signal his wife to come downstairs.
Competition intensified, peaking during the Great Depression in the 1930s. At that time, olive oil cost nearly $2 per gallon, and business was challenging. However, the store survived. The Teitel brothers were among the first to implement a delivery service, using horses and specialized wagons to distribute products throughout the Bronx and beyond.
Jewish Traditions
Although the Teitel family has been part of the U.S. community for many years, they continue to honor their Jewish traditions and integrate them into their business.
A few years after opening the store, Jacob and his brother installed a large mosaic Star of David near the entrance, which remains there today.
Not all family members were able to relocate to safer areas, and some remained in Europe, facing harsh persecution. Preserving their culture and faith has always been a priority for the Teitel family. They attended synagogue for major holidays and followed other Jewish customs.
Even during World War II, when prejudice began affecting trade at Jewish-owned stores, the Teitel family stood firm in their beliefs. To this day, Teitel Brothers Wholesale and Retail Grocery Company closes for all Jewish holidays.
All of Italy in One Place
Listing every product available at Teitel Brothers would take forever, but here’s a glimpse into this Italian paradise. The store offers aromatic olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, pasta varieties, fresh and cured sausages, pepperoni, burrata, prosciutto, mortadella, salami, stracchino, parmesan, gorgonzola, caciotta, mascarpone, mozzarella, pecorino, ricotta, stracciatella, fontina, pistachios, cookies, sweets, spices, wines, dried fruits, and more.
If you’re imagining a spacious store with wide aisles and towering shelves, think again. Teitel Brothers spans just 900 square feet, with every inch packed with flavorful goods. Sausages hang from the ceiling, walls are lined with boxes of pasta and bottles of olive oil, and refrigerators are stuffed with cheeses and other delicacies.
Despite its location in the heart of touristy Little Italy, the Teitels keep their prices remarkably low, ensuring the shop is always bustling. Alongside locals and tourists, you’ll often spot famous chefs and restaurant owners from the Bronx and beyond. Italian restaurateurs trust Teitel Brothers for the freshest, highest-quality products imported directly from Italy.
Teitel Brothers is the sole store authorized to sell Don Luigi extra virgin olive oil, one of the finest authentic olive oils in the world. It’s also the only place in New York City where you’ll find Parmigiano Reggiano Reggio Emilia, a delicacy protected by Italian law and sold
A Family Business
Today, three brothers—the grandchildren of Jacob Teitel—run the store. Their father, Gilbert, now nearing his 80s, still visits the shop frequently to chat and offer advice.
The eldest son, Gene, oversees the warehouse and purchasing operations. The middle son, Michael, previously a chef and Italian restaurant owner in Suffern, returned to the family business in 2005. He now advises customers on product specifics and shares culinary tips for creating restaurant-quality meals with simple ingredients. The youngest, Eddie, also works behind the counter.
The store even sells family-branded olive oils, including EDDA, named by Gilbert after his youngest son born in 1971, and Don Luigi, named after an uncle.
Gilbert admits that running a family business has its challenges. While the trust and familiarity among relatives are invaluable, dividing responsibilities can be tricky. Sometimes, disagreements arise over changes or decisions. For instance, younger family members once removed a wall to expand the shop without consulting their elders, causing a stir. Another time, they brought in a large shipment of Croatian cookies and candies, prompting Gilbert to exclaim, “What is this, a bakery?” Though initially frustrated, he later calmed down, recognizing their initiative and willingness to take responsibility.
The fifth generation is now part of the business. Michael has three children, including a five-year-old granddaughter, while Eddie has three teenage children. Most of them help out in the store and are well-versed in sausages, cheeses, olives, and pasta. It’s clear that the Teitel legacy will continue to feed Bronx residents with Italian delights for many years to come.
