MEET GIOVANNI

For over 50 years, Giovanni Papandrea has shared his passion for Old World Italian food. Born in Calabria, Italy, he was one of 10 children raised on a family farm where his love for food began early—helping with chores like picking olives, making wine, and watching his parents prepare traditional recipes. In 1967, Giovanni immigrated to Brooklyn, NY, where he worked in the food industry to support his family. At just 17, he opened his first Italian Salumeria in Bensonhurst, beginning a lifelong journey of sharing Italian culinary heritage. In 1987, he moved to Orange County and opened the beloved Deli-licious Pork Store.

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For over 30 years, Giovanni and his Deli-licious family served customers with homemade foods crafted from generations-old recipes. Known for their hospitality and quality, the store became a local favorite—especially for samples of Giovanni’s signature Reduced Balsamic and Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil, sourced from his hometown in Calabria. Today, these artisanal products are available to a wider audience through the launch of their new online store.

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