Tenuta’s Deli Celebrates 75 Years of Tradition & Community
March 20, 2025
Please join us in celebrating 75 years of tradition, family, and community at Tenuta’s Deli
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 | 10 AM – 7 PM
Tenuta’s Delicatessen
3203 52nd St.
Kenosha, WI
To show our appreciation to our loyal customers, every 75th customer will receive a special thank-you gift!
Gifts include $75 gift cards, gift baskets, coolers, golf bags, and more. Guests can also enjoy $0.75 cannolis (limit one per customer), along with exclusive anniversary offerings, and free tastings throughout the day.
Special thanks to CJW, Inc. for being by our side since the beginning and for being part of this celebration!
Greenridge Naturals will be picking up the tab for a full cart of groceries weekly for lucky shoppers in honor of our anniversary over the next two months!
A Chronological History of Tenuta’s Deli
1920
The Journey Begins
John N. Tenuta left his home in Italy in 1924, seeking new opportunities in the United States. With a dream of one day owning his own business, he worked tirelessly to turn that vision into reality.
1950
Tenuta’s Delicatessen Opens
On April 1, 1950, John Tenuta and his wife, Lydia, opened Tenuta’s Delicatessen on the southwest corner of 52nd St. and 32nd Ave., where it still stands today. The small neighborhood store sold malts, sundaes, deli meats, and a single aisle of groceries, quickly becoming a local favorite.
1950s-1970s
A Growing Legacy
As Tenuta’s gained popularity, the business expanded, offering more specialty items and Italian imports. John and Lydia’s only son, Ralph Tenuta, became deeply involved in the business, eventually becoming the face of the store. During this time, many members of the Tenuta family—including aunts, uncles, and cousins—spent countless hours working in the store, contributing to its growth and success.
1920
The Journey Begins
John N. Tenuta left his home in Italy in 1924, seeking new opportunities in the United States. With a dream of one day owning his own business, he worked tirelessly to turn that vision into reality.
1950
Tenuta’s Delicatessen Opens
On April 1, 1950, John Tenuta and his wife, Lydia, opened Tenuta’s Delicatessen on the southwest corner of 52nd St. and 32nd Ave., where it still stands today. The small neighborhood store sold malts, sundaes, deli meats, and a single aisle of groceries, quickly becoming a local favorite.
1950s-1970s
A Growing Legacy
As Tenuta’s gained popularity, the business expanded, offering more specialty items and Italian imports. John and Lydia’s only son, Ralph Tenuta, became deeply involved in the business, eventually becoming the face of the store. During this time, many members of the Tenuta family—including aunts, uncles, and cousins—spent countless hours working in the store, contributing to its growth and success.
1980s-1990s
A Family Tradition Continues
Under Ralph’s leadership, Tenuta’s evolved into a specialty grocery store and deli, famous for its vast selection of fine wines, spirits, imported cheeses, and Italian delicacies. The store underwent multiple expansions and renovations, but its commitment to quality and customer service remained the same. The extended Tenuta family continued to play a role in daily operations, ensuring the store’s strong family values and traditions were upheld.
2000s
A Third Generation Steps Up
In the 1990s, Ralph passed the torch to his son, Chris Tenuta, who has owned and operated the business for over 30 years. Chris carried forward the family’s dedication to high-quality products, outstanding customer service, and strong community ties. Like those before him, Chris was supported by a network of family members who helped maintain the store’s reputation and uphold its legacy.
2020
Honoring Ralph Tenuta
On January 15, 2020, Ralph Tenuta passed away at the age of 87. Though retired, he had left an indelible mark on the store, the community, and the generations to follow. His influence can still be felt throughout Tenuta’s, in both its traditions and the people who continue to run it.
2020s
A Fourth Generation Joins the Business
In the 2000s, Chris’s sons, Dan and Nick Tenuta, began working at the store. After graduating from college, both became actively involved in managing different areas of the business. While still in school, they made a commitment to run Tenuta’s together as fourth-generation owners. Today, they are integral to daily operations, overseeing inventory, marketing, and customer experience—while still making pizzas and stocking shelves just as their great-grandfather once did.
Today
A Kenosha Landmark
Tenuta’s Delicatessen has grown from a small corner store to a thriving, world-renowned specialty shop. Though it has expanded and modernized over the years, it remains a family-run business built on tradition, quality, and exceptional service. With four generations of Tenutas—and countless other family members—helping shape its legacy, Tenuta’s continues to be a beloved Kenosha institution and a must-visit destination for food lovers near and far.
2020
Honoring Ralph Tenuta
On January 15, 2020, Ralph Tenuta passed away at the age of 87. Though retired, he had left an indelible mark on the store, the community, and the generations to follow. His influence can still be felt throughout Tenuta’s, in both its traditions and the people who continue to run it.
2020s
A Fourth Generation Joins the Business
In the 2000s, Chris’s sons, Dan and Nick Tenuta, began working at the store. After graduating from college, both became actively involved in managing different areas of the business. While still in school, they made a commitment to run Tenuta’s together as fourth-generation owners. Today, they are integral to daily operations, overseeing inventory, marketing, and customer experience—while still making pizzas and stocking shelves just as their great-grandfather once did.
Today
A Kenosha Landmark
Tenuta’s Delicatessen has grown from a small corner store to a thriving, world-renowned specialty shop. Though it has expanded and modernized over the years, it remains a family-run business built on tradition, quality, and exceptional service. With four generations of Tenutas—and countless other family members—helping shape its legacy, Tenuta’s continues to be a beloved Kenosha institution and a must-visit destination for food lovers near and far.
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